Department of Agriculture awards $24,988 for refrigerated centrifuges, with delivery expected within 63 days

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,988 ($25.0K)

Contractor: Fisher Scientific Company L.L.C.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-06-05

Contract Duration: 63 days

Daily Burn Rate: $397/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: REFRIGERATED GENERAL PURPOSE CENTRIFUGE - NEW EPPENDORF 5920 R

Place of Performance

Location: PITTSBURGH, ALLEGHENY County, PENNSYLVANIA, 15275

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $24,988 to FISHER SCIENTIFIC COMPANY L.L.C. for work described as: REFRIGERATED GENERAL PURPOSE CENTRIFUGE - NEW EPPENDORF 5920 R Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the equipment. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, suggesting fair market pricing. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a firm fixed-price contract and defined delivery period. 4. Performance context shows a need for specific laboratory equipment for research purposes. 5. Sector positioning is within scientific and medical equipment procurement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $24,988 for a new Eppendorf 5920 R refrigerated centrifuge appears competitive. While specific benchmark data for this exact model is not publicly available, Fisher Scientific is a major supplier of laboratory equipment, and the firm fixed-price nature of the award suggests the price was agreed upon before delivery. The short duration of the delivery order (63 days) also implies a readily available item, further supporting the assessment of good value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The data does not specify the number of bids received, but the open competition suggests a robust process that likely led to competitive pricing. This approach is generally favored for ensuring the government receives the best possible value by leveraging market forces.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive bidding process that aims to secure the lowest possible price for necessary scientific equipment.

Public Impact

Researchers within the Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service will benefit from access to new, high-performance laboratory equipment. The centrifuge will support ongoing scientific research activities, potentially leading to advancements in agricultural science. The geographic impact is localized to the facility where the centrifuge will be installed in Pennsylvania. No significant workforce implications are expected from this single equipment purchase.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Firm fixed-price contract type minimizes cost uncertainty.
Short delivery period suggests efficient procurement and availability.
Contract awarded to a known supplier of scientific equipment.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the scientific and laboratory equipment sector, a critical component supporting research and development across various government agencies. The market for centrifuges is specialized, with key manufacturers like Eppendorf serving a global customer base. Government procurement in this area often involves competitive bidding to ensure access to advanced technology at fair prices, with spending benchmarks varying widely based on equipment specifications and volume.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any small business set-aside provisions for this contract. Fisher Scientific Company L.L.C. is a large business. There is no information available regarding subcontracting plans with small businesses for this specific delivery order.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Agriculture's internal procurement regulations and the Agricultural Research Service's program management. The firm fixed-price nature and defined delivery period provide clear accountability. Transparency is facilitated by the public availability of contract award data, allowing for general oversight.

Related Government Programs

Laboratory Equipment Procurement
Scientific Research Supplies
Department of Agriculture Contracts
Agricultural Research Service Funding

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $24,988 to FISHER SCIENTIFIC COMPANY L.L.C.. REFRIGERATED GENERAL PURPOSE CENTRIFUGE - NEW EPPENDORF 5920 R

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FISHER SCIENTIFIC COMPANY L.L.C..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Agricultural Research Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $24,988.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-06-05.

What is the typical lifespan and maintenance cost associated with an Eppendorf 5920 R refrigerated centrifuge?

The typical lifespan of a high-quality laboratory centrifuge like the Eppendorf 5920 R can range from 7 to 15 years, depending heavily on usage frequency, proper maintenance, and the specific operating environment. Eppendorf generally offers robust build quality, contributing to longevity. Maintenance costs can vary, but often include annual service contracts, replacement of wear-and-tear parts (like seals or drive belts), and occasional calibration. While specific figures for this model are not publicly detailed in the contract, users often budget several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars annually for comprehensive service and potential repairs, especially for refrigerated units which have more complex components.

How does the price of $24,988 compare to other recent federal awards for similar centrifuges?

Direct price comparisons for identical centrifuge models across federal awards are challenging due to variations in model specifications, included accessories, warranty terms, and the specific competition that influenced pricing at the time of award. However, $24,988 for a new, high-capacity refrigerated centrifuge like the Eppendorf 5920 R, procured through full and open competition, appears to be within a reasonable market range. Similar awards for advanced laboratory equipment can fluctuate significantly. The firm fixed-price nature and the supplier (Fisher Scientific, a major distributor) suggest a negotiated price that reflects current market conditions and the competitive environment at the time of this specific delivery order.

What specific research applications is this centrifuge intended for within the Agricultural Research Service?

While the contract specifies the 'REFRIGERATED GENERAL PURPOSE CENTRIFUGE - NEW EPPENDORF 5920 R', it does not detail the precise research applications. However, refrigerated centrifuges are essential tools in biological and chemical research for separating components of liquids based on density, often at controlled low temperatures to preserve sensitive biological samples. Within the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), such equipment could be utilized for a wide array of studies, including plant pathology, soil science, animal health research, food safety analysis, or genetic research. The 'general purpose' designation implies versatility for various separation tasks required across different ARS research programs.

What is the track record of Fisher Scientific Company L.L.C. in supplying laboratory equipment to the federal government?

Fisher Scientific Company L.L.C., a subsidiary of Thermo Fisher Scientific, has a long-standing and extensive track record of supplying laboratory equipment, consumables, and services to the federal government. They are a major distributor and manufacturer in the life sciences and laboratory products market. Their participation in federal procurement is substantial, often through large contract vehicles and direct awards across numerous agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Defense, and agencies like the Department of Agriculture. Their consistent presence indicates a capacity to meet government requirements for quality, delivery, and compliance.

Are there any potential risks associated with the short delivery period of 63 days?

The short delivery period of 63 days for the Eppendorf 5920 R centrifuge is generally a positive indicator, suggesting the item is readily available from the supplier's stock or has a short lead time. Potential risks, though typically low for standard equipment, could include unforeseen supply chain disruptions affecting the manufacturer or distributor, or expedited shipping costs being implicitly built into the price. However, given the firm fixed-price nature of the contract, the government's cost is locked in. The primary risk mitigation is the supplier's established reputation and the competitive bidding process, which would have factored in delivery capabilities.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing › Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 1232SA26Q0271

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 300 INDUSTRY DR, PITTSBURGH, PA, 15275

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,988

Exercised Options: $24,988

Current Obligation: $24,988

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS07F161BA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline