NOAA awards $5.87M for weather radiosondes, with a 1277-day duration, to VAISALA INC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,869,215 ($5.9M)

Contractor: Vaisala Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2023-10-01

End Date: 2027-03-31

Contract Duration: 1,277 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: MODEL RS41-SGP 403 MEGAHERTZ RADIOSONDES AND BALLOON NOZZLES

Place of Performance

Location: GRANDVIEW, JACKSON County, MISSOURI, 64030

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $5.9 million to VAISALA INC. for work described as: MODEL RS41-SGP 403 MEGAHERTZ RADIOSONDES AND BALLOON NOZZLES Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the specialized nature of the equipment. 2. Competition dynamics were favorable, indicating a robust bidding process. 3. Risk indicators are low, suggesting a stable contract execution. 4. Performance context is critical for accurate weather forecasting and climate monitoring. 5. Sector positioning is within the niche of meteorological instrumentation manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $5.87 million for 1277 days of delivery for radiosondes and nozzles seems within a reasonable range for specialized meteorological equipment. Benchmarking against similar contracts for advanced weather monitoring systems is challenging due to the specific nature of RS41-SGP radiosondes. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which can be a positive indicator for the government if the price is competitive.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of multiple bidders, though not explicitly quantified in the provided data, is implied by the 'full and open' designation. This level of competition is generally expected to drive prices down and encourage innovation, leading to better value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive bidding process that aims to secure the best possible price for essential meteorological equipment, ensuring efficient use of public funds.

Public Impact

Benefits national weather forecasting and climate research agencies. Delivers essential components for atmospheric data collection. Geographic impact is nationwide, supporting meteorological operations across the US. Workforce implications include support for scientists and technicians involved in weather monitoring.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a fair and competitive process.
Firm fixed-price contract type shifts cost risk to the contractor.
Long-term delivery period (1277 days) allows for consistent supply and planning.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the 'Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing' sector, a niche but critical area supporting scientific research and public safety. The market for advanced meteorological instruments like radiosondes is specialized, with a limited number of manufacturers capable of producing high-quality, reliable equipment. Spending in this sector is often driven by government needs for environmental monitoring and climate science.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any small business set-asides or subcontracting plans for this contract. As a full and open competition, it is possible that small businesses could have participated, but their involvement is not specified. Further analysis would be needed to determine if opportunities for small business participation were adequately explored or if subcontracting goals were established.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) contracting officers and program managers. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of accountability by placing cost control responsibilities on the contractor. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases, though specific performance metrics and oversight reports may not be publicly accessible.

Related Government Programs

National Weather Service Operations
Climate Change Research Initiatives
Atmospheric Science Research Grants
Meteorological Equipment Procurement

Risk Flags

Potential for price increases if market conditions change significantly over the contract duration, though mitigated by fixed-price.
Dependence on a single supplier for specialized equipment could pose a risk if supply chain issues arise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $5.9 million to VAISALA INC.. MODEL RS41-SGP 403 MEGAHERTZ RADIOSONDES AND BALLOON NOZZLES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is VAISALA INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-10-01. End: 2027-03-31.

What is the historical spending pattern for radiosondes and related equipment by NOAA?

Historical spending data for radiosondes and related equipment by NOAA would reveal trends in procurement volume, pricing, and contractor selection over time. Analyzing past contracts can help establish a baseline for 'normal' spending and identify any significant deviations in this current award. For instance, if previous awards for similar quantities or specifications were substantially lower, it might warrant further investigation into the pricing of this $5.87 million contract. Conversely, if spending has been consistently increasing due to technological advancements or inflation, this award might align with historical patterns. Understanding the frequency of these procurements also provides context on the ongoing need for such equipment.

How does the unit cost of these radiosondes compare to similar meteorological instruments?

Benchmarking the unit cost of the MODEL RS41-SGP 403 MEGAHERTZ RADIOSONDES AND BALLOON NOZZLES is crucial for assessing value for money. Without specific unit counts or detailed specifications for comparison, a precise per-unit cost is difficult to ascertain from the provided data. However, if the total award of $5.87 million covers a significant quantity of these advanced radiosondes over 1277 days, the per-unit price could be substantial. Comparing this to other high-precision meteorological sensors, such as advanced radar components or satellite-based instruments, would provide context. If the per-unit cost is significantly higher than comparable, albeit potentially less advanced, instruments, it could indicate a premium for specific performance characteristics or a lack of competitive pressure on pricing.

What is VAISALA INC.'s track record with government contracts, particularly with NOAA?

VAISALA INC.'s track record with government contracts, especially with NOAA, is a key indicator of reliability and performance. A review of their past performance would involve examining previous awards, contract values, delivery timeliness, and any instances of disputes or contract terminations. A history of successful, on-time deliveries and high-quality products for similar agencies would suggest a lower risk profile for this current award. Conversely, any past issues, such as significant delays, quality control problems, or cost overruns on previous contracts, would raise concerns and necessitate closer scrutiny of their ability to meet the terms of this new $5.87 million award.

What are the specific performance requirements and quality standards for these radiosondes?

The specific performance requirements and quality standards for the MODEL RS41-SGP 403 MEGAHERTZ RADIOSONDES AND BALLOON NOZZLES are critical for understanding the value proposition of this $5.87 million contract. Radiosondes are used for critical atmospheric measurements, so accuracy, reliability, and durability under various environmental conditions are paramount. The contract's specifications would detail parameters such as measurement precision for temperature, humidity, pressure, and wind, as well as operational temperature ranges and battery life. Adherence to stringent quality control processes by VAISALA INC. is essential to ensure these instruments meet the demanding needs of NOAA's forecasting and research missions, directly impacting the reliability of weather data.

How does the duration of this contract (1277 days) impact overall cost-effectiveness?

The 1277-day duration of this contract, spanning over three years, has significant implications for cost-effectiveness. A longer contract period allows for potential economies of scale in production and reduces the administrative burden and costs associated with frequent re-competition. For NOAA, it ensures a stable and predictable supply of essential radiosondes, preventing potential disruptions to critical weather monitoring operations. While a longer duration can lock in current prices, it also means that NOAA might miss out on potential future price reductions if market conditions or technology evolve favorably. The firm fixed-price nature mitigates the risk of price increases over the contract term, contributing to budget certainty.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 194 S TAYLOR AVE, LOUISVILLE, CO, 80027

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $9,688,093

Exercised Options: $5,869,215

Current Obligation: $5,869,215

Actual Outlays: $5,116,959

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS07F030DA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline