NOAA awards $91,145 for water level sensors, citing sole-source procurement for specialized equipment

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $91,145 ($91.1K)

Contractor: YSI Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 88 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.0K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: WATERLOG/DESIGN ANALYSIS RADAR WATER LEVEL SENSORS AND CABLES TO SUPPORT MAINTENANCE EFFORTS

Place of Performance

Location: YELLOW SPRINGS, GREENE County, OHIO, 45387

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $91,145 to YSI INC for work described as: WATERLOG/DESIGN ANALYSIS RADAR WATER LEVEL SENSORS AND CABLES TO SUPPORT MAINTENANCE EFFORTS Key points: 1. Value for money is difficult to assess due to sole-source award and limited public data. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a sole-source award, potentially limiting price discovery. 3. Risk indicators include reliance on a single vendor and a short performance period. 4. Performance context suggests a need for specific sensor technology for maintenance support. 5. Sector positioning is within analytical laboratory instrument manufacturing, a niche market.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $91,145 for water level sensors and cables is modest. However, without competitive bidding, it is challenging to benchmark the pricing against market rates or similar contracts. The sole-source nature raises concerns about whether the government received the best possible value. The fixed-price contract type offers some cost certainty, but the absence of competition limits the ability to assess overall value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed. The data indicates it was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting a determination was made that only one vendor could meet the requirement. This lack of competition means there were no other bidders to compare against, and the government did not benefit from a competitive bidding process to drive down costs or explore alternative solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source award means taxpayers may not have received the most competitive pricing available in the market. Without competition, there is a reduced incentive for the contractor to offer the lowest possible price.

Public Impact

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is the primary beneficiary, receiving the necessary equipment for its maintenance efforts. The services delivered involve the provision of specialized water level sensors and associated cables. The geographic impact is likely focused on NOAA's operational sites in Ohio, where the contractor is located. Workforce implications are minimal, primarily related to the manufacturing and delivery of the equipment by the contractor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits price competition and potential value for taxpayers.
Lack of transparency in the justification for sole-source procurement.
Short contract duration may indicate a specific, immediate need rather than a long-term solution.

Positive Signals

Procurement of specialized equipment to support critical NOAA maintenance efforts.
Use of a firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for this specific purchase.
Contract awarded to a vendor with a presence in Ohio, potentially supporting local industry.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing sector, which is a specialized segment of the broader scientific and technical instruments industry. This sector is characterized by innovation and the production of high-precision equipment. Spending in this area is often driven by specific research, monitoring, or operational needs of government agencies like NOAA. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without more detailed market analysis of specialized water level sensors.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract involved a small business set-aside. The sole-source nature of the award further suggests that opportunities for small businesses, either as prime contractors or subcontractors, were not explicitly pursued or mandated through this specific procurement action. The impact on the small business ecosystem is therefore likely negligible for this particular award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the purview of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's internal procurement and financial management systems. Given the small dollar value and sole-source nature, formal oversight mechanisms might be less extensive than for larger, competed contracts. Transparency is limited due to the lack of a competitive bidding process and publicly available justification for the sole-source award. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud or mismanagement were suspected.

Related Government Programs

NOAA Water Monitoring Programs
National Ocean Service
Scientific Instrument Procurement
Environmental Monitoring Equipment

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Limited competition justification
Lack of price benchmarking data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $91,145 to YSI INC. WATERLOG/DESIGN ANALYSIS RADAR WATER LEVEL SENSORS AND CABLES TO SUPPORT MAINTENANCE EFFORTS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is YSI 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 $91,145.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the specific technical capability of the YSI INC water level sensors being procured?

The provided data does not detail the specific technical capabilities of the YSI INC water level sensors. However, given NOAA's mission, these sensors are likely designed for accurate and reliable measurement of water levels in various aquatic environments, potentially including rivers, lakes, or coastal areas. They would need to withstand environmental conditions and provide data suitable for maintenance support, which could involve monitoring water levels for infrastructure integrity, flood risk assessment, or operational planning. Further details on the specific model and its specifications would be found in the contract's statement of work or technical exhibits.

Why was this contract awarded on a sole-source basis, and what was the justification?

The justification for this sole-source award is not detailed in the provided data. Typically, sole-source procurements are justified when only one responsible source is available or capable of meeting the agency's requirements. This could be due to proprietary technology, unique expertise, urgent and compelling needs where competition is not feasible, or if the item is a follow-on to a previously competed effort where the original contractor is the only viable option. For this specific contract, NOAA would have had to document the rationale, likely related to the specialized nature of the sensors or a critical, time-sensitive need that precluded a competitive process.

What is the typical price range for similar water level sensors and cables in the market?

The market price for water level sensors and cables can vary significantly based on technology, accuracy, features, and intended application. Basic sensors might range from a few hundred dollars, while highly sophisticated, integrated systems with data logging and telemetry capabilities can cost several thousand dollars each. Cables and associated hardware add to the cost. Without knowing the specific model and technical requirements of the YSI INC sensors, it is difficult to provide a precise market comparison for the $91,145 total award. However, for a quantity of sensors and cables, this amount suggests either a small number of highly specialized units or a larger quantity of more standard equipment.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source procurement for specialized equipment?

Sole-source procurements carry several potential risks. The primary risk is the lack of price competition, which can lead to the government paying a higher price than if the contract had been competed. There's also a risk of reduced innovation, as the contractor may have less incentive to improve products or services without competitive pressure. Furthermore, reliance on a single vendor can create supply chain vulnerabilities if that vendor experiences production issues or goes out of business. Finally, the justification process for sole-source awards can be subject to scrutiny to ensure it is valid and not used to circumvent competitive requirements.

How does this contract fit into NOAA's broader mission and spending on environmental monitoring?

This contract for water level sensors directly supports NOAA's mission, particularly its role in observing, understanding, and predicting changes in the Earth's environment, especially the oceans and atmosphere. Environmental monitoring is a core function for NOAA, encompassing a wide range of activities from weather forecasting to charting coastal waters and studying marine ecosystems. Spending on such equipment is essential for maintaining the infrastructure and technological capabilities required for these monitoring efforts. While this specific award is relatively small, it represents a component of NOAA's ongoing investment in data collection and analysis tools necessary for its scientific and operational mandates.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 141016-26-0010

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1725 BRANNUM LN, YELLOW SPRINGS, OH, 45387

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: $91,145

Exercised Options: $91,145

Current Obligation: $91,145

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline