Interior's USGS awards $626K purchase order for electromedical apparatus to Advanced Telemetry Systems Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $62,635 ($62.6K)

Contractor: Advanced Telemetry Systems Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2026-06-19

Contract Duration: 78 days

Daily Burn Rate: $803/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FY25 REQ# 15657 SPECIAL ORDER # S25079

Place of Performance

Location: ISANTI, ISANTI County, MINNESOTA, 55040

State: Minnesota Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $62,635 to ADVANCED TELEMETRY SYSTEMS INC for work described as: FY25 REQ# 15657 SPECIAL ORDER # S25079 Key points: 1. The contract value of $626,350 represents a moderate investment for specialized electromedical equipment. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a potentially favorable pricing environment due to the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' award. 3. The short performance period (78 days) suggests a focused, potentially urgent need for the apparatus. 4. The firm fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 5. The award to a single vendor, Advanced Telemetry Systems Inc., warrants a closer look at market alternatives. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 334510 points to a niche manufacturing sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this $626,350 purchase order is challenging without specific details on the electromedical apparatus. However, the award was made under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involve smaller dollar values and may not always achieve the same level of price competition as larger, full-and-open procurements. The firm fixed-price contract type is a positive indicator for cost control. Further analysis would require understanding the specific technical requirements and comparing pricing against similar, albeit potentially less complex, equipment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was 'COMPETED UNDER SAP,' suggesting it was likely competed among a limited number of pre-approved vendors or through a simplified process rather than a full and open competition. The presence of two bidders (indicated by 'no': 2) is a positive sign of some competition, but the limited scope of SAP procurements means the pool of potential bidders might have been restricted. This level of competition may not fully leverage market forces to drive down prices as effectively as a broader competition.

Taxpayer Impact: While some competition existed, the limited nature of SAP procurements means taxpayers may not have benefited from the absolute lowest possible price achievable through a wider bidding process.

Public Impact

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is the primary beneficiary, likely utilizing the electromedical apparatus for scientific research or operational monitoring. The services delivered involve the provision of specialized electromedical and electrotherapeutic apparatus. The geographic impact is primarily within Minnesota, the state where Advanced Telemetry Systems Inc. is located. Workforce implications are likely minimal, primarily related to the manufacturing and delivery of the equipment by the contractor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP may have restricted price discovery.
Lack of detailed technical specifications makes independent value assessment difficult.
Short performance period could indicate potential urgency or a need for rapid deployment, which can sometimes lead to premium pricing.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract mitigates risk of cost overruns.
Award was competed, indicating some level of market engagement.
Contractor is based in Minnesota, potentially supporting regional economic activity.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing sector (NAICS 334510). This is a specialized segment of the broader medical device industry. Spending in this sector can vary significantly based on technological advancements and research needs. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without knowing the specific type of apparatus procured, but the $626K value is moderate for a single purchase order in this field.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses ('sb': false). As the award was made under SAP and competed, there's a possibility that small businesses could have participated if they were among the solicited vendors. However, without explicit set-aside language, the primary focus is likely on best value or lowest price from the available bidders, rather than a specific mandate to support small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this purchase order would primarily reside with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) within the Department of the Interior. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract, requiring the contractor to deliver the specified goods. Transparency is facilitated by the public availability of contract data. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Department of the Interior Research and Development Contracts
USGS Scientific Equipment Procurement
Federal Electromedical Apparatus Purchases
Simplified Acquisition Procedure Awards

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Lack of detailed technical specifications
Potential for price premium under SAP

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $62,635 to ADVANCED TELEMETRY SYSTEMS INC. FY25 REQ# 15657 SPECIAL ORDER # S25079

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ADVANCED TELEMETRY SYSTEMS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (U.S. Geological Survey).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $62,635.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-06-19.

What is the specific type of electromedical apparatus being procured and its intended use by the USGS?

The provided data identifies the NAICS code as 334510 (Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing), indicating the general product category. However, the specific type of apparatus and its intended application by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) are not detailed in the provided information. This level of specificity is crucial for a thorough value assessment, as different types of electromedical equipment can range dramatically in complexity, functionality, and cost. For instance, a basic monitoring device would differ significantly from advanced diagnostic or therapeutic equipment. Understanding the intended use would also shed light on the necessity and criticality of the procurement for USGS operations or research objectives.

How does the $626,350 contract value compare to similar procurements for electromedical apparatus by federal agencies?

Directly comparing the $626,350 value requires knowledge of the specific apparatus. However, as a purchase order awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), it is likely on the lower to moderate end for specialized equipment. Larger, more complex systems or bulk purchases by agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs or the National Institutes of Health often run into millions of dollars. The fact that this was competed under SAP suggests it met the threshold for simplified acquisition (typically under $250,000, though this can vary with economic adjustments), or it was a specific type of procurement where SAP was deemed appropriate. Without more detail on the item, it's hard to benchmark precisely, but it doesn't appear to be a massive expenditure in the context of federal medical or scientific equipment buys.

What is the track record of Advanced Telemetry Systems Inc. in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for electromedical equipment?

The provided data identifies Advanced Telemetry Systems Inc. as the contractor but does not offer details on their past performance or track record with federal contracts. A comprehensive analysis would require accessing contract databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) to review their history. Key aspects to examine would include the number of previous federal awards, the types of goods or services provided, contract values, on-time delivery rates, and any reported performance issues or positive feedback. Understanding their experience specifically with electromedical apparatus is also important to gauge their capability and reliability in meeting the USGS's needs for this particular procurement.

What are the potential risks associated with a firm fixed-price contract awarded under SAP for specialized equipment?

Firm fixed-price (FFP) contracts are generally favored for minimizing cost risk to the government. However, when awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) for specialized equipment, potential risks can emerge. If the specifications are not perfectly defined, the contractor might deliver a product that meets the minimum requirements but lacks desired advanced features, or conversely, the government might have paid a premium if the competition was too limited to drive prices down. For specialized equipment, there's also a risk that the contractor may have limited competition due to unique manufacturing capabilities, potentially inflating the price even within an FFP structure. The short performance period (78 days) could also introduce risks if unforeseen production or delivery challenges arise, potentially impacting the USGS's operational timeline.

How does the competition level (2 bidders under SAP) impact the value for money received by the taxpayer?

Having two bidders under SAP indicates some level of competition, which is generally positive for taxpayers as it encourages vendors to offer competitive pricing. However, the 'limited' nature of SAP competition means the pool of potential bidders is often smaller than in full-and-open solicitations. This can result in less aggressive pricing than might be achieved with numerous bidders vying for the contract. Therefore, while taxpayers benefit from some price pressure, the value for money might not be maximized compared to a scenario with broader market participation. The specific pricing offered by the two bidders and the government's evaluation process would determine the extent of value realized.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 140G0126Q0053

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 470 1ST AVE NW, ISANTI, MN, 55040

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $62,635

Exercised Options: $62,635

Current Obligation: $62,635

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline