Yellowstone National Park procures freezer for bison sample storage, costing $10,805

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,805 ($10.8K)

Contractor: MG Scientific, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 85 days

Daily Burn Rate: $127/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: YELL: PURCHASE FREEZER FOR BISON BIO SAMPLES FOR YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

Place of Performance

Location: YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, PARK County, WYOMING, 82190

State: Wyoming Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $10,805 to MG SCIENTIFIC, INC. for work described as: YELL: PURCHASE FREEZER FOR BISON BIO SAMPLES FOR YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the specialized nature of laboratory equipment. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, suggesting fair market pricing. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a fixed-price contract and defined delivery period. 4. Performance context is specific to scientific sample preservation needs. 5. Sector positioning is within scientific instrumentation and laboratory supplies.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $10,805 for a specialized freezer for biological samples is within a reasonable range for such equipment. Benchmarking against similar laboratory freezers used for sensitive biological materials suggests this price is competitive. The firm fixed-price structure further supports value by locking in costs.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This process typically leads to more competitive pricing and a wider selection of qualified suppliers. The presence of 5 bids suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this requirement.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs and encouraging vendors to offer their best prices.

Public Impact

Benefits researchers and scientists working with Yellowstone's bison population. Ensures the integrity and long-term preservation of valuable biological samples. Supports ongoing ecological and health studies within Yellowstone National Park. Facilitates critical data collection for wildlife management and conservation efforts.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Contract awarded through full and open competition.
Firm fixed-price contract type limits cost uncertainty.
Defined delivery period ensures timely acquisition of essential equipment.

Sector Analysis

The procurement falls within the scientific and laboratory equipment sector, specifically for analytical instruments and supplies. This market is characterized by specialized manufacturers and distributors catering to research, healthcare, and environmental monitoring needs. Spending in this area is driven by the demand for precise and reliable equipment for sample handling and analysis.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication of a small business set-aside for this contract. Given the specialized nature of laboratory equipment, it is possible that larger, more established manufacturers dominate this market segment. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is subject to standard federal procurement oversight. The Department of the Interior's Inspector General may review procurements of this nature. Transparency is maintained through public contract databases like FPDS. The firm fixed-price contract type provides a degree of accountability for the vendor.

Related Government Programs

National Park Service Scientific Equipment Procurements
Yellowstone National Park Research Support
Biological Sample Storage Solutions
Analytical Laboratory Instrument Acquisitions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $10,805 to MG SCIENTIFIC, INC.. YELL: PURCHASE FREEZER FOR BISON BIO SAMPLES FOR YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MG SCIENTIFIC, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (National Park Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $10,805.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the specific type and capacity of the freezer being procured?

The provided data indicates the procurement is for a 'PURCHASE FREEZER FOR BISON BIO SAMPLES'. While the exact specifications (e.g., temperature range, capacity in liters or cubic feet, specific features like frost-free or ultra-low temperature) are not detailed in the summary, the purpose clearly points to a specialized unit designed for long-term biological sample preservation. Such freezers are critical for maintaining the viability of genetic material, tissue samples, or other biological specimens collected for research and monitoring purposes. The National Park Service likely has specific technical requirements based on the nature of the bison samples and the duration of storage needed.

How does the price of $10,805 compare to similar freezers for biological samples?

The price of $10,805 for a specialized biological sample freezer appears to be within a reasonable market range. High-quality laboratory freezers, especially those designed for precise temperature control and long-term sample integrity (e.g., ultra-low temperature freezers, -80°C freezers), can range from $5,000 to over $20,000 depending on brand, capacity, features, and energy efficiency. Given that this is for bison bio-samples, it suggests a need for reliable, potentially large-capacity or specialized temperature-controlled storage. The fact that it was awarded under full and open competition with 5 bids further suggests the price is competitive within the market for such equipment.

What are the potential risks associated with this procurement?

The primary risks associated with this procurement are relatively low due to the nature of the item and the contract terms. Potential risks include: 1) Equipment Malfunction: The freezer could fail, compromising the stored samples. This is mitigated by warranties and the need for reliable equipment for scientific purposes. 2) Delivery Delays: Although the delivery period is defined (ending June 30, 2026), unforeseen supply chain issues could cause delays. 3) Inadequate Specifications: If the procured freezer does not precisely meet the scientific needs for bison bio-sample storage, it could render the purchase ineffective. However, the firm fixed-price contract and full competition suggest a well-defined requirement and competitive vendor selection process, minimizing these risks.

What is the track record of MG SCIENTIFIC, INC. with federal contracts?

Information regarding the specific track record of MG SCIENTIFIC, INC. with federal contracts is not detailed in the provided summary data. To assess their reliability, one would typically examine their past performance on similar contracts, including delivery timeliness, quality of goods/services provided, and any history of contract disputes or terminations. A review of federal procurement databases (like FPDS) would be necessary to ascertain their experience, the types of contracts they have held, their performance ratings, and their overall history with government agencies. This would help determine if they are a reliable vendor for specialized scientific equipment.

How does this spending align with historical spending on scientific equipment for national parks?

This $10,805 expenditure for a specialized freezer aligns with the ongoing need for scientific research and monitoring equipment within the National Park Service. Historically, parks like Yellowstone require significant investment in infrastructure and tools to support ecological studies, wildlife management, and conservation efforts. Spending on laboratory equipment, sensors, data loggers, and sample preservation tools is a recurring necessity. While the exact historical spending patterns for freezers are not provided, this single purchase is likely part of a larger, continuous budget allocation for scientific operations and research support across the park system, reflecting the importance of data collection and sample integrity.

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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8500 107TH ST, PLEASANT PRAIRIE, WI, 53158

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,805

Exercised Options: $10,805

Current Obligation: $10,805

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS07F154CA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline