DOJ's FBI Awards $26M for Analytical Lab Instruments, Option Year Two

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $26,000,000 ($26.0M)

Contractor: Life Technologies Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2025-01-30

End Date: 2025-08-31

Contract Duration: 213 days

Daily Burn Rate: $122.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR OPTION YEAR TWO.

Place of Performance

Location: CARLSBAD, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92008

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $26.0 million to LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION for work described as: ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR OPTION YEAR TWO. Key points: 1. Significant funding for essential analytical laboratory instruments. 2. Competition method is 'Full and Open', suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk is moderate, tied to instrument performance and vendor reliability. 4. Sector is Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, a critical support function.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The $26 million award for option year two appears reasonable given the nature of specialized analytical instruments. Benchmarking against similar contracts for comparable equipment is necessary for a definitive assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically drives competitive pricing and ensures the government receives best value. The delivery order structure suggests a pre-negotiated framework.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used efficiently through a competitive process for necessary scientific equipment.

Public Impact

Supports critical FBI forensic and analytical capabilities. Ensures access to up-to-date laboratory technology for investigations. Potential impact on scientific research and development within the agency.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for obsolescence of technology over time.
Dependence on a single vendor for this option year.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Supports critical law enforcement functions.

Sector Analysis

The Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing sector provides essential tools for scientific analysis. Spending in this sector is driven by agency needs for research, development, and operational support, often involving high-value, specialized equipment.

Small Business Impact

This award does not indicate specific set-asides for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if opportunities were missed.

Oversight & Accountability

The use of a delivery order under a larger contract implies prior oversight. However, ongoing monitoring of performance, pricing, and adherence to contract terms is crucial for accountability.

Related Government Programs

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
Department of Justice Contracting
Federal Bureau of Investigation Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for technology obsolescence.
Dependence on vendor for critical equipment.
Need for detailed performance metrics.
Lack of small business participation noted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $26.0 million to LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION. ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR OPTION YEAR TWO.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Bureau of Investigation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $26.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-01-30. End: 2025-08-31.

What is the total value of the base contract and all previous option years?

The provided data only details the current option year two award of $26 million. To fully assess the value, information on the base contract's original value and any prior option year awards is required. This context is essential for understanding the cumulative investment and long-term commitment.

Are there any performance metrics or service level agreements tied to this delivery order?

Performance metrics and service level agreements are critical for ensuring the effectiveness and reliability of analytical laboratory instruments. Without specific details on these, it's difficult to gauge the expected performance standards and the mechanisms for addressing any deficiencies or failures.

How does the unit cost of these instruments compare to market benchmarks?

A comprehensive comparison of the per-unit cost against market benchmarks for similar analytical laboratory instruments is necessary. Factors like specific features, capabilities, and vendor support influence pricing. Without this benchmark, it's challenging to determine if the government is achieving optimal value for its investment.

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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Address: 5781 VAN ALLEN WAY, CARLSBAD, CA, 92008

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: $26,000,000

Exercised Options: $26,000,000

Current Obligation: $26,000,000

Actual Outlays: $26,000,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15F06722D0000839

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline