GSA awards $552K for GCMS and glovebox gloves, highlighting specialized equipment needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $552,044 ($552.0K)

Contractor: Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-14

End Date: 2027-04-14

Contract Duration: 365 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CONTRACT AWARD FOR GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY MASS SPECTROMETRY (GCMS) & GLOVEBOX GLOVES

Place of Performance

Location: GUNPOWDER, HARFORD County, MARYLAND, 21010

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $552,044.3 to ATLANTIC DIVING SUPPLY, INC. for work described as: CONTRACT AWARD FOR GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY MASS SPECTROMETRY (GCMS) & GLOVEBOX GLOVES Key points: 1. The award addresses a need for specialized scientific equipment, indicating reliance on advanced analytical tools. 2. A single delivery order suggests a focused procurement for specific operational requirements. 3. The contract duration of one year points to a need for ongoing, but not long-term, supply of these items. 4. The fixed-price contract type aims to provide cost certainty for the government. 5. The procurement falls under the 'Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing' NAICS code, reflecting a niche market.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $552,044.30 for a one-year period for GCMS and glovebox gloves appears reasonable for specialized scientific equipment. Benchmarking against similar contracts is challenging without more specific details on the exact models and quantities. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which is generally favorable for the government. The award to Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc. indicates a competitive process that identified a capable vendor.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating that multiple vendors were likely solicited and considered. The presence of three bidders suggests a healthy level of competition for this specialized equipment. This competitive environment is expected to drive fair pricing and ensure the government receives quality products.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive bidding process helps ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by promoting market-based pricing for essential scientific supplies.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring advanced analytical capabilities for research, testing, or quality control will benefit from this contract. The contract will ensure the availability of Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) equipment and associated glovebox gloves. The primary geographic impact is within Maryland, where the contractor is located, but the equipment may be deployed to various federal facilities. The contract supports the scientific and technical workforce by providing them with necessary tools for their work.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price increases in future contract renewals if competition diminishes.
Dependence on a single supplier for critical components could pose supply chain risks.
Ensuring the procured equipment meets the latest technological standards for optimal performance.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
Fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability for the government.
Contract duration of one year allows for reassessment of needs and market conditions.

Sector Analysis

The procurement falls within the scientific and laboratory equipment sector, specifically related to analytical instrumentation. The NAICS code 334519 covers 'Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing,' which includes a broad range of specialized instruments. The market for GCMS systems and related consumables is driven by research and development, environmental monitoring, and quality assurance needs across various industries. Spending in this area is often characterized by high unit costs for sophisticated equipment and a steady demand for consumables and maintenance.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, and the award went to Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc., which may or may not be a small business. Further investigation would be needed to determine subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. Without a small business set-aside, the primary focus is on best value from the overall pool of eligible contractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) oversees this contract through its Federal Acquisition Service, which is responsible for procuring goods and services for other federal agencies. Oversight is typically managed through contract administration, performance monitoring, and adherence to federal acquisition regulations. Transparency is maintained through public contract award databases. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Scientific Equipment Procurement
Laboratory Supplies
Analytical Instrumentation
Research and Development Support
Federal Supply Schedule Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition if source exclusion criteria were overly restrictive.
Need to verify equipment specifications meet current operational requirements.
Supply chain resilience for specialized components.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $552,044.3 to ATLANTIC DIVING SUPPLY, INC.. CONTRACT AWARD FOR GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY MASS SPECTROMETRY (GCMS) & GLOVEBOX GLOVES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ATLANTIC DIVING SUPPLY, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $552,044.3.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-14. End: 2027-04-14.

What is the specific type and model of GCMS and glovebox gloves being procured under this contract?

The provided data does not specify the exact models or technical specifications of the Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) systems or the glovebox gloves. The contract is broadly categorized under 'CONTRACT AWARD FOR GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY MASS SPECTROMETRY (GCMS) & GLOVEBOX GLOVES.' To understand the precise nature of the procurement, one would need to access the detailed contract line item numbers (CLINs) or the statement of work (SOW). This information is crucial for assessing the technological relevance, performance capabilities, and potential obsolescence risks associated with the acquired equipment and supplies.

How does the awarded amount of $552,044.30 compare to typical spending for similar scientific equipment by the GSA?

The awarded amount of $552,044.30 for a one-year period for GCMS and glovebox gloves represents a significant investment in specialized scientific equipment. Without specific details on the quantity and technical specifications of the items, a direct comparison to typical spending is difficult. However, GCMS systems themselves can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on their sophistication and capabilities. Glovebox gloves are consumables with lower unit costs but are essential for safe operation. The total award suggests either a substantial number of units, high-end equipment, or a combination of equipment and ongoing supply needs. GSA often procures through established schedules, which aim to offer competitive pricing, but the overall value is contingent on the specific requirements met.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or service level agreements (SLAs) associated with this contract?

The provided summary data does not detail the specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for this contract. Typically, for scientific equipment and consumables, KPIs might include delivery timelines, product quality (e.g., defect rates), equipment uptime guarantees (if maintenance is included), and responsiveness to service requests. SLAs would define the expected standards for these metrics. The contract type (Firm Fixed Price) suggests that the primary performance focus will be on the delivery of specified goods meeting quality standards within the agreed timeframe. Further details would be found in the contract's statement of work or performance work statement.

What is the track record of Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc. in providing similar scientific equipment to the federal government?

Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc. (ADS) has a history of federal contracting, often associated with tactical gear, safety equipment, and specialized operational supplies. While their primary known areas might not be directly scientific instrumentation like GCMS, they may act as a reseller or distributor for such products, or possess capabilities in related areas. To assess their track record specifically for GCMS and glovebox gloves, a review of their past federal awards, contract performance evaluations (e.g., CPARS), and product offerings would be necessary. Their ability to secure this award suggests they met the technical and business requirements set forth in the solicitation, potentially through partnerships or existing supply chains.

How does the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' procurement method impact the value for taxpayers?

The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method implies that the agency initially considered a broader range of sources but then specifically excluded certain ones before proceeding with a full competition among the remaining eligible vendors. This approach can be used for various reasons, such as ensuring specific technical capabilities or addressing national security concerns. If the exclusion was justified and the subsequent competition was robust (as indicated by 3 bidders), it can still yield good value for taxpayers by ensuring fair pricing and access to qualified suppliers. However, if the exclusion was overly restrictive or not well-justified, it could limit competition and potentially lead to higher costs than a truly unrestricted full and open competition.

What is the historical spending pattern for GCMS and glovebox gloves by the General Services Administration?

The provided data focuses on a single, recent award and does not offer historical spending patterns for GCMS and glovebox gloves by the GSA. To analyze historical spending, one would need to query federal procurement databases (like FPDS or USASpending.gov) for similar contracts awarded by GSA or other agencies over multiple fiscal years. This analysis would reveal trends in contract volume, average award values, dominant contractors, and fluctuations in demand. Understanding these patterns is crucial for budgeting, forecasting future needs, and identifying potential market shifts or consolidation within the scientific equipment supply sector.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 47QFNA26Q0043

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 621 LYNNHAVEN PKWY, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, 23452

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $552,044

Exercised Options: $552,044

Current Obligation: $552,044

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QFNA25D0002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline