EPA awards $414K for Agilent 7250 GC/QTOF, enhancing analytical lab capabilities

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $41,445 ($41.4K)

Contractor: Agilent Technologies Inc

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2027-03-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $114/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: SMA/REPAIR - AGILENT 7250 GC/QTOF

Place of Performance

Location: DURHAM, DURHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27711

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $41,445.24 to AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC for work described as: SMA/REPAIR - AGILENT 7250 GC/QTOF Key points: 1. Contract supports critical environmental analysis with specialized laboratory instrumentation. 2. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. Fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks. 4. Instrument acquisition aligns with agency needs for advanced scientific measurement. 5. Delivery order structure indicates a specific, time-bound procurement need. 6. Focus on analytical instrumentation highlights investment in scientific infrastructure.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $414,452.24 for an Agilent 7250 GC/QTOF appears reasonable for a high-end analytical instrument. Benchmarking against similar procurements for advanced mass spectrometry equipment would provide a more precise value assessment. The firm fixed-price structure is a positive indicator for cost control. The duration of the delivery order (364 days) suggests a focused acquisition rather than a long-term service agreement, which can be cost-effective for equipment needs.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and terms for the government. The number of bidders is not specified, but the open competition method is a strong indicator of a fair and transparent procurement process, aiming to achieve best value.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition maximizes the opportunity for the government to receive competitive pricing, which directly benefits taxpayers by ensuring funds are used efficiently for essential scientific equipment.

Public Impact

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) benefits from enhanced analytical capabilities. Services delivered include advanced environmental sample analysis. Geographic impact is primarily at the EPA's North Carolina facility. Workforce implications include support for scientists and lab technicians.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if this specific model becomes the sole standard for certain analyses.
Dependence on a single manufacturer for maintenance and consumables could lead to future cost increases.

Positive Signals

Acquisition of state-of-the-art analytical equipment improves data quality and research outcomes.
Investment in scientific infrastructure supports the agency's mission to protect human health and the environment.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for this acquisition.

Sector Analysis

The procurement falls within the Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing sector, a specialized segment of the broader scientific and technical instruments market. This market is characterized by high R&D investment, stringent quality standards, and a relatively small number of key global players like Agilent Technologies. Spending in this area is crucial for government agencies relying on precise measurement for regulatory compliance, environmental monitoring, and scientific research. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other federal agencies' acquisitions of similar GC/QTOF systems.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to involve a small business set-aside. Given the specialized nature of advanced analytical instrumentation, the primary manufacturer is likely a large business. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this specific delivery order, though the prime contractor may engage small businesses for support services or components.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside with the Environmental Protection Agency's contracting officers and program managers. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of accountability regarding cost. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award being publicly available. The EPA's Office of Inspector General could investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this procurement if warranted.

Related Government Programs

Environmental Monitoring Equipment
Laboratory Analysis Services
Scientific Instrumentation Procurement
Mass Spectrometry Systems

Risk Flags

Potential for high long-term maintenance and consumable costs.
Risk of technological obsolescence in a rapidly advancing field.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $41,445.24 to AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC. SMA/REPAIR - AGILENT 7250 GC/QTOF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Environmental Protection Agency (Environmental Protection Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $41,445.24.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2027-03-31.

What is the track record of Agilent Technologies Inc. as a federal contractor, particularly for analytical instruments?

Agilent Technologies Inc. has a significant history as a federal contractor, frequently supplying analytical and laboratory equipment to various government agencies, including the EPA, NIH, and DoD. Their track record generally indicates a strong presence in providing high-quality scientific instruments. Reviews of past federal contracts would reveal the volume and types of instruments procured, as well as any performance feedback or issues reported. While specific performance metrics for this contractor are not detailed here, their established market position suggests a generally reliable supply chain for such specialized equipment. Federal procurement data often shows Agilent as a leading provider in this niche.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for the Agilent 7250 GC/QTOF system?

Determining the exact market rate for the Agilent 7250 GC/QTOF system requires access to current commercial price lists and potentially quotes from resellers, which are not publicly available in this dataset. However, the contract value of $414,452.24 for a single unit suggests a significant investment, consistent with the high-end nature of Gas Chromatography/Quadrupole Time-of-Flight (GC/QTOF) mass spectrometry technology. This type of instrument is used for complex analyses requiring high sensitivity and resolution. Benchmarking against similar procurements by other federal agencies or academic institutions, if available, would offer a more direct comparison. Without specific commercial quotes or detailed comparative data, it's difficult to definitively state if this price is above, below, or at market.

What are the primary risks associated with acquiring specialized laboratory instruments like the Agilent 7250 GC/QTOF?

Key risks in acquiring specialized laboratory instruments include technological obsolescence, where newer, more capable models emerge shortly after purchase. Another significant risk is vendor lock-in, as reliance on a single manufacturer for maintenance, calibration, and consumables (like columns and solvents) can lead to escalating long-term costs and limited flexibility. Performance risks involve the instrument not meeting the required analytical sensitivity or throughput, necessitating recalibration or additional training. Furthermore, the availability and cost of specialized personnel to operate and maintain such advanced equipment pose a risk. Finally, supply chain disruptions for critical components or consumables could impact operational continuity.

What is the expected impact of this instrument on the EPA's analytical capabilities and environmental monitoring?

The acquisition of the Agilent 7250 GC/QTOF system is expected to significantly enhance the EPA's analytical capabilities, particularly in areas requiring high-resolution mass spectrometry. This advanced instrumentation allows for more precise identification and quantification of a wider range of chemical compounds in environmental samples, including trace-level contaminants. It can improve the detection of emerging pollutants and provide more detailed chemical fingerprinting for source attribution studies. Ultimately, this leads to more robust environmental monitoring, better risk assessments, and more effective regulatory enforcement, supporting the EPA's mission to protect public health and the environment.

How does this contract fit into the EPA's historical spending patterns for laboratory equipment?

This contract represents a specific investment within the EPA's broader, ongoing spending on laboratory equipment and scientific infrastructure. The EPA consistently procures analytical instruments to maintain and upgrade its research and monitoring capabilities. Spending on high-end mass spectrometry systems like GC/QTOFs is typical for agencies focused on chemical analysis and environmental science. Historical data would likely show recurring investments in similar or predecessor technologies. The value of this single delivery order ($414K) is moderate in the context of overall agency R&D or infrastructure budgets, but significant for the specific laboratory function it supports. Analyzing trends over several years would reveal patterns in technology adoption and investment priorities.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Agilent Technologies, Inc.

Address: 2850 CENTERVILLE RD, WILMINGTON, DE, 19808

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: $41,445

Exercised Options: $41,445

Current Obligation: $41,445

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS07F0564X

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline