EPA awards $18.5K for freeze dryer repair, highlighting specialized equipment maintenance needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,500 ($18.5K)

Contractor: SP Industries Inc

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2026-05-15

Contract Duration: 43 days

Daily Burn Rate: $430/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: REPAIR SERVICE VIRTIS ULTRA 35EL LYOPHILIZER (FREEZE DRYER) -S/N 327047

Place of Performance

Location: WARMINSTER, BUCKS County, PENNSYLVANIA, 18974

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $18,500 to SP INDUSTRIES INC for work described as: REPAIR SERVICE VIRTIS ULTRA 35EL LYOPHILIZER (FREEZE DRYER) -S/N 327047 Key points: 1. The contract addresses a critical need for specialized equipment maintenance, ensuring operational continuity for essential scientific instruments. 2. Given the specific nature of the equipment, specialized repair services are often necessary, potentially limiting competition. 3. The short duration and fixed-price nature suggest a contained scope of work, potentially mitigating some performance risks. 4. This award falls within the broader category of electronic and precision equipment repair, a vital but often overlooked sector. 5. The single award for a specific serial number indicates a focus on maintaining existing assets rather than acquiring new ones.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award amount of $18,500 for a 43-day repair service appears reasonable for specialized equipment maintenance. Without specific benchmarks for this particular model of freeze dryer, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract suggests that the agency has a clear understanding of the expected costs. The limited scope and duration imply a focused repair effort, which can be cost-effective if it resolves the issue promptly and prevents further degradation of the equipment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating it may have been a sole-source or limited competition award due to the specialized nature of the equipment. The data does not specify the number of bidders or the exact justification for limited competition. This suggests that finding a vendor with the specific expertise and parts to repair this particular freeze dryer model was a primary consideration, potentially leading to fewer than expected bids.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, limited competition can sometimes lead to higher prices if true market competition is not achieved. However, in cases of highly specialized equipment, ensuring the repair is done correctly by a qualified vendor is paramount to avoid costly repeat repairs or equipment failure.

Public Impact

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) benefits from the continued operational capability of its scientific equipment. Essential environmental monitoring and research activities supported by the freeze dryer can proceed without interruption. The repair ensures the integrity of data collected for environmental analysis and regulatory compliance. Workforce members relying on the freeze dryer for their research and analysis will have access to functional equipment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for higher costs due to limited competition for specialized repair services.
Risk of extended downtime if the repair is complex or parts are difficult to source.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical equipment maintenance.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the repair.
Short contract duration suggests a focused and potentially efficient repair process.
Awarding to a known entity (SP INDUSTRIES INC) may imply prior positive experience or established support channels.

Sector Analysis

The repair of specialized scientific equipment like freeze dryers falls under the broader 'Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance' sector. This sector is crucial for supporting research, development, and operational functions across various government agencies. While specific market size data for freeze dryer repair is not readily available, the overall market for equipment maintenance and repair services is substantial, driven by the need to extend the life of expensive capital assets and ensure their reliable performance.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to involve a small business set-aside, as the 'sb' field is false. There is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The award to SP INDUSTRIES INC, a likely established manufacturer or service provider, suggests that the focus was on specialized technical capability rather than small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a Purchase Order, which is a common method for acquiring goods and services. Oversight would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program office at the EPA responsible for the equipment. Transparency is provided through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected in the procurement or execution of the repair service.

Related Government Programs

Scientific Equipment Maintenance
Laboratory Equipment Repair
Environmental Monitoring Equipment
Precision Instrument Services
Federal Research Infrastructure Support

Risk Flags

Specialized Equipment Repair
Potential for Limited Competition
Reliance on Single Vendor

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $18,500 to SP INDUSTRIES INC. REPAIR SERVICE VIRTIS ULTRA 35EL LYOPHILIZER (FREEZE DRYER) -S/N 327047

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SP INDUSTRIES INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $18,500.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-05-15.

What is the track record of SP INDUSTRIES INC in providing repair services for EPA equipment?

Information regarding SP INDUSTRIES INC's specific track record with the EPA for repair services is not detailed in the provided data. However, the award of a purchase order suggests a direct relationship for this specific service. To assess their track record thoroughly, one would need to examine historical contract awards to SP INDUSTRIES INC by the EPA, including contract performance evaluations, any past disputes or issues, and the types of equipment they have serviced. Without this historical data, it's difficult to definitively gauge their reliability and expertise specifically for EPA's needs beyond this single award.

How does the $18,500 cost compare to similar freeze dryer repair contracts?

Benchmarking the $18,500 cost for this specific repair is challenging without access to a broader dataset of comparable contracts for the VIRTIS ULTRA 35EL LYOPHILIZER or similar models. Factors influencing repair costs include the specific components needing replacement, the complexity of the issue, labor rates, and geographic location. Given that this is a specialized piece of scientific equipment, repair costs can vary significantly. The fixed-price nature of this contract suggests the EPA had a defined scope and cost expectation. A comprehensive comparison would require analyzing other federal or commercial contracts for similar equipment maintenance, considering the age and condition of the unit, and the vendor's expertise.

What are the primary risks associated with this repair contract?

The primary risks associated with this repair contract include the potential for the repair to exceed the estimated cost if unforeseen issues arise, despite the fixed-price nature (though contract modifications would be required). There's also a risk of extended downtime if the repair is more complex than anticipated or if necessary parts are not readily available, impacting the EPA's research or operational timelines. Another risk is the possibility that the repair may not fully resolve the underlying issue, leading to recurring problems or the need for further, potentially more expensive, interventions. Finally, if the vendor lacks the specific expertise or uses substandard parts, the long-term reliability of the equipment could be compromised.

How effective is this contract in ensuring the long-term operational effectiveness of the freeze dryer?

The effectiveness of this contract in ensuring the long-term operational effectiveness of the freeze dryer hinges on the quality of the repair performed by SP INDUSTRIES INC and the nature of the issue being addressed. If the repair rectifies a specific malfunction or replaces worn components effectively, it can significantly extend the equipment's useful life and maintain its performance standards. However, if the underlying problem is systemic or if the equipment is nearing the end of its operational lifespan, this repair may only offer a temporary solution. The contract's success will ultimately be measured by the freeze dryer's reliability and accuracy in subsequent use, and whether it meets the EPA's ongoing research and analytical needs without further significant issues.

What are the historical spending patterns for repair services of similar scientific equipment at the EPA?

Historical spending patterns for repair services of similar scientific equipment at the EPA would reveal trends in maintenance costs, frequency of repairs, and the types of equipment most frequently requiring service. Analyzing past contracts for laboratory instruments, analytical devices, and environmental monitoring tools would provide context for the $18,500 award. This could indicate whether such repair costs are typical, high, or low for the agency. Understanding these patterns can inform future budgeting, procurement strategies, and potentially identify needs for preventative maintenance programs or equipment modernization to reduce long-term repair expenditures.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Other Services (except Public Administration) › Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance › Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 68HE0B26Q0043

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 935 MEARNS RD, WARMINSTER, PA, 18974

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: $18,500

Exercised Options: $18,500

Current Obligation: $18,500

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline