EPA awards $3.4M for electric conductivity detectors, with limited competition and a long performance period

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $34,237 ($34.2K)

Contractor: YSI Inc

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2026-04-09

End Date: 2026-10-01

Contract Duration: 175 days

Daily Burn Rate: $196/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY DETECTOR

Place of Performance

Location: YELLOW SPRINGS, GREENE County, OHIO, 45387

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $34,237 to YSI INC for work described as: ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY DETECTOR Key points: 1. The contract value of $3.4 million for analytical laboratory instruments appears reasonable given the duration and specialized nature of the equipment. 2. Limited competition for this purchase order raises questions about potential price efficiencies and the availability of alternative suppliers. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type offers cost certainty for the agency, but may limit flexibility if requirements change. 4. The extended performance period of over a year suggests a need for ongoing support or a significant project timeline. 5. The supplier, YSI INC, is a known entity in the environmental monitoring equipment market. 6. The contract's focus on analytical laboratory instruments places it within a critical segment of environmental science support.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this $3.4 million purchase order for electric conductivity detectors is challenging without specific technical requirements and market data for comparable instruments. However, the duration of the contract (approximately 175 days of performance) suggests a significant quantity or a high-value, specialized piece of equipment. The firm-fixed-price nature provides cost predictability. Further analysis would require comparing the unit cost against similar instruments from other manufacturers and assessing if the price reflects the technological capabilities and expected lifespan of the detectors.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This purchase order was not competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating it may have fallen outside the typical thresholds or specific circumstances led to a limited competition approach. The data provided states 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP,' which implies a deviation from standard competitive processes for smaller procurements. Without further details on the justification for limited competition, it is difficult to assess the number of bidders or the extent of market research conducted.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition can potentially lead to higher prices for taxpayers if a robust market analysis and broad solicitation were not performed, as it reduces the pressure on vendors to offer their most competitive pricing.

Public Impact

Environmental Protection Agency laboratories will benefit from the acquisition of these electric conductivity detectors for critical analytical work. The detectors will be used for measuring electrical conductivity, a key parameter in water quality analysis and environmental monitoring. The services delivered support the EPA's mission to protect human health and the environment. The geographic impact is primarily within EPA facilities in Ohio, where the contractor is located. The acquisition supports the scientific and technical workforce within the EPA by providing necessary analytical tools.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of full and open competition may have resulted in a higher price than could have been achieved through a broader solicitation.
The extended performance period without clear task breakdowns could indicate potential scope creep or unaddressed requirements.
Reliance on a single source or limited number of sources for critical analytical equipment can create supply chain vulnerabilities.

Positive Signals

The firm-fixed-price contract provides budget certainty for the Environmental Protection Agency.
The supplier, YSI INC, is an established provider of environmental monitoring instrumentation, suggesting a degree of reliability.
The purchase order directly supports the EPA's core mission of environmental protection and scientific analysis.

Sector Analysis

The market for analytical laboratory instruments is a specialized segment within the broader scientific and industrial equipment sector. This contract for electric conductivity detectors falls under manufacturing of analytical laboratory instruments. The global market for such equipment is driven by research and development, environmental monitoring, quality control, and healthcare diagnostics. Spending in this area is often characterized by high unit costs for sophisticated technology and a need for reliable, precise instrumentation. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend on the specific technical specifications and intended use of the detectors.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a primary consideration for this specific contract. There is no indication of a small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements. This suggests the procurement was likely focused on specialized equipment where the primary manufacturer or supplier was not a small business, or the contract value did not trigger mandatory small business subcontracting plans.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this purchase order would typically fall under the Environmental Protection Agency's contracting and program management offices. As a purchase order, it is likely managed through established internal procurement procedures. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases like FPDS-NG. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse arise during the contract's performance or closeout.

Related Government Programs

Environmental Monitoring Equipment
Water Quality Analysis Instruments
Laboratory Supplies and Equipment
Scientific and Medical Instruments

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Potential for Higher Cost
Lack of Transparency in Selection

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $34,237 to YSI INC. ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY DETECTOR

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is YSI INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $34,237.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-09. End: 2026-10-01.

What is the typical price range for electric conductivity detectors with similar specifications to those procured by the EPA?

Determining the exact price range for electric conductivity detectors similar to those procured by the EPA for $3.4 million requires detailed technical specifications, which are not provided. However, electric conductivity meters can range from a few hundred dollars for basic handheld units to tens of thousands of dollars for sophisticated laboratory-grade systems with advanced features, data logging, and calibration capabilities. Given the contract value and the supplier's specialization in environmental monitoring, it is likely that these are high-precision, durable instruments designed for continuous or demanding laboratory use. A comprehensive market analysis would involve comparing unit costs against offerings from competitors like Thermo Fisher Scientific, Hach, or Hanna Instruments, considering factors such as accuracy, measurement range, data output options, and warranty.

What are the specific technical requirements and intended applications for these electric conductivity detectors?

The provided data identifies the item as an 'ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY DETECTOR' (d) and the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code as 'Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing' (na: 334516). This suggests the detectors are sophisticated instruments intended for precise measurement of electrical conductivity in various sample types within a laboratory setting. Applications likely include environmental monitoring (e.g., water quality assessment of rivers, lakes, and wastewater), industrial process control, and scientific research. Specific technical requirements would detail parameters such as measurement accuracy, resolution, operating temperature and humidity ranges, data logging capabilities, output interfaces (e.g., USB, Ethernet), calibration procedures, and compliance with relevant environmental or safety standards. Without the full contract details or statement of work, these applications are inferred from the product type and the agency's mission.

What is the track record of YSI INC in supplying similar equipment to government agencies?

YSI INC is a well-established manufacturer of environmental monitoring and measurement instrumentation. A review of federal procurement data (e.g., FPDS-NG) would reveal their history of supplying electric conductivity detectors and other related equipment to various government agencies, including potentially the EPA itself, the Department of the Interior, NOAA, and state environmental agencies. Their track record likely includes numerous successful deliveries and potentially long-standing relationships with agencies requiring high-quality environmental sensors and meters. Assessing their performance would involve looking at contract history for on-time delivery, product quality, and responsiveness to support needs. Given their specialization, it is probable that YSI INC has a strong reputation within the government sector for this type of equipment.

How does the $3.4 million award compare to historical spending by the EPA on similar analytical instruments?

To compare this $3.4 million award for electric conductivity detectors to historical EPA spending, one would need to analyze past procurement data for similar instruments. This would involve searching federal procurement databases for contracts awarded by the EPA to YSI INC or other manufacturers of analytical laboratory instruments, specifically those related to conductivity measurement, over several fiscal years. Factors to consider in the comparison would include the number of units purchased, the duration of the contracts, the specific technical capabilities of the instruments, and the contract types (e.g., fixed-price, cost-plus). Without this historical data, it's difficult to definitively state whether this award represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of spending for such equipment. However, $3.4 million for a single purchase order suggests a significant acquisition, possibly for multiple instruments or a highly advanced system.

What are the potential risks associated with a 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' award for this type of equipment?

Awarding a contract as 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures) for electric conductivity detectors carries several potential risks. Primarily, it suggests that the procurement may not have undergone the full scrutiny and competitive pressure typically associated with SAP or full and open competition. This can lead to a higher price than might be achieved through a competitive process, as vendors have less incentive to offer their best pricing. There's also a risk of selecting a less optimal solution if a thorough market survey wasn't conducted, potentially missing out on innovative technologies or more cost-effective alternatives. Furthermore, it can raise concerns about fairness and equal opportunity for potential vendors. The justification for not competing under SAP needs to be robust, often relying on specific exceptions like urgency, sole-source capabilities, or specific program requirements.

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: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 68HE0B25Q0113

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1725 BRANNUM LN, YELLOW SPRINGS, OH, 45387

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: $34,237

Exercised Options: $34,237

Current Obligation: $34,237

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline