FAA Awards $32.7M Contract for Assets in Support of the NAS to Vaisala Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,704 ($32.7K)

Contractor: Vaisala Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-05-29

Contract Duration: 53 days

Daily Burn Rate: $617/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ASSETS IN SUPPORT OF THE NAS

Place of Performance

Location: LOUISVILLE, BOULDER County, COLORADO, 80027

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $32,704 to VAISALA INC. for work described as: ASSETS IN SUPPORT OF THE NAS Key points: 1. The contract value is $32.7 million, supporting critical National Airspace System assets. 2. Vaisala Inc. is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. The contract is for 'Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing', a niche sector. 4. The award is a Purchase Order under a Firm Fixed Price contract type.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $32.7 million for a 53-day duration appears high. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized measuring devices is needed to assess value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting limited competition. This method may not yield the best price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for this acquisition. The limited competition could potentially lead to higher costs than a fully open competition.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operation and support for critical National Airspace System assets. Supports a specific technology provider, Vaisala Inc., in the aerospace sector. The acquisition duration is short (53 days), indicating an immediate need.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 61 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition due to SAP.
Potential for overpricing due to limited competition.

Positive Signals

Supports critical national infrastructure.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under 'Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing'. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on technological advancements and specific industry needs.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific award, as it was competed under SAP and awarded to Vaisala Inc.

Oversight & Accountability

The use of SAP suggests a streamlined process, but oversight is still crucial to ensure fair pricing and adherence to acquisition regulations.

Related Government Programs

Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing
Department of Transportation Contracting
Federal Aviation Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition.
Potential for price inflation.
Lack of small business participation.
Short contract duration may indicate urgency or a specific, limited need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $32,704 to VAISALA INC.. ASSETS IN SUPPORT OF THE NAS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is VAISALA INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Aviation Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $32,704.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-05-29.

What specific assets does 'ASSETS IN SUPPORT OF THE NAS' refer to, and why is Vaisala Inc. the sole provider?

The specific assets are not detailed in the provided data. However, Vaisala Inc. is a known manufacturer of meteorological and environmental monitoring instruments. The sole award suggests either a proprietary technology or a specific requirement that only Vaisala could meet within the SAP framework.

How does the $32.7 million price compare to similar procurements for specialized measuring devices, considering the short duration?

Without specific details on the devices and their complexity, a direct comparison is difficult. However, $32.7 million for a 53-day period is substantial. Further analysis would require benchmarking against contracts for similar high-precision or specialized monitoring equipment to determine if the price is reasonable.

What is the long-term strategy for ensuring competitive sourcing of these critical NAS support assets?

The current award under SAP suggests a short-term or urgent need. A long-term strategy should involve market research to identify potential competitors and explore options for future procurements that allow for broader competition, potentially through different contract vehicles or by breaking down requirements.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC EQPT COMPNTS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 194 S TAYLOR AVE, LOUISVILLE, CO, 80027

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $32,704

Exercised Options: $32,704

Current Obligation: $32,704

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline