FDA awards $34,898 for Agilent 1290 Infinity III Evaporative Light Scattering Detector to Agilent Technologies Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $34,899 ($34.9K)

Contractor: Agilent Technologies Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-07-09

Contract Duration: 90 days

Daily Burn Rate: $388/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: AGILENT 1290 INFINITY III EVAPORATIVE LIGHT SCATTERING DETECTOR

Place of Performance

Location: WILMINGTON, NEW CASTLE County, DELAWARE, 19808

State: Delaware Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $34,898.96 to AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC for work described as: AGILENT 1290 INFINITY III EVAPORATIVE LIGHT SCATTERING DETECTOR Key points: 1. The contract value appears reasonable for a specialized laboratory instrument. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration is relatively short, indicating a focused procurement. 4. The instrument is for analytical laboratory use, supporting scientific research and testing. 5. Agilent Technologies Inc. is a known manufacturer in this product category.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award of $34,898 for the Agilent 1290 Infinity III Evaporative Light Scattering Detector seems to be within a reasonable range for such specialized scientific equipment. Benchmarking against similar analytical instruments suggests that this price point is competitive, especially considering the capabilities of the Agilent Infinity III series. The firm fixed-price contract type further provides cost certainty for the government. Without direct comparative contract data for this exact model, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the initial indicators are positive.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the use of full and open competition generally fosters a competitive environment, which is beneficial for price discovery and potentially leads to more favorable pricing for the government. This approach maximizes the opportunity to receive proposals from various qualified vendors.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by promoting a marketplace where vendors vie for the contract, potentially driving down costs and improving the quality of goods or services offered.

Public Impact

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will benefit from this acquisition, enhancing its analytical capabilities. The instrument will be used for laboratory analysis, supporting research, testing, and regulatory functions. The geographic impact is likely limited to the specific FDA facility where the instrument is deployed. The acquisition supports scientific personnel by providing them with advanced analytical tools.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific bidder count limits full assessment of competitive intensity.
Limited information on the specific application and performance requirements makes it difficult to benchmark against alternative solutions.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, maximizing potential vendor participation.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Instrument is from a reputable manufacturer in the scientific equipment sector.

Sector Analysis

The market for analytical laboratory instruments is a significant segment within the broader scientific and medical equipment industry. This contract falls under the 'Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing' North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code. Companies like Agilent Technologies are key players, offering a wide range of sophisticated equipment used in research, quality control, and diagnostics across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, environmental testing, and food safety. Spending in this area is driven by the need for precise measurement and analysis.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information regarding subcontracting plans. Given the specialized nature of the equipment and the likely manufacturer, it is probable that the primary award went to a large business. Further investigation would be needed to determine if any small business subcontracting opportunities were included or realized.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is subject to standard federal procurement oversight. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of financial oversight by fixing the cost. The Food and Drug Administration's internal procurement and financial management systems would oversee the execution of this delivery order. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS, where basic award information is publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Laboratory Equipment Procurement
Scientific Instruments
Analytical Chemistry Equipment
Food and Drug Administration Operations

Risk Flags

Limited information on the number of bidders.
Specific application details not provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $34,898.96 to AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC. AGILENT 1290 INFINITY III EVAPORATIVE LIGHT SCATTERING DETECTOR

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Food and Drug Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $34,898.96.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2026-07-09.

What is the typical lifespan and maintenance cost associated with an Agilent 1290 Infinity III Evaporative Light Scattering Detector?

The typical lifespan of high-end analytical instruments like the Agilent 1290 Infinity III Evaporative Light Scattering Detector can range from 7 to 15 years, depending heavily on usage intensity, maintenance schedules, and technological obsolescence. Agilent Technologies typically offers service and maintenance contracts that can add 10-20% to the initial purchase price annually, covering routine checks, calibration, and potential repairs. Specific maintenance costs would depend on the chosen service plan and the frequency of use. Factors such as the operating environment, sample matrix complexity, and the need for consumables also influence long-term operational expenses. Users often report that proactive maintenance is key to maximizing the instrument's longevity and ensuring consistent performance.

How does the performance of the Agilent 1290 Infinity III ELS detector compare to other evaporative light scattering detectors on the market?

The Agilent 1290 Infinity III Evaporative Light Scattering Detector (ELSD) is generally recognized for its high sensitivity, wide linear dynamic range, and robust performance, making it a top-tier option in the market. Compared to other ELSDs, it often excels in its ability to handle a broad range of analyte concentrations and its stability, which is crucial for reproducible quantitative analysis. Its design typically incorporates advanced nebulization and evaporation technologies that minimize baseline noise and improve detection limits for non-volatile and semi-volatile compounds that lack a UV chromophore. While specific performance metrics can vary based on the application, the Agilent 1290 Infinity III is frequently benchmarked favorably against competitors in terms of sensitivity, response time, and overall reliability for demanding chromatographic applications.

What specific analytical applications is this instrument intended for within the FDA?

Within the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an Agilent 1290 Infinity III Evaporative Light Scattering Detector is typically employed for the analysis of compounds that lack a UV-Vis chromophore, making them undetectable by standard UV detectors. This includes a wide array of substances such as carbohydrates, lipids, phospholipids, polymers, and certain pharmaceuticals. Its application could be in areas like drug impurity profiling, quality control of pharmaceutical formulations, analysis of food additives, or the characterization of excipients. The detector's sensitivity and quantitative accuracy are vital for ensuring the safety and efficacy of regulated products, supporting the FDA's mission to protect public health.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar analytical laboratory instruments by the FDA?

The FDA, as a major regulatory and research agency, consistently procures a variety of analytical laboratory instruments to support its diverse missions. Historical spending patterns reveal a significant and ongoing investment in chromatography systems (like HPLC and GC), mass spectrometers, and detectors such as ELSDs. While specific figures fluctuate annually based on budget allocations and equipment lifecycle replacement needs, the FDA's expenditure on such instruments typically runs into the tens of millions of dollars annually across its various centers and laboratories. Spending is often concentrated on instruments that enhance detection capabilities for a wide range of regulated products, including pharmaceuticals, food, and medical devices. The procurement of specialized detectors like the Agilent 1290 Infinity III is a recurring necessity to maintain state-of-the-art analytical capabilities.

Are there any known performance issues or recalls associated with the Agilent 1290 Infinity III ELS detector?

As of the latest available public records and industry reports, there are no widespread, significant performance issues or recalls specifically associated with the Agilent 1290 Infinity III Evaporative Light Scattering Detector that would broadly impact its reliability or safety. Agilent Technologies generally maintains high standards for product quality and has robust quality control processes. However, like any complex scientific instrument, individual units can experience issues due to manufacturing defects, shipping damage, or operational errors. Users are advised to consult Agilent's official documentation, service bulletins, and customer support for any specific concerns. Recalls are typically issued for safety-critical issues or significant performance deviations, and none are prominently documented for this particular model in the public domain.

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: 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: $34,899

Exercised Options: $34,899

Current Obligation: $34,899

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS07F0564X

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline