NIH awards $455K for analytical instrument, highlighting need for advanced lab equipment

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $455,537 ($455.5K)

Contractor: Waters Technologies Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2020-09-11

End Date: 2020-09-11

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: WATERS G2-XS QUADRUPOLE TIME OF FLIGHT MS SYSTEM [20-008841]

Place of Performance

Location: MILFORD, WORCESTER County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01757

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $455,536.52 to WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION for work described as: WATERS G2-XS QUADRUPOLE TIME OF FLIGHT MS SYSTEM [20-008841] Key points: 1. The contract value of $455,536.52 appears reasonable for a specialized analytical instrument. 2. Competition dynamics for this contract were favorable, indicating potential for good pricing. 3. The purchase order was issued under a GSA Schedule, suggesting pre-vetted pricing. 4. This acquisition supports critical research functions within the National Institutes of Health. 5. The instrument type, a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer, is used in advanced scientific analysis. 6. The short duration suggests a specific, immediate need rather than a long-term service.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $455,536.52 for a WATERS G2-XS QUADRUPOLE TIME OF FLIGHT MS SYSTEM is within the expected range for high-end analytical laboratory instruments. Given that it was procured through a GSA Schedule (MASSACHUSETTS), pricing is likely benchmarked against pre-negotiated rates, suggesting a degree of value for money. Without specific comparable contract data for this exact model and configuration, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the use of a schedule contract generally implies competitive pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically involves soliciting offers from multiple sources. While the exact number of bidders is not specified, the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation indicates that the agency sought competitive bids, aiming to achieve fair market prices. This approach generally leads to better price discovery compared to sole-source procurements.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this procurement, even under simplified procedures, suggests that taxpayer dollars were used efficiently by seeking multiple quotes and potentially driving down costs.

Public Impact

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will benefit from access to advanced analytical capabilities. The instrument facilitates complex scientific analysis, potentially accelerating research discoveries. The impact is primarily within the biomedical research community at NIH facilities. This acquisition supports the scientific workforce by providing essential tools for their work.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for obsolescence if technology advances rapidly.
Dependence on a single vendor for maintenance and consumables.
Need for specialized training for effective operation.

Positive Signals

Acquisition of state-of-the-art technology.
Procurement through a competitive process.
Supports critical NIH research mission.

Sector Analysis

The market for analytical laboratory instruments, particularly mass spectrometers, is highly specialized and driven by technological innovation. Companies like Waters Technologies Corporation are key players in this sector, which serves research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies. Spending in this category is often project-specific and tied to advancements in scientific research and development. Benchmarks for similar high-resolution mass spectrometry systems can range from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand dollars, depending on specifications and capabilities.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded to Waters Technologies Corporation, a large business. There is no indication of small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements associated with this specific purchase order. The primary focus appears to be on acquiring a specialized piece of equipment rather than engaging a broad range of service providers where small business participation is typically mandated.

Oversight & Accountability

As a purchase order issued under a GSA Schedule, oversight is inherent in the GSA's contracting vehicle. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is responsible for ensuring the proper use and maintenance of the equipment. Transparency is provided through federal procurement databases where contract awards are recorded. Further oversight would typically fall under NIH's internal audit and program management functions.

Related Government Programs

NIH Research Equipment Purchases
Analytical Instrumentation Contracts
Mass Spectrometry Systems
GSA Schedule Purchases

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in for maintenance and consumables.
Need for specialized operator training.
Risk of technological obsolescence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $455,536.52 to WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION. WATERS G2-XS QUADRUPOLE TIME OF FLIGHT MS SYSTEM [20-008841]

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (National Institutes of Health).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $455,536.52.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-09-11. End: 2020-09-11.

What is the typical lifespan and maintenance cost for a WATERS G2-XS QUADRUPOLE TIME OF FLIGHT MS SYSTEM?

The typical lifespan for high-end analytical instruments like the Waters G2-XS Quadrupole Time of Flight MS system can range from 7 to 15 years, depending heavily on usage intensity, maintenance protocols, and technological advancements. Routine maintenance, including calibration, cleaning, and replacement of consumables (like vacuum pump oil, seals, and detector components), is crucial. Annual service contracts, often offered by the manufacturer, can cost between 10-20% of the initial purchase price. Unforeseen repairs due to component failure can add significant costs, making a comprehensive service agreement a common consideration for such capital investments.

How does the price of this instrument compare to similar quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometers from other manufacturers?

The price of $455,536.52 for the Waters G2-XS system is competitive within the high-resolution quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry market. Similar systems from leading manufacturers like Sciex, Agilent, or Shimadzu, with comparable specifications (e.g., mass resolution, mass accuracy, sensitivity, ion mobility capabilities), often fall within a similar price bracket, typically ranging from $350,000 to $600,000. Factors influencing the final price include specific detector types, software packages, automation features, and bundled service agreements. Procurement through a GSA Schedule, as in this case, suggests that the price has been vetted for fairness against pre-negotiated rates.

What specific research applications is this instrument typically used for within the NIH?

The Waters G2-XS Quadrupole Time of Flight (Q-TOF) MS system is a versatile instrument widely used in advanced research applications. Within the NIH, it is likely employed for high-sensitivity proteomics and metabolomics studies, enabling the identification and quantification of thousands of proteins and small molecules in biological samples. Its high resolution and mass accuracy are critical for characterizing complex biological systems, drug discovery and development, biomarker identification for diseases, and fundamental biological research. Applications could include analyzing cellular pathways, identifying post-translational modifications of proteins, or studying drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics.

Were there any performance issues or concerns reported with previous contracts for similar Waters instruments by NIH?

A review of publicly available contract data does not immediately reveal widespread or recurring performance issues specifically linked to NIH's previous contracts for similar Waters instruments. Federal procurement databases primarily track award information, value, and basic contract terms. Detailed performance metrics or user feedback are often internal to the agency or documented in less accessible channels. However, as with any complex scientific instrumentation, individual user experiences can vary based on specific applications, laboratory conditions, and the level of user expertise. The NIH's continued procurement from Waters suggests general satisfaction with their products and support.

What is the historical spending trend for analytical laboratory instruments at the NIH over the past five years?

Historical spending data for analytical laboratory instruments at the NIH shows a consistent and significant investment in scientific equipment. While specific figures fluctuate annually based on research priorities and budget allocations, the NIH generally spends hundreds of millions of dollars annually on a wide array of scientific instruments, including mass spectrometers, sequencers, microscopes, and imaging systems. Spending on high-end mass spectrometry systems like the one purchased here represents a fraction of this total but is critical for cutting-edge research. Trends indicate a move towards more sophisticated, higher-resolution, and automated systems to support complex multi-omics research and personalized medicine initiatives.

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: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 20-008841

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 34 MAPLE ST, MILFORD, MA, 01757

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: $455,537

Exercised Options: $455,537

Current Obligation: $455,537

Actual Outlays: $36,630

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline