NIH awards $32K for genetic analyzer maintenance, extending service through April 2027

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,250 ($32.2K)

Contractor: Life Technologies Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2027-04-09

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $89/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR GENETITAN 96 GENETIC ANALYZER

Place of Performance

Location: BETHESDA, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20892

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $32,249.97 to LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION for work described as: MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR GENETITAN 96 GENETIC ANALYZER Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized equipment maintenance over a one-year period. 2. Limited competition due to the nature of specialized equipment maintenance. 3. Risk indicators are low given the contract's small value and short duration. 4. Performance context involves maintaining critical research infrastructure for NIH. 5. Sector positioning is within scientific equipment maintenance for healthcare and research. 6. The contract is a purchase order, indicating a streamlined acquisition process.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $32,249.97 for one year of maintenance services for a specific genetic analyzer appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized equipment. Benchmarking against similar contracts for advanced scientific instrument maintenance would provide a more precise assessment, but the cost seems proportionate to the technical expertise and support required. The firm-fixed-price structure helps control costs for the agency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was not competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting it may have been awarded through a limited competition or a specific exception. The data indicates it was a purchase order, which can sometimes bypass full and open competition for smaller dollar amounts or when a specific vendor is uniquely qualified. The limited competition may mean less price pressure compared to a fully competed contract.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, limited competition can sometimes lead to higher prices than what might be achieved in a more open market. However, for specialized services, ensuring access to necessary expertise is also a priority.

Public Impact

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) benefits from uninterrupted operation of its genetic analysis capabilities. Essential services for maintaining a specific genetic analyzer (Genetitan 96) are delivered. The geographic impact is localized to the NIH facility in Maryland. Workforce implications include ensuring researchers have access to reliable equipment for their studies.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in due to specialized equipment.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical maintenance could pose a risk if the vendor experiences operational issues.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract limits cost overruns.
Short contract duration allows for periodic re-evaluation of needs and competition.
Maintenance ensures continuity of critical research operations.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the scientific and medical equipment maintenance sector. The market for maintaining specialized genetic analyzers is typically niche, often dominated by the original equipment manufacturers or specialized third-party service providers. Spending in this area is crucial for research institutions like NIH to ensure the reliability and longevity of high-value scientific instruments, supporting advancements in biomedical research.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements for this contract. As a purchase order for specialized maintenance, it is unlikely to have significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses unless the primary contractor utilizes them for specific components or labor.

Oversight & Accountability

As a purchase order issued by the National Institutes of Health, this contract is subject to internal agency oversight and potentially the Department of Health and Human Services' Inspector General. Transparency is maintained through federal procurement databases where contract awards are recorded. The firm-fixed-price nature simplifies financial oversight.

Related Government Programs

NIH Research Equipment Maintenance
Biomedical Research Infrastructure Support
Genetic Analysis Technology Services

Risk Flags

Limited competition may impact price.
Vendor lock-in for specialized equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $32,249.97 to LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION. MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR GENETITAN 96 GENETIC ANALYZER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LIFE 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 $32,249.97.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2027-04-09.

What is the track record of Life Technologies Corporation in providing maintenance services for scientific equipment?

Life Technologies Corporation, now part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, has a long-standing reputation for providing a wide range of scientific instruments and associated services, including maintenance and support. They are a major player in the life sciences industry, known for their expertise in areas like genetic sequencing and analysis. Their track record generally indicates a capacity to support complex equipment. However, specific performance data for this particular Genetitan 96 genetic analyzer maintenance contract would require a deeper dive into NIH's internal performance evaluations and any past issues or commendations related to this vendor.

How does the annual cost of $32,249.97 compare to market rates for similar genetic analyzer maintenance?

Benchmarking this specific contract's cost requires detailed market analysis. The annual cost of $32,249.97 for maintaining a Genetitan 96 genetic analyzer is likely influenced by the instrument's complexity, the scope of the maintenance agreement (e.g., preventative vs. full service, response times), and the vendor's pricing structure. Generally, maintenance contracts for sophisticated scientific equipment can range from 5% to 20% of the equipment's purchase price annually. Without knowing the original cost of the Genetitan 96 and the exact service level agreement, a precise comparison is difficult. However, given the specialized nature, this figure appears within a plausible range for a single instrument's annual upkeep.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential equipment downtime if maintenance is inadequate or delayed, and vendor dependency. Since the contract is for a specific genetic analyzer, reliance on Life Technologies Corporation (Thermo Fisher Scientific) for maintenance could be a risk if the vendor faces financial instability or service delivery issues. Mitigation strategies include the firm-fixed-price structure which incentivizes the vendor to perform efficiently, the relatively short one-year duration allowing for reassessment, and NIH's ability to monitor performance and potentially seek alternative solutions if necessary. The limited competition aspect also presents a risk of less competitive pricing.

How effective is this contract in ensuring the operational readiness of NIH's genetic analysis capabilities?

This contract is crucial for ensuring the operational readiness of the specific Genetitan 96 genetic analyzer it covers. By securing dedicated maintenance services through April 2027, NIH aims to prevent unexpected failures, ensure optimal performance, and extend the lifespan of this critical research asset. The effectiveness hinges on the quality of service provided by Life Technologies Corporation and the alignment of the maintenance plan with NIH's research demands. Regular performance reviews and uptime monitoring by NIH would be key indicators of the contract's effectiveness in maintaining research continuity.

What are the historical spending patterns for genetic analyzer maintenance at NIH?

Historical spending patterns for genetic analyzer maintenance at NIH would likely show consistent investment in upkeep for such specialized equipment. Agencies like NIH rely heavily on advanced instrumentation, necessitating ongoing service contracts. Analyzing past awards for similar equipment (e.g., sequencers, mass spectrometers) would reveal trends in contract values, durations, and competition levels. It's probable that NIH has multiple, ongoing maintenance agreements for various genetic analyzers, reflecting the diverse and extensive nature of its research operations. The specific value of this $32K contract should be viewed within the broader context of NIH's total expenditure on scientific equipment maintenance.

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: 26-00134

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Address: 5781 VAN ALLEN WAY, CARLSBAD, CA, 92008

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: $32,250

Exercised Options: $32,250

Current Obligation: $32,250

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline