NASA awards $4.87M for advanced electron microscope to JEOL USA, Inc. for astromaterials analysis
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $4,868,000 ($4.9M)
Contractor: Jeol USA, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2021-09-14
End Date: 2026-12-31
Contract Duration: 1,934 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.5K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: ACQUISITION OF AN ABERRATION CORRECTED SCANNING AND TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPE STEM FOR THE ANALYSIS OF ASTROMATERIALS
Place of Performance
Location: PEABODY, ESSEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01960
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $4.9 million to JEOL USA, INC. for work described as: ACQUISITION OF AN ABERRATION CORRECTED SCANNING AND TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPE STEM FOR THE ANALYSIS OF ASTROMATERIALS Key points: 1. The contract supports critical scientific research in astromaterials analysis. 2. The acquisition of advanced scientific instrumentation is essential for NASA's research capabilities. 3. The fixed-price contract structure aims to control costs for the government. 4. The sole-source nature of this award warrants scrutiny regarding potential cost efficiencies. 5. The duration of the contract suggests a long-term need for this capability. 6. The purchase order award mechanism is typical for acquiring specialized equipment.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $4.87 million for an aberration-corrected scanning and transmission electron microscope (STEM) appears to be within a reasonable range for highly specialized scientific equipment of this caliber. Benchmarking against similar advanced microscopy systems acquired by research institutions or government agencies would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, without direct comparable contract data, it is difficult to definitively assess if this represents an optimal price. The firm-fixed-price nature of the award provides cost certainty, but the lack of competition limits the opportunity for price discovery and potential savings.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning that NASA did not conduct a competitive bidding process. This approach is typically used when a specific product or service is only available from a single source, or when the urgency of the requirement precludes a full and open competition. The lack of competition means that potential cost savings that might arise from multiple vendors bidding for the contract were not realized. This also limits the government's ability to explore alternative solutions or technologies that might be available on the market.
Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source award means taxpayers did not benefit from the potential cost reductions that a competitive bidding process could have generated. This could result in a higher overall expenditure for this critical scientific instrument.
Public Impact
Scientists at NASA will benefit from access to state-of-the-art microscopy for analyzing extraterrestrial materials. The microscope will enable detailed structural and chemical analysis of samples, advancing our understanding of planetary formation and the origins of life. Research outcomes could have broad implications for space exploration and planetary science. The acquisition supports the scientific workforce by providing advanced tools for research and discovery.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition may have led to a higher price than could have been achieved through a competitive process.
- Sole-source awards can sometimes indicate a lack of market research or potential over-reliance on a single vendor.
- The long contract duration could pose risks if technology rapidly advances or if the contractor's performance falters.
Positive Signals
- Acquisition of advanced, specialized scientific equipment essential for NASA's mission.
- Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
- The award supports critical scientific research in astromaterials analysis, a unique and important field.
Sector Analysis
The acquisition falls within the Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing sector, a niche but critical part of the broader scientific and industrial landscape. This sector is characterized by high research and development costs, specialized manufacturing processes, and a limited number of key global players capable of producing highly advanced instrumentation like aberration-corrected STEMs. The market size for such specialized equipment is relatively small, driven by demand from major research institutions, government agencies, and advanced industrial R&D departments. NASA's spending on this instrument represents a significant investment in cutting-edge analytical capabilities within this specialized sector.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to involve any small business set-asides. Given the highly specialized nature of the equipment being procured (an aberration-corrected STEM), it is likely that the primary manufacturer or its authorized distributor is a large business. There is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal, unless the prime contractor has established subcontracting plans that are not detailed in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will primarily reside with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). As a purchase order under a General Services Administration (GSA) schedule, it likely adheres to standard procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases and reporting requirements. Accountability measures would be tied to the delivery of the specified equipment and its performance according to the contract terms. The Inspector General of NASA would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this procurement.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Research and Development Programs
- Planetary Science Division
- Laboratory Instrument Procurement
- Scientific Equipment Acquisition
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and potential cost savings.
- High dollar value for a single piece of equipment.
- Lack of detailed performance metrics in provided data.
Tags
nasa, electron-microscope, astromaterials, sole-source, purchase-order, firm-fixed-price, scientific-instrument, research-and-development, analytical-laboratory-instrument-manufacturing, massachusetts, large-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $4.9 million to JEOL USA, INC.. ACQUISITION OF AN ABERRATION CORRECTED SCANNING AND TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPE STEM FOR THE ANALYSIS OF ASTROMATERIALS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is JEOL USA, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $4.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-09-14. End: 2026-12-31.
What is the track record of JEOL USA, Inc. in supplying similar advanced electron microscopy equipment to government agencies or research institutions?
JEOL USA, Inc. is a well-established manufacturer of electron microscopes and other scientific instruments. They have a significant history of supplying advanced microscopy solutions to various government agencies, including NASA, as well as to universities and private research institutions worldwide. Their product lines often include high-end transmission electron microscopes (TEMs) and scanning electron microscopes (SEMs), with aberration correction being a feature found in their most advanced models. While specific contract details for past procurements are not provided here, JEOL's general reputation in the scientific community is that of a major, reputable supplier of sophisticated analytical instrumentation. Further due diligence would involve reviewing past performance evaluations and any publicly available data on their delivery and support of comparable systems.
How does the $4.87 million cost compare to similar aberration-corrected STEM acquisitions by other federal agencies or major research universities?
Benchmarking the $4.87 million cost for this aberration-corrected STEM requires access to detailed pricing information for comparable systems acquired by other entities. Such systems are highly specialized and represent the cutting edge of microscopy technology, making direct comparisons challenging without specific contract data. However, reports and industry analyses suggest that advanced, aberration-corrected TEM/STEM systems can range from several hundred thousand dollars to well over a million dollars, depending on the specific configuration, features, and vendor. Given the 'aberration-corrected' designation, which signifies a significant technological advancement, the $4.87 million figure, while substantial, may be within the expected range for a top-tier instrument. A more precise comparison would necessitate examining recent solicitations and awards for similar equipment from agencies like the Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, or major university research centers.
What are the primary risks associated with acquiring such a high-value, specialized piece of scientific equipment on a sole-source basis?
Acquiring a high-value, specialized piece of scientific equipment on a sole-source basis presents several key risks. Firstly, the most significant risk is the potential for inflated pricing, as the absence of competition removes the downward pressure that multiple bids typically exert on cost. This can lead to taxpayers paying more than necessary. Secondly, there's a risk of limited innovation and suboptimal solution selection; without exploring the market, NASA might not be aware of alternative technologies or newer, potentially more cost-effective solutions from other vendors. Thirdly, sole-source awards can sometimes indicate a lack of robust market research or an over-reliance on a single supplier, which can create dependency and reduce future negotiating leverage. Finally, if the chosen vendor faces production issues or provides inadequate support, the government has fewer immediate alternatives for recourse or replacement.
What is the expected impact of this new microscope on NASA's astromaterials research capabilities and scientific output?
The acquisition of an aberration-corrected Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscope (STEM) is expected to significantly enhance NASA's astromaterials research capabilities. Aberration correction dramatically improves the resolution and clarity of electron microscope images, allowing scientists to visualize atomic structures and chemical compositions with unprecedented detail. For astromaterials, this means being able to analyze the fine-grained structures, isotopic compositions, and mineralogical variations within meteorites, lunar samples, and returned samples from missions like OSIRIS-REx or Hayabusa2. This enhanced analytical power will enable more precise studies of planetary formation processes, the early solar system, the potential for past or present life on other celestial bodies, and the origins of organic molecules in space. Ultimately, this advanced instrumentation should lead to higher-impact scientific publications and a deeper understanding of the materials that constitute our solar system and beyond.
How does NASA's historical spending on analytical laboratory instruments compare to this specific acquisition in terms of scale and frequency?
NASA's historical spending on analytical laboratory instruments varies significantly depending on the specific type of equipment and the agency's research priorities at the time. The $4.87 million acquisition of an aberration-corrected STEM represents a substantial, high-value investment in a single piece of cutting-edge scientific infrastructure. While NASA frequently procures various analytical instruments, including spectrometers, mass spectrometers, and other types of microscopes, advanced electron microscopes like this STEM are typically less frequent purchases due to their high cost and specialized nature. Historical data would likely show numerous smaller procurements for standard laboratory equipment, interspersed with occasional, large capital investments in highly advanced, mission-critical instrumentation such as this. The scale of this particular award suggests a strategic decision to significantly upgrade or establish a premier capability in astromaterials analysis.
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: 80JSC021STEM
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 11 DEARBORN RD, PEABODY, MA, 01960
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $4,868,000
Exercised Options: $4,868,000
Current Obligation: $4,868,000
Actual Outlays: $4,381,200
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-09-14
Current End Date: 2026-12-31
Potential End Date: 2026-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-17
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