NASA awards $1.67M for Instron Expansion Module to Illinois Tool Works Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $16,745 ($16.7K)
Contractor: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2026-05-05
End Date: 2026-05-05
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: INSTRON EIGHT CHANNEL EXPANSION MODULE
Place of Performance
Location: NORWOOD, NORFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02062
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $16,745 to ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC for work described as: INSTRON EIGHT CHANNEL EXPANSION MODULE Key points: 1. High-value award for specialized analytical equipment. 2. Sole-source procurement limits competitive pricing. 3. Potential risk of overpayment due to lack of competition. 4. Sector: Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
Benchmarking is difficult without comparable contract data. The firm fixed price suggests cost certainty, but the lack of competition raises concerns about the initial price discovery.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed under SAP, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds may be used inefficiently due to the absence of competitive bidding.
Public Impact
Supports critical NASA research and development activities. Ensures access to specialized scientific instrumentation. Potential for increased costs impacting future NASA budgets.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source procurement
- Lack of competition
- Potential for overpricing
Positive Signals
- Supports critical NASA mission
- Firm fixed price contract
Sector Analysis
This award falls within the Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing sector. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on technological advancements and agency research priorities.
Small Business Impact
No small business participation is indicated in this sole-source award, suggesting missed opportunities for small business engagement.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the price is fair and reasonable, despite the lack of competition.
Related Government Programs
- Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Lack of competition
- Potential for price inflation
- Limited market research evident
Tags
analytical-laboratory-instrument-manufac, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ma, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $16,745 to ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC. INSTRON EIGHT CHANNEL EXPANSION MODULE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS 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 $16,745.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-05-05. End: 2026-05-05.
What is the justification for the sole-source award, and were alternative competitive strategies considered?
The justification for the sole-source award is not provided in the data. Agencies typically sole-source when only one responsible source can satisfy agency requirements. However, the lack of competition here raises questions about whether alternative competitive strategies were thoroughly explored or if this was the most efficient procurement method.
How does the unit cost compare to similar analytical instruments procured competitively?
Without access to specific comparable contract data for similar analytical instruments procured competitively, a direct unit cost comparison is not possible. The absence of competition makes it difficult to establish a reliable benchmark, increasing the risk that the negotiated price may not reflect market value.
What is the long-term impact of sole-source procurements on NASA's overall budget and technological advancement?
Sole-source procurements, while sometimes necessary, can lead to higher costs over time and may stifle innovation by limiting exposure to a broader range of technologies. Repeated sole-sourcing could potentially inflate NASA's budget and slow down the adoption of cutting-edge solutions available from a competitive market.
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
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
Address: 825 UNIVERSITY AVE, NORWOOD, MA, 02062
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: $16,745
Exercised Options: $16,745
Current Obligation: $16,745
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-05-05
Current End Date: 2026-05-05
Potential End Date: 2026-05-05 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-07
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