Department of Energy awards $448,595 for XRF Spectrometer, with a 646-day performance period
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $448,595 ($448.6K)
Contractor: Rigaku Americas Holding, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2026-04-09
End Date: 2028-01-15
Contract Duration: 646 days
Daily Burn Rate: $694/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: RIGAKU ZSX PRIMUS IV SEQUENTIAL WAVELENGTH-DISPERSIVE XRF SPECTROMETER
Place of Performance
Location: SPRING, MONTGOMERY County, TEXAS, 77381
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $448,595 to RIGAKU AMERICAS HOLDING, INC. for work described as: RIGAKU ZSX PRIMUS IV SEQUENTIAL WAVELENGTH-DISPERSIVE XRF SPECTROMETER Key points: 1. The contract value appears reasonable for a specialized analytical instrument. 2. Competition dynamics for this specific type of equipment may be limited. 3. Performance duration is substantial, indicating a long-term need for the instrument. 4. The purchase order structure suggests a straightforward acquisition process. 5. Sector positioning is within analytical laboratory instrument manufacturing.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $448,595 for a RIGAKU ZSX PRIMUS IV XRF Spectrometer seems aligned with the typical costs for high-end analytical instrumentation. Benchmarking against similar procurements for advanced spectrometers indicates this price is within a competitive range, especially considering the specific capabilities of wavelength-dispersive XRF technology. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was competed under SAP (Small Acquisition Procedures), suggesting a competitive process was utilized for this procurement. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, the use of SAP generally aims to encourage competition for acquisitions below certain thresholds. This approach helps ensure fair pricing and access to a range of qualified suppliers.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award, even under SAP, is beneficial for taxpayers as it likely led to a more favorable price compared to a sole-source acquisition.
Public Impact
The Department of Energy benefits from acquiring advanced analytical capabilities. The instrument will support laboratory analysis, likely for materials science or environmental monitoring. The geographic impact is centered in Texas, where the instrument will be deployed. Workforce implications include the need for trained personnel to operate and maintain the spectrometer.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for long-term maintenance costs not fully captured in the initial award.
- Dependence on a single manufacturer for specialized parts and service could pose a risk.
Positive Signals
- Acquisition of advanced, specialized scientific equipment.
- Firm fixed-price contract provides budget certainty.
- Competitive procurement process likely secured a fair market price.
Sector Analysis
The procurement falls within the Scientific and Medical Instruments manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on analytical laboratory instruments. This sector is characterized by high research and development costs, specialized manufacturing processes, and a relatively concentrated market for advanced technologies like XRF spectrometers. The contract value is moderate for this type of capital equipment.
Small Business Impact
The contract was competed under SAP, which may include provisions for small business participation. However, the primary contractor, Rigaku Americas Holding, Inc., is a significant entity. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if this procurement was specifically set aside for small businesses (which the data indicates it was not, as 'sb' is false).
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is a purchase order, which is subject to standard government procurement oversight. The Department of Energy's internal audit and contracting offices would oversee compliance. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases, and any specific Inspector General jurisdiction would depend on the nature of any potential issues arising during performance.
Related Government Programs
- Scientific Equipment Procurement
- Laboratory Instrumentation
- Analytical Instruments
- Department of Energy Research Support
Risk Flags
- Potential for technological obsolescence over the contract duration.
- Long-term maintenance and support availability.
- Dependence on a single supplier for specialized parts and service.
Tags
department-of-energy, analytical-instrument, xrf-spectrometer, competed, purchase-order, firm-fixed-price, texas, scientific-equipment, laboratory-instrumentation, rigaku
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $448,595 to RIGAKU AMERICAS HOLDING, INC.. RIGAKU ZSX PRIMUS IV SEQUENTIAL WAVELENGTH-DISPERSIVE XRF SPECTROMETER
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is RIGAKU AMERICAS HOLDING, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Energy (Department of Energy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $448,595.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-09. End: 2028-01-15.
What is the typical lifespan and maintenance cost associated with a RIGAKU ZSX PRIMUS IV XRF Spectrometer?
The typical lifespan of a high-end XRF spectrometer like the RIGAKU ZSX PRIMUS IV can range from 10 to 15 years, depending on usage intensity, maintenance, and technological obsolescence. Routine maintenance, including calibration, cleaning, and replacement of consumables (like X-ray tubes or detectors if they reach end-of-life), can add significant costs over the instrument's life. Annual maintenance contracts often range from 5% to 15% of the initial purchase price. For this $448,595 instrument, annual maintenance could potentially range from $22,400 to $67,300. Unexpected repairs or upgrades could further increase these costs. The Department of Energy should budget accordingly for ongoing operational expenses beyond the initial acquisition.
How does the price of this RIGAKU ZSX PRIMUS IV compare to similar wavelength-dispersive XRF spectrometers from other manufacturers?
Wavelength-dispersive XRF (WDXRF) spectrometers are high-precision instruments used for elemental analysis, and their pricing can vary significantly based on features, sensitivity, and manufacturer reputation. The RIGAKU ZSX PRIMUS IV is a sophisticated model. Comparable WDXRF systems from other leading manufacturers, such as PANalytical (now Malvern Panalytical) or Thermo Fisher Scientific, can range from $300,000 to over $700,000 depending on the specific configuration, automation, and analytical capabilities. The awarded price of $448,595 appears to be within the mid-to-lower end of this range for a new, advanced WDXRF system, suggesting potentially good value, assuming the configuration meets the Department of Energy's specific analytical requirements.
What are the primary applications for the RIGAKU ZSX PRIMUS IV XRF Spectrometer within the Department of Energy?
The RIGAKU ZSX PRIMUS IV is a sequential wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) spectrometer, a powerful tool for quantitative elemental analysis of solid, liquid, and powder samples. Within the Department of Energy (DOE), such instruments are crucial for a variety of research and operational functions. Potential applications include materials characterization for energy technologies (e.g., battery materials, catalysts, alloys), environmental monitoring and remediation (analyzing soil, water, or waste for hazardous elements), nuclear materials characterization and safeguards, and fundamental research in chemistry and physics. Its high sensitivity and resolution make it suitable for precise analysis of major, minor, and trace elements.
What is the track record of Rigaku Americas Holding, Inc. as a government contractor, particularly for scientific instrumentation?
Rigaku Americas Holding, Inc. has a history of supplying scientific instrumentation, including XRF and XRD systems, to various government agencies and research institutions. While specific contract details and performance ratings for all past government awards are not provided in this data snippet, Rigaku is a recognized global leader in analytical instrumentation. Their presence in the market suggests a capacity to meet government procurement requirements. A deeper dive into federal procurement databases (like FPDS or SAM.gov) would reveal the extent of their government contracting history, including award values, agencies served, and any reported performance issues or successes.
What are the risks associated with a long-term performance period (646 days) for specialized analytical equipment?
A long performance period for specialized analytical equipment like an XRF spectrometer presents several potential risks. Firstly, technological obsolescence is a concern; advancements in analytical techniques or hardware could make the procured instrument less effective or efficient over its lifespan. Secondly, maintenance and repair risks increase with time; the availability of spare parts and qualified technicians for older models may diminish. Thirdly, the initial performance requirements might evolve due to changing research needs or regulatory standards within the Department of Energy, potentially rendering the instrument less suitable for future tasks. Finally, the long duration increases the exposure to potential price increases for consumables or service contracts if not adequately secured upfront.
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: 89243326QFE000520
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 9009 NEW TRAILS DR, THE WOODLANDS, TX, 77381
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $448,595
Exercised Options: $448,595
Current Obligation: $448,595
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-09
Current End Date: 2028-01-15
Potential End Date: 2028-01-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-09
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