Department of Agriculture Awarded a Contract to FRANKLIN YOUNG INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED for $45,716.00

Summary of Award

The contract detailed in the JSON response from usaspending.gov represents a notable example of federal procurement aimed at advancing analytical research capabilities. This contract, awarded to Franklin Young International, Incorporated, by the Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, is centered around the provision of laboratory equipment and supplies, specifically for eDNA extraction reagents and consumables. The specific products referenced in the award description include Qiagen DNeasy Blood & Tissue Kits, Proteinase K, Buffer ATL, and several other essential laboratory consumables as cataloged by Qiagen. This acquisition is designed to bolster the Forest Service's capacity to perform environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis—a crucial tool in ecological research and biodiversity monitoring.

**Award Overview**

The unique identifier of this delivery order is "CONT_AWD_1240BG25F0002_12C2_GS07F0636W_4730," with a total obligation of $45,716. The agreement was formalized on April 10, 2025, with performance set to commence on April 14, 2025, and end on May 16, 2025. The contract is executed under the auspices of the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically through the Federal Acquisition Service. This structure ensures adherence to multiple award schedules, enabling procurement efficiencies and fostering competitive pricing. **Procurement Details** The award is classified under the Product or Service Code (PSC) "6640," which corresponds to "Laboratory Equipment and Supplies," and is aligned with the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code "334516," denoting "Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing." The competitive bidding process was characterized by full and open competition, ensuring transparency and fairness in awarding the contract to Franklin Young International, Incorporated—highlighting the firm as a reliable purveyor in the sector. **Company Profile** Franklin Young International is headquartered in Upland, California, within San Bernardino County. As a Service Disabled Veteran Owned and Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, the firm exemplifies federal initiatives aimed at empowering small businesses through equitable contracting opportunities. The company is categorized under several business classifications, including being a veteran-owned entity and a Subchapter S Corporation, emphasizing its diversified business model and potential competitive advantages in federal procurement. The focus of the firm's offerings lies in the manufacturing and supply of precision laboratory instruments and supplies that cater to the exacting standards of federal research operations. Through the contract in question, the company's capacity to deliver high-quality, reliable laboratory consumables is officially acknowledged, reinforcing its status as an integral contributor to federal research efforts. **Contractual Context and Implications** The purchasing agency, the Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, is dedicated to ensuring that its technical operations are backed by state-of-the-art equipment, crucial for various forestry and ecological projects. The Rocky Mountain Research Station, part of this larger network of operations, is set to benefit directly from these supplies, notably in their tasks related to the extraction and analysis of environmental DNA. The innovations facilitated by these supplies will enhance the ecological data collection processes, pivotal in ensuring sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation. Despite no subawards associated with this contract, the implications of the procurement are significant. It denotes a strategic allocation of federal resources toward enhancing scientific research infrastructure. The firm fixed pricing model adopted ensures budgetary predictability for both the awarding agency and the supplier, minimizing fiscal risk while aligning financial and operational objectives. **Geographic and Economic Impact** The place of performance is Missoula, Montana, marking it as a pivotal locality for the deployment of these resources. Missoula’s rich ecological landscape offers an appropriate backdrop for the applied use of the delivered products, potentially elevating the understanding and management practices pertinent to the region’s biodiversity. By aligning with a U.S. owned business like Franklin Young International, the federal contract supports domestic manufacturing and stimulates local economies, adhering to overarching national economic priorities. The service and products rendered by Franklin Young International highlight a broader commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and reinforcing the United States’ position within the global market for laboratory instruments. In summary, while the contract awarded to Franklin Young International may appear as a routine office transaction, its implications are profound. It strengthens the infrastructure supporting the Department of Agriculture's scientific endeavors and underscores a commitment to ecological preservation through advanced technological tools. Such contracts are cornerstones of a vibrant economy, bridging innovative industries with public sector needs to address complex environmental challenges.