DOJ's $25.1M U.S. Testing Contract for Security Systems Services Awarded to U.S. Testing Equipment, Limited

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $25,167 ($25.2K)

Contractor: U.S. Testing Equipment, Limited

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-04-10

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: U.S. TESTING FY26

Place of Performance

Location: VANCOUVER, CLARK County, WASHINGTON, 98662

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $25,167.26 to U.S. TESTING EQUIPMENT, LIMITED for work described as: U.S. TESTING FY26 Key points: 1. Contract awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on smaller value procurements. 2. The contract is a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) award, which shifts cost risk to the contractor. 3. The single award indicates potential limitations in market competition or a specific need met by this vendor. 4. The service category, Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths), is critical for federal facility safety. 5. Awarded to U.S. Testing Equipment, Limited, a single entity, raising questions about broader market engagement. 6. The contract duration is zero, implying it's a spot purchase or a single delivery order against a larger framework.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging due to the lack of detailed pricing information and the 'zero duration' which suggests a single transaction rather than an ongoing service. Without comparable contracts or per-unit cost data, it's difficult to definitively assess if the $25.1 million represents fair market value. The award under SAP typically implies smaller transactions, making this a significant single award within that framework. Further analysis would require understanding the specific deliverables and the market rates for such security systems services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which allows for streamlined competition for purchases below the simplified acquisition threshold. While 'competed' is indicated, the specific number of bidders or the nature of the competition (e.g., GSA Schedule, specific RFQ) is not detailed. The award to a single entity suggests that either only one offer was received, or the competition was limited to a pre-qualified list of vendors. This level of competition may not yield the most competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition under SAP can sometimes lead to higher prices for taxpayers compared to full and open competition, as the pool of potential bidders is restricted.

Public Impact

The Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons is the primary beneficiary, receiving critical security system services. This contract supports the operational security and safety of federal correctional facilities. The geographic impact is likely concentrated within the facilities managed by the Bureau of Prisons, primarily in Washington state. The contract may have implications for the security technology and installation workforce, depending on the scope of services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition raises concerns about potential overpayment and lack of innovation.
Lack of detailed performance metrics or duration makes assessing contractor performance difficult.
The large dollar amount under SAP warrants scrutiny to ensure it aligns with typical SAP procurements.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract structure transfers cost overrun risk to the contractor.
Awarding to a single entity may indicate specialized capabilities required for the security systems.
The contract supports a critical government function: the security of federal prisons.

Sector Analysis

The security systems services sector encompasses a wide range of technologies and services, including surveillance, access control, and alarm systems. Federal spending in this area is substantial, driven by the need to protect government assets and personnel. This contract, valued at $25.1 million, falls within the broader category of security and facility management services. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing other large federal contracts for similar security system installations or maintenance, often procured through GSA Schedules or other competitive vehicles.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business set-aside (ss) and subcontracting (sb) flags are both false. This suggests that the contract was not specifically targeted towards small businesses, nor are there explicit requirements for subcontracting with small businesses detailed in this summary. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this specific award appears minimal, though the prime contractor's own size and its potential use of small business subcontractors remain unaddressed.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Justice's internal procurement and contract management divisions, specifically within the Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons. As a purchase order awarded under SAP, it may be subject to less rigorous formal oversight compared to larger, more complex contracts. Transparency is limited by the available data; however, contract awards are generally published. Accountability would be managed through contract performance clauses and payment terms, with potential for Inspector General review if performance issues or fraud are suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Prison System Operations
Department of Justice Security Contracts
Government Security Systems Procurement
Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) Awards

Risk Flags

Potential for overpayment due to limited competition under SAP.
Lack of detailed performance metrics or duration complicates performance assessment.
Significant dollar value awarded under SAP warrants further scrutiny.
Single award limits visibility into broader market capabilities and pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $25,167.26 to U.S. TESTING EQUIPMENT, LIMITED. U.S. TESTING FY26

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is U.S. TESTING EQUIPMENT, LIMITED.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $25,167.26.

What is the period of performance?

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

What specific security systems and services are included in this $25.1 million contract?

The provided data classifies the contract under NAICS code 561621, 'Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths)'. This typically includes the installation, maintenance, and monitoring of electronic security systems such as alarm systems, access control systems, video surveillance (CCTV), and potentially integrated security management platforms. However, the specific components, brands, or detailed service level agreements are not detailed in the provided data. The large dollar amount suggests a comprehensive scope, possibly covering multiple facilities or a significant upgrade/installation project within the Bureau of Prisons.

How does the $25.1 million award compare to typical spending for security systems services by the Bureau of Prisons?

Without access to historical spending data specifically for security systems services by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), a direct comparison is difficult. However, $25.1 million is a substantial sum, especially if awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which are generally intended for procurements below $250,000 (though thresholds can vary). If this is a single purchase order, it represents a significant investment. Larger, multi-year contracts for security systems are often awarded through different vehicles and may exceed this amount. Further analysis would require examining the BOP's overall security budget and past contract awards for similar services to determine if this represents a typical or outlier expenditure.

What are the potential risks associated with awarding a $25.1 million contract under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP)?

Awarding a contract of this magnitude under SAP presents several potential risks. SAP is designed for efficiency and speed in acquiring goods and services below certain thresholds, often implying less stringent competition and documentation requirements than full and open competition. Risks include: 1) Limited price competition potentially leading to inflated costs for taxpayers. 2) Reduced transparency in the procurement process. 3) A higher likelihood of awarding to a single source or a very small number of bidders, potentially missing out on innovative solutions or better value from a wider market. 4) Increased vulnerability to contract mismanagement or performance issues if oversight is not robust, given the streamlined nature of SAP.

What is the track record of U.S. Testing Equipment, Limited with federal contracts, particularly with the Department of Justice?

Information regarding the specific track record of 'U.S. TESTING EQUIPMENT, LIMITED' with federal contracts, and particularly with the Department of Justice, is not provided in the data summary. A comprehensive assessment would require querying federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) to identify past awards, contract performance history, and any reported issues or successes. Without this historical data, it's impossible to evaluate their past performance, reliability, or experience relevant to this specific security systems services contract.

Given the 'zero duration' and 'Purchase Order' award type, what does this imply about the nature of the service delivery?

A 'zero duration' and 'Purchase Order' (PO) award typically signifies a single transaction or a very short-term requirement, rather than an ongoing service contract. This suggests the $25.1 million might be for the procurement of specific security equipment, a one-time installation, or a single, large delivery of goods. It implies that the contract is not intended for continuous maintenance, support, or service over an extended period. The funds are likely obligated for immediate or near-term fulfillment of a defined need, and the contract would conclude upon completion of that delivery or service.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Investigation and Security Services › Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths)

Product/Service Code: ALARM, SIGNAL, SECURITY DETECTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5500 NE 109TH CT STE E, VANCOUVER, WA, 98662

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $25,167

Exercised Options: $25,167

Current Obligation: $25,167

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline