State Dept. Awards $129,678 for Thales Gemalto MRZ Swipe Reader CR100 to Lyme Computer Systems
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $129,678 ($129.7K)
Contractor: Lyme Computer Systems, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of State
Start Date: 2026-04-06
End Date: 2027-04-05
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $356/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: THALES GEMALTO MRZ SWIPE READER CR100
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20052
Plain-Language Summary
Department of State obligated $129,678 to LYME COMPUTER SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: THALES GEMALTO MRZ SWIPE READER CR100 Key points: 1. The contract is for a specific hardware component, the MRZ Swipe Reader CR100. 2. Lyme Computer Systems, Inc. is the awardee, with the Department of State as the agency. 3. The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 4. The total value is $129,678 for a 364-day duration. 5. The Product Service Code (PSC) is not specified, but the NAICS code is 541519 (Other Computer Related Services).
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $129,678 for a single hardware component over approximately one year appears reasonable for specialized equipment. Benchmarking against similar reader procurements would be necessary for a definitive assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The award was made under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating that multiple vendors were likely considered. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives fair value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used for this procurement, with the value being relatively modest for a government contract. The competitive nature of the award suggests efficient use of funds.
Public Impact
Enhances border security and identity verification processes at ports of entry or consular services. Supports the Department of State's mission in managing international travel and visa processing. Ensures accurate reading of Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) data on travel documents.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific performance metrics or service level agreements.
- Potential for vendor lock-in if this is a proprietary system.
- Limited duration may require future procurements.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Clear identification of the specific hardware being procured.
- Defined contract period and delivery order structure.
Sector Analysis
This procurement falls under the IT services sector, specifically related to hardware for identity verification and data processing. Spending benchmarks for similar specialized hardware for government agencies can vary widely based on technology and quantity.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, Lyme Computer Systems, Inc., is not identified as a small business in the provided data. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which does not preclude small business participation but does not guarantee it.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of State is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms should be in place to ensure compliance and performance.
Related Government Programs
- Other Computer Related Services
- Department of State Contracting
- Department of State Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for limited competition due to 'exclusion of sources'.
- Lack of detailed technical specifications or performance requirements.
- No clear indication of sustainment or upgrade path beyond the contract term.
- Awardee's small business status not specified.
Tags
other-computer-related-services, department-of-state, dc, delivery-order, 100k-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of State awarded $129,678 to LYME COMPUTER SYSTEMS, INC.. THALES GEMALTO MRZ SWIPE READER CR100
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LYME COMPUTER SYSTEMS, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $129,678.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2027-04-05.
What is the specific technical capability this reader provides beyond standard card readers, and how critical is it to the State Department's operations?
The MRZ (Machine Readable Zone) swipe reader CR100 is designed to read encrypted data from passports and other travel documents, facilitating faster and more secure identity verification. Its criticality lies in streamlining border control, visa processing, and consular services, reducing manual data entry errors and enhancing national security by quickly validating traveler identities against watchlists.
Given the 'exclusion of sources' clause, what prevented a broader competitive field, and does this limit potential cost savings?
The 'exclusion of sources' typically means that while the competition was open, certain pre-existing conditions or requirements might have limited the pool of eligible bidders (e.g., specific certifications, existing system integration). While full and open competition aims for best value, this specific clause might suggest a need for compatibility or specialized expertise, potentially narrowing the competitive landscape and impacting the extent of price discovery compared to a completely unrestricted bid.
What is the long-term strategy for maintaining and upgrading this reader technology, and are there plans for future competitive procurements?
The current contract is a delivery order with a 364-day duration, ending in April 2027. The long-term strategy would likely involve periodic reviews of technological advancements and operational needs. Future procurements will depend on the performance of this system, the availability of updated technology, and the agency's evolving requirements, likely necessitating further competitive bidding processes to ensure continued value and access to innovation.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - IT MANAGEMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 240 MECHANIC ST STE 301, LEBANON, NH, 03766
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $129,678
Exercised Options: $129,678
Current Obligation: $129,678
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNG15SC80B
IDV Type: GWAC
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-06
Current End Date: 2027-04-05
Potential End Date: 2027-04-05 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-07
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