GSA Awards $11.5M for CBRNE Detection QA Program to Signature Science LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $11,466,006 ($11.5M)
Contractor: Signature Science LLC
Awarding Agency: General Services Administration
Start Date: 2023-09-30
End Date: 2026-03-31
Contract Duration: 913 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS
Sector: Other
Official Description: 47QFNA23K0045 CBRNE DETECTION QUALITY ASSURANCE QA PROGRAM
Place of Performance
Location: GUNPOWDER, HARFORD County, MARYLAND, 21010
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
General Services Administration obligated $11.5 million to SIGNATURE SCIENCE LLC for work described as: 47QFNA23K0045 CBRNE DETECTION QUALITY ASSURANCE QA PROGRAM Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Signature Science LLC for $11.5M. 2. Focuses on Quality Assurance for CBRNE Detection. 3. Competition was full and open. 4. Contract duration extends to March 2026.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $11.5M appears reasonable for a multi-year program focused on specialized CBRNE detection QA. Benchmarking against similar specialized consulting services would provide further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for essential CBRNE detection QA services.
Public Impact
Enhances national security through improved CBRNE detection capabilities. Supports critical government functions in environmental consulting and safety. Ensures the quality and reliability of detection equipment and protocols.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep in a complex QA program.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical QA functions.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition ensures best value.
- Clear contract duration provides budget certainty.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Environmental Consulting Services, a sector crucial for government safety and regulatory compliance. Spending in this area supports specialized scientific and technical expertise.
Small Business Impact
The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a factor in this award (ss: false, sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if opportunities were missed.
Oversight & Accountability
The General Services Administration (GSA) is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms should be in place to ensure performance and accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Environmental Consulting Services
- General Services Administration Contracting
- Federal Acquisition Service Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in if QA expertise is highly specialized.
- Dependence on contractor performance for critical safety functions.
- Risk of evolving threat landscapes requiring continuous adaptation of QA protocols.
Tags
environmental-consulting-services, general-services-administration, md, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
General Services Administration awarded $11.5 million to SIGNATURE SCIENCE LLC. 47QFNA23K0045 CBRNE DETECTION QUALITY ASSURANCE QA PROGRAM
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SIGNATURE SCIENCE LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $11.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-09-30. End: 2026-03-31.
What is the specific impact of this QA program on the effectiveness of CBRNE detection systems?
This QA program is designed to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and readiness of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) detection systems. By establishing rigorous testing, validation, and maintenance protocols, it directly contributes to the effectiveness of these systems in identifying and responding to threats, thereby safeguarding personnel and the public.
What are the primary risks associated with the quality assurance of CBRNE detection equipment?
Key risks include the potential for outdated or inadequate testing methodologies, insufficient calibration of detection equipment leading to false positives or negatives, and a lack of standardized procedures across different units or agencies. Furthermore, reliance on specific technical expertise for QA introduces personnel-related risks, such as knowledge gaps or turnover.
How does this contract contribute to overall federal preparedness for CBRNE events?
This contract is vital for federal preparedness by ensuring that the tools used to detect CBRNE threats are functioning optimally. High-quality assurance directly translates to increased confidence in detection capabilities, enabling faster and more accurate responses to potential incidents. This ultimately strengthens the nation's resilience against CBRNE threats.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Environmental Consulting Services
Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › NATURAL RESOURCES - OTHER SVCS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: 47QFNA23R0007
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Signature Science, LLC
Address: 8501 N MOPAC EXPY STE 100, AUSTIN, TX, 78759
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $15,091,221
Exercised Options: $11,474,818
Current Obligation: $11,466,006
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS00F105CA
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-09-30
Current End Date: 2026-03-31
Potential End Date: 2028-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-30
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