DHS Awards $10.7M for Gordie Howe Bridge Low Energy Portal, Rapiscan Systems Inc. Selected

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,727,100 ($10.7M)

Contractor: Rapiscan Systems Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2023-09-28

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 1,006 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: LOW ENERGY PORTAL FOR GORDIE HOWE INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE LOCATION.

Place of Performance

Location: LAFAYETTE, LAFAYETTE County, LOUISIANA, 70503

State: Louisiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $10.7 million to RAPISCAN SYSTEMS INC for work described as: LOW ENERGY PORTAL FOR GORDIE HOWE INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE LOCATION. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Rapiscan Systems Inc. for a specialized portal. 2. The project supports the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a significant infrastructure project. 3. The contract value is $10.7 million, with a duration of approximately 3 years. 4. The specific application is for an 'Irradiation Apparatus Manufacturing' related to security screening.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $10.7 million appears reasonable for specialized security portal technology. Benchmarking against similar large-scale security equipment procurements would be necessary for a definitive assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method is generally expected to yield fair pricing and good value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical border security infrastructure, aiming to enhance efficiency and safety at a major international crossing.

Public Impact

Enhances border security and inspection capabilities at a key international crossing. Supports the operational readiness of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. Utilizes advanced technology for screening purposes, potentially improving efficiency and accuracy.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data.
Potential for long-term maintenance and upgrade costs for specialized equipment.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Supports a critical national infrastructure project.

Sector Analysis

This procurement falls within the broader security and defense sector, specifically focusing on advanced screening technology. Spending benchmarks for similar large-scale security equipment for ports of entry are typically in the millions of dollars.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the award went to Rapiscan Systems Inc., a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award based on the provided information.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Homeland Security, through U.S. Customs and Border Protection, is responsible for this procurement. Standard oversight mechanisms for federal contracts would apply, including performance monitoring and financial accountability.

Related Government Programs

Irradiation Apparatus Manufacturing
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for high long-term maintenance costs due to specialized equipment.
Risk of technological obsolescence in a rapidly evolving security landscape.
Dependence on a single vendor for specialized maintenance or upgrades.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in the initial award data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $10.7 million to RAPISCAN SYSTEMS INC. LOW ENERGY PORTAL FOR GORDIE HOWE INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE LOCATION.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RAPISCAN SYSTEMS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $10.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-28. End: 2026-06-30.

What specific technological advancements does this low energy portal offer compared to existing systems, and how will these translate to improved operational efficiency or security effectiveness?

The provided data does not detail the specific technological advancements of this 'low energy portal.' Further analysis would require access to the technical specifications and performance requirements outlined in the contract. Understanding these details is crucial to assessing if the new technology offers a significant improvement over current systems in terms of speed, accuracy, or the type of threats it can detect, ultimately impacting operational efficiency and security effectiveness.

Given the specialized nature of irradiation apparatus, what are the potential long-term risks associated with maintenance, calibration, and the eventual obsolescence of this technology?

Specialized equipment like irradiation apparatus often requires highly trained personnel for maintenance and calibration, potentially leading to high service costs and reliance on specific vendors. There's also a risk of technological obsolescence, where newer, more effective systems emerge, rendering the current investment less valuable. The government should have a clear plan for ongoing support, upgrades, and eventual replacement to mitigate these long-term risks and ensure sustained operational capability.

How will the effectiveness of this low energy portal be measured and validated post-deployment to ensure it meets the intended security and operational objectives for the Gordie Howe International Bri

The effectiveness of the portal will likely be measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) established during the contract's performance period. These could include metrics such as inspection throughput, detection rates for prohibited items, system uptime, and reduction in false positives. Regular performance reviews and independent testing will be essential to validate that the portal meets its intended security and operational objectives and provides a tangible return on the $10.7 million investment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Irradiation Apparatus Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: OSI Systems, Inc.

Address: 2805 COLUMBIA ST, TORRANCE, CA, 90503

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,727,100

Exercised Options: $10,727,100

Current Obligation: $10,727,100

Actual Outlays: $6,199,086

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70B03C21D00000037

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline