DHS awards $12.5M for video surveillance systems, highlighting Sentrillion Corp's role in border security

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,487,148 ($12.5M)

Contractor: Sentrillion Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2024-04-15

End Date: 2025-04-22

Contract Duration: 372 days

Daily Burn Rate: $33.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: BORDER SECURITY DEPLOYMENT PROGRAM CENTRALIZED AREA VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS FOR BSDP PROGRAM AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND BSDP OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCES SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: LAREDO, WEBB County, TEXAS, 78045

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $12.5 million to SENTRILLION CORPORATION for work described as: BORDER SECURITY DEPLOYMENT PROGRAM CENTRALIZED AREA VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS FOR BSDP PROGRAM AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND BSDP OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCES SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair, with a firm-fixed-price contract aiming to control costs. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, with contract duration and fixed-price terms needing careful monitoring. 4. Performance context is tied to critical border security operations, demanding high reliability. 5. Sector positioning places this contract within the IT and security services domain for federal agencies.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $12.5 million for computer systems design services is within a typical range for federal IT procurements of this nature. The firm-fixed-price structure suggests an attempt to establish clear cost expectations. Benchmarking against similar video surveillance and system integration contracts within DHS or other agencies would provide a more precise value assessment, but initial indications suggest a standard market rate is being applied.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This process is designed to foster a competitive environment, which typically leads to better pricing and innovation for the government. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation is a positive sign for price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by ensuring that the government receives the best possible value through a wide range of offers, potentially driving down costs.

Public Impact

The Department of Homeland Security, specifically U.S. Customs and Border Protection, is the primary beneficiary. Services delivered include the design, implementation, and maintenance of centralized area video surveillance systems. The geographic impact is focused on border security operations, likely within Texas where the contract is managed. Workforce implications may involve specialized IT and security personnel for system deployment and support.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in system integration projects.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical surveillance infrastructure.
Ensuring ongoing system maintenance and upgrades meet evolving threats.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract helps control costs.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process.
Clear definition of services for video surveillance systems.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology and Professional Services sector, specifically focusing on computer systems design and integration. The market for federal IT services is substantial, with agencies like DHS being major consumers. This contract for video surveillance systems is a common requirement for border security and law enforcement agencies, aligning with broader trends in government spending on security and surveillance technology.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (sb: false) and there is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary award went to a larger entity, and opportunities for small businesses would likely be through subcontracting if mandated or pursued by the prime contractor, Sentrillion Corporation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms and performance expectations. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases like FPDS, where contract awards are reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Border Security Technology
Surveillance Systems Procurement
Department of Homeland Security IT Services
Customs and Border Protection Technology Modernization

Risk Flags

Potential for cybersecurity risks
Dependence on contractor performance
Need for robust system integration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $12.5 million to SENTRILLION CORPORATION. BORDER SECURITY DEPLOYMENT PROGRAM CENTRALIZED AREA VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS FOR BSDP PROGRAM AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND BSDP OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCES SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SENTRILLION CORPORATION.

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 $12.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-04-15. End: 2025-04-22.

What is Sentrillion Corporation's track record with federal contracts, particularly within DHS?

Sentrillion Corporation has a history of receiving federal contracts, primarily with agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice. Their contract portfolio often includes services related to information technology, security systems, and program management. Analyzing their past performance ratings, any contract disputes, and the types of services previously rendered can provide insight into their reliability and capability. For instance, prior contracts with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for similar surveillance or IT infrastructure projects would be highly relevant. A review of their award history indicates a consistent engagement with federal clients, suggesting a level of established performance, though specific details on quality and timeliness for each contract would require deeper investigation into performance reports and agency feedback.

How does the $12.5 million value compare to similar video surveillance system contracts awarded by DHS?

The $12.5 million award for centralized area video surveillance systems by DHS is a moderate-sized contract within the federal IT procurement landscape. To benchmark its value effectively, comparisons should be made with similar contracts for video surveillance, system integration, and IT support services awarded by DHS or other agencies like the General Services Administration (GSA) over the past 2-3 years. Factors such as the scope of services (e.g., hardware provision, software development, installation, maintenance), the number of locations covered, and the duration of the contract are crucial for a fair comparison. If similar contracts for comparable scope and duration were awarded in the $10-$15 million range, this award would be considered within market norms. Conversely, if comparable contracts were significantly lower or higher, it might indicate either exceptional value or potential overpricing.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks for this contract include potential technical challenges in integrating diverse video surveillance components, cybersecurity vulnerabilities inherent in networked systems, and the possibility of cost overruns if the firm-fixed-price structure is not rigorously managed. Performance risks also exist, as the reliability of surveillance systems is critical for border security operations. Mitigation strategies likely involve detailed technical specifications, robust cybersecurity protocols mandated in the contract, and close project management by CBP officials. The firm-fixed-price nature itself acts as a cost mitigation tool, shifting some financial risk to the contractor. Furthermore, the contract's duration and performance metrics will be key oversight tools to ensure timely and effective delivery.

What is the expected effectiveness of these video surveillance systems in enhancing border security operations?

The effectiveness of these video surveillance systems is expected to significantly enhance border security operations by providing real-time visual monitoring of critical areas. These systems can improve situational awareness for border patrol agents, enabling faster response times to incursions or illicit activities. Advanced features such as high-resolution imaging, night vision, and potentially integrated analytics (like motion detection or object recognition) can extend surveillance capabilities beyond human observation. By centralizing video feeds and management, the systems should streamline data collection and analysis, aiding in intelligence gathering and operational planning. The ultimate effectiveness will depend on the quality of the technology deployed, its integration with existing command and control systems, and the training provided to personnel operating the systems.

How has federal spending on border security technology, specifically surveillance, evolved over the past five years?

Federal spending on border security technology, particularly surveillance systems, has seen a consistent and often increasing trend over the past five years, driven by national security priorities and evolving technological capabilities. Agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have prioritized investments in advanced surveillance solutions, including fixed and mobile cameras, sensors, drones, and integrated command centers. This evolution reflects a shift towards more technologically sophisticated border management, moving beyond traditional physical barriers. Funding allocations for such technologies are often part of larger appropriations bills for the Department of Homeland Security, with specific programs detailing investments in areas like the Border Security Deployment Program (BSDP). The trend indicates a sustained commitment to leveraging technology to enhance border monitoring and interdiction efforts.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - DATA CENTER

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 117 S 1ST ST STE 101, SIERRA VISTA, AZ, 85635

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $12,487,158

Exercised Options: $12,487,158

Current Obligation: $12,487,148

Actual Outlays: $12,486,480

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70B04C22A00000025

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline