Homeland Security awards $2.06M for biodefense analysis and countermeasures support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,060,232 ($2.1M)

Contractor: THE Whitestone Group, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-06-01

End Date: 2025-09-30

Contract Duration: 121 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ARMED PSO BASIC/TAS SERVICES - NATIONAL BIODEFENSE ANALYSIS AND COUNTERMEASURES CENTER (NBACC) FT. DETRICK, MD - SECTION 2(D)

Place of Performance

Location: FREDERICK, FREDERICK County, MARYLAND, 21702

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $2.1 million to THE WHITESTONE GROUP, INC. for work described as: ARMED PSO BASIC/TAS SERVICES - NATIONAL BIODEFENSE ANALYSIS AND COUNTERMEASURES CENTER (NBACC) FT. DETRICK, MD - SECTION 2(D) Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical national biodefense analysis and countermeasures. 2. The Whitestone Group, Inc. is the awarded contractor. 3. Contract duration is approximately 4 months. 4. This is a delivery order under a larger contract. 5. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, indicating defined costs. 6. The procurement was conducted via full and open competition after exclusion of sources.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The awarded amount of $2.06 million for a 4-month period for specialized biodefense analysis and countermeasures services appears reasonable given the critical nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar contracts for national security and biodefense support indicates that pricing for specialized analytical services can vary significantly, but this award falls within expected ranges for expert consultation and analysis. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded using 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' This suggests that while the competition was intended to be broad, specific sources may have been excluded based on pre-defined criteria or prior performance. The exact number of bidders is not specified, but the 'exclusion of sources' phrasing implies a more targeted approach than a completely unrestricted competition, potentially limiting the breadth of market participation.

Taxpayer Impact: While the competition was not fully unrestricted, the 'full and open' aspect suggests an effort to solicit from qualified sources. The exclusion of certain sources could potentially impact the most competitive pricing, but the government likely aimed to secure specialized expertise.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are national security agencies and public health organizations requiring advanced biodefense analysis. Services delivered include critical analysis and support for biodefense countermeasures. The geographic impact is national, focusing on federal biodefense initiatives. Workforce implications include the need for highly specialized analysts and scientists.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition details may obscure potential cost savings.
Short contract duration could indicate a need for ongoing, potentially re-competed services.

Positive Signals

Focus on critical national biodefense capabilities.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides budget predictability.
Award to a single entity suggests specialized expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the national security and public health sectors, specifically focusing on biodefense analysis and countermeasures. The market for such specialized services is relatively niche, involving a limited number of highly qualified contractors with expertise in biological threats, national security, and advanced scientific analysis. Spending in this area is driven by evolving global health security concerns and the need for robust preparedness.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans is not explicitly provided for this specific delivery order. Given the specialized nature of biodefense analysis, it is possible that the prime contractor possesses unique capabilities, and subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may be limited unless specific requirements are identified.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Homeland Security's procurement and program management offices. The firm-fixed-price nature of the award provides a degree of accountability regarding cost. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though specific performance metrics and detailed oversight reports may not be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

National Biodefense Strategy
Department of Homeland Security Research and Development
Public Health Emergency Preparedness

Risk Flags

Limited competition details
Short contract duration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $2.1 million to THE WHITESTONE GROUP, INC.. ARMED PSO BASIC/TAS SERVICES - NATIONAL BIODEFENSE ANALYSIS AND COUNTERMEASURES CENTER (NBACC) FT. DETRICK, MD - SECTION 2(D)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE WHITESTONE GROUP, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Office of Procurement Operations).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-06-01. End: 2025-09-30.

What is the track record of The Whitestone Group, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly in security and biodefense services?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that The Whitestone Group, Inc. has a history of receiving federal contracts, primarily within the security and professional services domains. While specific details on their biodefense expertise require deeper investigation, their past awards suggest experience in providing services to government agencies. Analyzing the value, duration, and agencies served by their previous contracts can provide insight into their performance and capacity to handle complex requirements like those for the National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC).

How does the awarded amount compare to similar contracts for biodefense analysis and security services?

Benchmarking this $2.06 million award for a 4-month period requires comparing it to contracts with similar scope, duration, and complexity within the biodefense and national security sectors. Contracts for specialized scientific analysis, threat assessment, and biosecurity support can range widely in price depending on the specific deliverables, required expertise, and the level of security clearance involved. Without direct comparable contracts for NBACC services, it's challenging to provide a precise benchmark, but the amount appears consistent with specialized federal support services.

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

Key risks for this contract include potential gaps in specialized expertise, contractor performance issues, and the possibility of scope creep if requirements are not clearly defined. Mitigation strategies likely involve rigorous contractor vetting, clear performance work statements, regular progress reviews, and the firm-fixed-price structure which incentivizes the contractor to manage costs. The limited competition aspect could also pose a risk if it leads to less competitive pricing or fewer innovative solutions.

What is the historical spending pattern for biodefense analysis and countermeasures support by the Department of Homeland Security?

Historical spending by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on biodefense analysis and countermeasures support reflects a consistent commitment to national security and public health preparedness. While specific figures fluctuate annually based on threat assessments and program priorities, DHS consistently allocates significant resources to research, development, and operational support in this area. This contract represents a component of that broader, ongoing investment in safeguarding against biological threats.

What is the significance of the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' procurement method for this contract?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method indicates that the government initially intended to compete the contract broadly but subsequently excluded certain potential offerors. This could be due to various reasons, such as prior performance issues with specific contractors, the need for highly specialized capabilities possessed by only a few, or national security considerations. While it aims for broad competition among the remaining qualified sources, it suggests a more tailored approach than a completely unrestricted solicitation, potentially impacting the number of bids received and the ultimate price competitiveness.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Investigation and Security Services › Security Guards and Patrol Services

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6422 E MAIN ST STE 101, REYNOLDSBURG, OH, 43068

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,060,232

Exercised Options: $2,060,232

Current Obligation: $2,060,232

Actual Outlays: $1,477,482

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70RFP324DE3000001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline