DHS awards $4.1M for advanced photon counting CT, a key R&D initiative

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,141,958 ($4.1M)

Contractor: Analogic Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2023-09-30

End Date: 2026-07-29

Contract Duration: 1,033 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: ADVANCED PHOTON COUNTING COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

Place of Performance

Location: PEABODY, ESSEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01960

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $4.1 million to ANALOGIC CORP for work described as: ADVANCED PHOTON COUNTING COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY Key points: 1. Contract supports critical research and development in advanced imaging technology. 2. Full and open competition suggests a robust market for this specialized service. 3. Fixed-price contract structure aims to control costs and ensure predictable spending. 4. The contract duration of over 3 years indicates a significant, long-term project. 5. Focus on physical, engineering, and life sciences R&D aligns with national security objectives.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $4.1 million for advanced photon counting CT technology appears reasonable given the specialized nature of R&D in this field. Benchmarking against similar advanced imaging research contracts is challenging due to the niche application, but the fixed-price structure provides cost certainty. The award to Analogic Corp, a known entity in medical imaging, suggests a degree of confidence in their capabilities to deliver on this complex project.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors were likely solicited and had the opportunity to bid. The presence of a competitive process is a positive sign for price discovery and ensures that the government is likely receiving a fair market price for the advanced technology and research services. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the competition type suggests a healthy market.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down costs through market forces and ensuring that the most capable and cost-effective solutions are considered.

Public Impact

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is the primary beneficiary, enhancing its technological capabilities. The contract will deliver advancements in computed tomography (CT) imaging technology. The geographic impact is primarily within Massachusetts, where Analogic Corp is based. Workforce implications may include specialized engineers and researchers in the imaging technology sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if R&D proves more complex than anticipated, despite fixed-price.
Dependence on a single contractor (Analogic Corp) for critical technology development.
Risk of technological obsolescence if advancements in the field outpace project development.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Award to an established company (Analogic Corp) with relevant expertise.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive market and potential for innovation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced physical sciences and engineering applications. The market for advanced medical imaging and detection technologies is highly specialized and competitive, driven by both commercial and government needs. Spending in this area is crucial for national security and public safety applications, often involving significant investment in innovation and cutting-edge technology development.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary focus was on large business capabilities. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses, which could be a missed opportunity to engage the small business ecosystem in this specialized R&D effort.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of Homeland Security's contracting officers and program managers. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases. Specific Inspector General jurisdiction would depend on the DHS component agency overseeing the R&D, but the IG's office generally has oversight over federal spending to ensure efficiency and prevent fraud.

Related Government Programs

Advanced Medical Imaging Research
Homeland Security Technology Development
Computed Tomography Innovations
Physical Sciences R&D Contracts

Risk Flags

Long-term R&D project with inherent uncertainty.
Potential for technological obsolescence.
Dependence on contractor's specialized expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $4.1 million to ANALOGIC CORP. ADVANCED PHOTON COUNTING COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ANALOGIC CORP.

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 $4.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-30. End: 2026-07-29.

What is the specific application of this advanced photon counting CT technology for the Department of Homeland Security?

While the specific application is not detailed in the provided data, advanced photon counting computed tomography (CT) technology offers significant advantages over conventional CT. These include improved image quality, reduced radiation dose, and enhanced material differentiation. For DHS, this could translate to more effective threat detection (e.g., in cargo screening, explosive detection), improved forensic analysis, or advanced medical support capabilities for personnel. The R&D focus suggests the technology is still under development for these specific operational uses.

How does the $4.1 million contract value compare to similar R&D efforts in advanced imaging?

Direct comparison of the $4.1 million contract value to similar R&D efforts in advanced imaging is challenging without access to proprietary contract databases and specific project scopes. However, R&D in cutting-edge technologies like photon counting CT is inherently expensive due to the specialized expertise, equipment, and long development cycles required. For a multi-year R&D project focused on a novel imaging modality, $4.1 million appears to be within a reasonable range, especially considering it's a definitive contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting market validation of the proposed cost.

What are the key performance indicators or milestones expected for this contract?

The provided data does not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) or milestones for this contract. Typically, R&D contracts of this nature would include phased milestones tied to technological development, prototype creation, testing, and validation. These might include achieving specific image resolution targets, demonstrating detection capabilities for certain materials, or successfully integrating the technology into a functional system. The contracting officer's representative (COR) and program managers within DHS would be responsible for monitoring progress against these defined objectives.

What is Analogic Corp's track record in developing advanced imaging technologies for government contracts?

Analogic Corp has a significant history and established reputation in the development and manufacturing of medical imaging equipment, including CT scanners. While the provided data focuses on this specific contract, Analogic's broader portfolio includes components and systems for various imaging modalities. Their experience in the commercial medical device sector suggests a strong foundation in the underlying technologies. Further investigation into their past government contracts, particularly those involving R&D or advanced sensor technology, would provide a more complete picture of their track record in this specific domain.

What is the risk associated with the long contract duration (over 3 years) for an R&D project?

A long duration for an R&D project, such as this 1033-day contract (approx. 2.8 years), carries inherent risks. Technological advancements can occur rapidly, potentially making the developed solution obsolete before completion or deployment. Furthermore, R&D outcomes are uncertain; the project might encounter unforeseen technical challenges that delay progress or prove insurmountable, impacting the final deliverable. Managing these risks requires robust project management, clear communication channels, and flexibility to adapt to evolving technological landscapes and research findings.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8, CENTENNIAL DRIVE, PEABODY, MA, 01960

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: $5,059,153

Exercised Options: $4,141,958

Current Obligation: $4,141,958

Actual Outlays: $2,379,375

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline