DHS awards $11.16M for TSL Certification Test Support, Battelle Memorial Institute to provide engineering services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,163,983 ($11.2M)

Contractor: Battelle Memorial Institute

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2023-09-28

End Date: 2026-09-27

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: TSL CERTIFICATION TEST SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: ATLANTIC CITY, ATLANTIC County, NEW JERSEY, 08405

State: New Jersey Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $11.2 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE for work described as: TSL CERTIFICATION TEST SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the 3-year duration and specialized nature of testing services. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, with performance dependent on specialized engineering expertise. 4. Performance context is tied to ensuring compliance and safety through rigorous testing. 5. Sector positioning is within engineering services supporting critical government functions.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's value of approximately $11.16 million over three years for TSL Certification Test Support services is within a reasonable range for specialized engineering and testing. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for technical testing and certification reveals comparable pricing structures. The time and materials pricing model, while offering flexibility, necessitates careful monitoring to ensure cost efficiency and prevent scope creep. The overall value proposition hinges on the successful delivery of accurate and reliable test results.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the nature of the competition suggests a robust process aimed at achieving the best value for the government. A full and open competition generally fosters price discovery and encourages contractors to offer competitive rates to secure the award.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining services at a competitive price, maximizing the return on investment for public funds.

Public Impact

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) benefits from this contract by ensuring the certification and testing of critical technologies. Services delivered include specialized engineering and testing to support TSL certification processes. The geographic impact is primarily centered in New Jersey, where the contractor is located. Workforce implications involve the utilization of skilled engineers and technical personnel for testing and analysis.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if time and materials are not closely managed.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical testing services could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process.
Contract duration of three years provides stability for service delivery.
Contractor has a track record in providing technical and engineering services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting government testing and certification requirements. The market for specialized engineering services supporting national security and regulatory compliance is substantial. Comparable spending benchmarks in this area often reflect the complexity and criticality of the testing involved. This contract represents a focused investment by DHS to ensure the integrity and safety of technologies under its purview.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside requirement for this award (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses through subcontracting opportunities is not explicitly detailed. However, the prime contractor, Battelle Memorial Institute, may engage small businesses as subcontractors, depending on their internal procurement practices and the specific needs of the testing services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the relevant contracting officers and program managers within the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Procurement Operations. Accountability measures are typically embedded in the contract's performance work statement, with deliverables and milestones subject to review. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance metrics may not always be publicly disclosed. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Homeland Security Technology Testing
Engineering and Technical Services
Product Certification and Compliance

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns with Time and Materials contract type.
Dependence on specialized contractor expertise.
Scope definition clarity for testing parameters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $11.2 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE. TSL CERTIFICATION TEST SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE.

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 $11.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-28. End: 2026-09-27.

What is Battelle Memorial Institute's track record with government contracts, particularly within DHS?

Battelle Memorial Institute is a well-established research and development organization with extensive experience in government contracting across various agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). They have a history of performing complex technical services, scientific research, and engineering support. While specific details of their past performance on similar DHS contracts are not provided in this data snippet, their general reputation and broad portfolio suggest a capacity to handle specialized testing and certification requirements. A deeper dive into their contract history with DHS would reveal specific project successes, challenges, and overall performance ratings, which are crucial for assessing their reliability on this current TSL Certification Test Support Services contract.

How does the $11.16 million contract value compare to similar TSL certification testing services procured by the government?

The $11.16 million contract value for TSL Certification Test Support services over three years, awarded to Battelle Memorial Institute by DHS, needs to be benchmarked against similar procurements. Without specific details on the scope of 'TSL certification' and the exact nature of the testing required, a precise comparison is challenging. However, specialized engineering and testing services for critical government functions often range from several hundred thousand to tens of millions of dollars, depending on complexity, duration, and required expertise. Factors such as the number of tests, types of technologies certified, and the rigor of the standards applied significantly influence cost. This contract's value appears moderate for a multi-year, specialized government service, suggesting it is likely competitive within its niche.

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

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential cost overruns due to the time and materials (T&M) pricing structure, performance issues if the specialized engineering expertise is not adequately applied, and potential delays in certification processes impacting downstream operations. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust project management by DHS, including detailed monitoring of labor hours and material costs, clear performance metrics and milestones in the contract's statement of work, and regular progress reviews with Battelle Memorial Institute. The selection of a reputable contractor like Battelle, with a history in technical services, also serves as a risk mitigation factor. Furthermore, the full and open competition process aims to ensure that the chosen contractor is capable and competitive.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' approach in ensuring value for money for this specific type of service?

The 'full and open competition' approach is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value for money in government contracting, as it allows multiple qualified vendors to bid, fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation. For specialized engineering services like TSL Certification Test Support, this approach is crucial. It ensures that DHS receives proposals from a wide range of potential providers, allowing for a thorough evaluation of technical capabilities, past performance, and price. While the data does not specify the number of bidders, the process itself increases the likelihood that the selected contractor, Battelle Memorial Institute, offered the best combination of technical merit and cost-effectiveness available in the market at the time of award. This competitive pressure helps prevent overpayment and ensures taxpayer funds are used efficiently.

What are the historical spending patterns for TSL Certification Test Support services within DHS or similar agencies?

Historical spending patterns for TSL Certification Test Support services within DHS or similar agencies are not detailed in the provided data. However, understanding these patterns would involve analyzing past contracts for similar testing, certification, and engineering support functions. Trends might include fluctuations based on evolving technological standards, changes in regulatory requirements, or shifts in agency priorities. Agencies like DHS often have consistent needs for such services to ensure the security and compliance of various systems and technologies. Analyzing historical data would reveal average contract values, durations, common contractors, and the prevalence of different contract types (e.g., fixed-price vs. T&M), providing context for the current $11.16 million award and its potential long-term implications.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 70RSAT23Q00000008

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 505 KING AVE, COLUMBUS, OH, 43201

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,183,352

Exercised Options: $11,163,983

Current Obligation: $11,163,983

Actual Outlays: $6,580,650

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 5

Total Subaward Amount: $1,669,898

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADU102

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline