DHS Awards $2.89M for Lab Development to Signature Science LLC Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,892,049 ($2.9M)
Contractor: Signature Science LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2024-08-05
End Date: 2027-04-09
Contract Duration: 977 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THIS IS A NEW TASK ORDER FOR BULK DETECTION LABORATORY AND SIMULANT DEVELOPMENT LABORATORY.
Place of Performance
Location: EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, ATLANTIC County, NEW JERSEY, 08234
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $2.9 million to SIGNATURE SCIENCE LLC for work described as: THIS IS A NEW TASK ORDER FOR BULK DETECTION LABORATORY AND SIMULANT DEVELOPMENT LABORATORY. Key points: 1. The contract focuses on crucial laboratory and simulant development for detection capabilities. 2. Signature Science LLC, a known entity in R&D, secured this delivery order. 3. The award was made through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The sector is R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, a critical area for national security.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a Time and Materials type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The total award amount is $2.89M, but the final cost will depend on actual hours and material usage.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders likely participated. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests taxpayers are likely receiving a fair price for the services rendered, though the Time and Materials structure warrants monitoring.
Public Impact
Enhances national security through advanced detection laboratory capabilities. Supports research and development in critical scientific fields. Potential for follow-on work based on successful development.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost uncertainty.
- Specific details on simulant development effectiveness are not yet available.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Supports critical R&D for Homeland Security.
- Long-term contract duration allows for thorough development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is vital for technological advancement and national security, with benchmarks varying widely based on project scope and complexity.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the awardee, Signature Science LLC, is not listed as a small business in this context. Therefore, there is no direct small business participation evident in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The award is a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle. Oversight will focus on the contractor's adherence to the Time and Materials terms, ensuring efficient use of resources and timely delivery of laboratory capabilities.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- Office of Procurement Operations Programs
Risk Flags
- Time and Materials contract type.
- Potential for scope creep.
- Dependence on contractor's technical expertise.
- Long duration may introduce unforeseen challenges.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-homeland-security, nj, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $2.9 million to SIGNATURE SCIENCE LLC. THIS IS A NEW TASK ORDER FOR BULK DETECTION LABORATORY AND SIMULANT DEVELOPMENT LABORATORY.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SIGNATURE SCIENCE LLC.
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 $2.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-08-05. End: 2027-04-09.
What is the projected cost-effectiveness of the simulant development given the Time and Materials contract structure?
The cost-effectiveness of the simulant development under a Time and Materials contract is inherently uncertain. While full and open competition aims for competitive pricing, the final cost depends heavily on the hours expended and materials used. Effective oversight and clear task definitions are crucial to mitigate potential cost overruns and ensure value for taxpayer money.
What are the specific risks associated with the 'bulk detection laboratory' development and how are they being mitigated?
Risks associated with developing a bulk detection laboratory could include technical challenges in achieving desired sensitivity and specificity, integration issues with existing systems, and potential delays in simulant development. Mitigation strategies would involve rigorous testing protocols, phased development, clear performance metrics, and close collaboration between the government and Signature Science LLC throughout the project lifecycle.
How will the effectiveness of the developed laboratory and simulants be measured to ensure they meet Department of Homeland Security's operational needs?
Effectiveness will be measured against predefined performance metrics and operational requirements outlined in the contract. This likely includes validation testing using a range of simulated threats, comparison against established benchmarks, and user acceptance testing by relevant DHS components. Regular progress reviews and milestone assessments will ensure alignment with the agency's mission objectives.
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
Solicitation ID: 70RSAT24R00000015
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Signature Science, LLC
Address: 8329 N MOPAC EXPY, AUSTIN, TX, 78759
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $7,916,342
Exercised Options: $3,783,798
Current Obligation: $2,892,049
Actual Outlays: $1,778,732
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $61,172
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 70RSAT23D00000003
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-08-05
Current End Date: 2027-04-09
Potential End Date: 2027-04-09 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-13
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