DHS Awards $73M for Screening Equipment Services to Vertex Aerospace LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $73,239,138 ($73.2M)
Contractor: Vertex Aerospace LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2021-06-30
End Date: 2026-07-06
Contract Duration: 1,832 days
Daily Burn Rate: $40.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Transportation
Official Description: SCREENING EQUIPMENT DEPLOYMENT SERVICES (SEDS) INLINE CHECKED BAGGAGE (CB)
Place of Performance
Location: STERLING, LOUDOUN County, VIRGINIA, 20166
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $73.2 million to VERTEX AEROSPACE LLC for work described as: SCREENING EQUIPMENT DEPLOYMENT SERVICES (SEDS) INLINE CHECKED BAGGAGE (CB) Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Vertex Aerospace LLC for $73.2M. 2. Full and open competition was utilized. 3. Services are for screening equipment deployment. 4. Contract duration is over 1800 days. 5. No small business participation noted.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award amount of $73.2M over approximately 5 years suggests a significant investment in screening technology. Benchmarking against similar large-scale deployment contracts would be necessary for a precise value assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The use of full and open competition is a positive indicator for price discovery. This method allows multiple vendors to bid, theoretically driving down costs and ensuring fair market pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive bidding process is expected to yield a fair price for taxpayers, ensuring value for money in the deployment of essential screening equipment.
Public Impact
Enhances airport security screening capabilities. Supports the Department of Homeland Security's mission. Impacts passenger experience and efficiency at airports. Potential for technological advancements in baggage screening.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- No small business participation.
- Long contract duration may lead to scope creep.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition.
- Clear service requirement.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within engineering services, specifically related to transportation security infrastructure. Benchmarks for similar large-scale technology deployment and maintenance contracts in the transportation sector would be relevant.
Small Business Impact
The contract data indicates no specific set-aside for small businesses, and the prime contractor is not identified as a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Homeland Security, through the Transportation Security Administration, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for large federal contracts should be in place.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- Transportation Security Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of small business participation.
- Long contract duration.
- Potential for vendor lock-in.
- Dependence on specific technology.
Tags
engineering-services, department-of-homeland-security, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $73.2 million to VERTEX AEROSPACE LLC. SCREENING EQUIPMENT DEPLOYMENT SERVICES (SEDS) INLINE CHECKED BAGGAGE (CB)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is VERTEX AEROSPACE LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $73.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-06-30. End: 2026-07-06.
What is the specific scope of 'screening equipment deployment services' and how does it align with current TSA operational needs?
The 'screening equipment deployment services' likely encompass the installation, configuration, testing, and potentially initial maintenance of inline checked baggage screening systems. This aligns with the TSA's ongoing efforts to modernize and enhance airport security infrastructure, ensuring compliance with evolving threat landscapes and operational efficiency goals.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract and how will Vertex Aerospace LLC's performance be measured?
Key performance indicators would typically include successful deployment timelines, system uptime and reliability post-installation, adherence to technical specifications, and responsiveness to any issues. The TSA would likely have a detailed performance work statement outlining these metrics and the associated evaluation criteria for Vertex Aerospace LLC.
Are there any potential risks associated with relying on a single vendor for deployment services over a multi-year period, even with full and open competition?
While full and open competition mitigates initial pricing risks, a long-term reliance on one vendor for deployment can introduce risks such as vendor lock-in, potential for reduced innovation if the vendor's focus shifts, and challenges in adapting to unforeseen technological advancements not covered by the contract's scope.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 555 INDUSTRIAL DR S, MADISON, MS, 39110
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $73,239,138
Exercised Options: $73,239,138
Current Obligation: $73,239,138
Actual Outlays: $38,904,088
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 70T04021D7672N001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-06-30
Current End Date: 2026-07-06
Potential End Date: 2026-07-06 02:55:12
Last Modified: 2025-08-07
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