DHS Awards $17.4M for Unscheduled Baggage Screening Equipment Services to Vertex Aerospace

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,438,134 ($17.4M)

Contractor: Vertex Aerospace LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2021-06-30

End Date: 2026-06-29

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THIS TASK ORDER IS FOR AD-HOC DEPLOYMENT SERVICES RELATED TO THE UNSCHEDULED AND UNPLANNED DEPLOYMENT OF CHECKED BAGGAGE SCREENING EQUIPMENT.

Place of Performance

Location: STERLING, LOUDOUN County, VIRGINIA, 20166

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $17.4 million to VERTEX AEROSPACE LLC for work described as: THIS TASK ORDER IS FOR AD-HOC DEPLOYMENT SERVICES RELATED TO THE UNSCHEDULED AND UNPLANNED DEPLOYMENT OF CHECKED BAGGAGE SCREENING EQUIPMENT. Key points: 1. Spending focuses on critical, unplanned security equipment deployment. 2. Vertex Aerospace secures a significant contract for specialized services. 3. Potential risks include the ad-hoc nature of deployments and equipment reliability. 4. The IT and Engineering Services sector sees continued investment in security infrastructure.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $17.4M for 5 years of service appears reasonable given the specialized nature of ad-hoc deployment for critical screening equipment. Benchmarking is difficult without specific service level agreements and detailed scope, but the firm fixed-price structure suggests defined expectations.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method is expected to yield fair pricing and ensure the government receives the best value by considering multiple qualified vendors.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for essential security equipment services.

Public Impact

Enhanced airport security through timely deployment of screening equipment. Supports the Transportation Security Administration's mission to protect air travel. Potential for improved passenger experience with reliable baggage screening.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Ad-hoc nature of services may lead to unpredictable costs.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical, unplanned deployments.
Potential for scope creep if 'unscheduled' needs become frequent.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Full and open competition suggests competitive pricing.
Long-term contract (5 years) allows for vendor relationship building.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting critical infrastructure for homeland security. Spending in this area is often driven by evolving threats and the need for advanced security technologies, with benchmarks varying widely based on project scope and duration.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if opportunities were missed.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a delivery order under a larger agreement, suggesting it has undergone initial review. Ongoing oversight will be crucial to manage the ad-hoc nature of the services and ensure performance meets TSA requirements.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
Transportation Security Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to 'ad-hoc' nature.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical, unplanned support.
Lack of clear definition for 'unscheduled' events.
Limited visibility into subcontractor performance if applicable.
Potential for scope creep if 'ad-hoc' becomes the norm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $17.4 million to VERTEX AEROSPACE LLC. THIS TASK ORDER IS FOR AD-HOC DEPLOYMENT SERVICES RELATED TO THE UNSCHEDULED AND UNPLANNED DEPLOYMENT OF CHECKED BAGGAGE SCREENING EQUIPMENT.

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 $17.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-06-30. End: 2026-06-29.

What is the specific definition of 'ad-hoc deployment' and how are these needs identified and prioritized to ensure efficient resource allocation?

The term 'ad-hoc deployment' likely refers to reactive and unplanned installations or maintenance of checked baggage screening equipment, triggered by equipment failures, urgent security needs, or unforeseen operational demands. The TSA would typically have protocols for identifying, validating, and prioritizing these deployments based on risk assessments and operational impact. Clear communication channels and defined escalation procedures are essential for managing such reactive services effectively and preventing unnecessary expenditures.

How does the firm fixed-price structure account for the inherent unpredictability of 'unscheduled and unplanned' service needs?

The firm fixed-price (FFP) structure in this context likely covers a defined scope of potential ad-hoc services, possibly with pre-negotiated rates for labor, travel, and materials. While FFP aims for cost certainty, the 'unscheduled' nature implies that the total cost could fluctuate based on the frequency and complexity of deployments. The contract may include provisions for change orders or specific task order ceilings to manage variations, but careful monitoring of service utilization is key to controlling overall expenditure.

What performance metrics and reporting requirements are in place to ensure Vertex Aerospace delivers effective services for critical screening equipment?

Effective oversight would necessitate clear performance metrics (e.g., response time, successful deployment rate, equipment uptime post-deployment) and regular reporting from Vertex Aerospace. The TSA would likely require detailed logs of all service calls, actions taken, and outcomes. Periodic performance reviews would assess adherence to these metrics, ensuring the contractor's services contribute to the operational readiness and security effectiveness of the baggage screening systems.

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: $17,438,134

Exercised Options: $17,438,134

Current Obligation: $17,438,134

Actual Outlays: $10,530,129

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70T04021D7672N001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline