DHS awards $20.8M contract for 33 airport radiation detection units to Leidos

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,778,507 ($20.8M)

Contractor: Leidos Security Detection & Automation, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2023-09-28

End Date: 2027-09-27

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF 33 MSEDS UNITS AT VARIOUS AIRPORTS

Place of Performance

Location: TEWKSBURY, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01876

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $20.8 million to LEIDOS SECURITY DETECTION & AUTOMATION, INC. for work described as: PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF 33 MSEDS UNITS AT VARIOUS AIRPORTS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Leidos Security Detection & Automation, Inc. for $20.8 million. 2. The purchase includes 33 MSEDS units for installation at various airports. 3. This falls under the Irradiation Apparatus Manufacturing sector. 4. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, indicating price certainty.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $20.8 million for 33 units suggests a per-unit cost of approximately $630,000. This pricing appears reasonable for advanced security detection equipment, though specific benchmarks for MSEDS units would provide a more precise comparison.

Cost Per Unit: $630,000 (estimated)

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing and allows for a broad range of potential bidders. This method is expected to yield fair market value for the required equipment.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by securing the best possible price for necessary security equipment.

Public Impact

Enhanced airport security through advanced radiation detection technology. Improved passenger screening and threat detection capabilities at airports. Potential for faster processing times with new equipment. Investment in national security infrastructure.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Positive Signals

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Irradiation Apparatus Manufacturing sector, specifically for security detection systems. Spending in this area is critical for national security and airport safety. Benchmarks for similar large-scale security equipment procurements would be useful for further cost analysis.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small businesses were not directly awarded this contract, as it went to Leidos Security Detection & Automation, Inc. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration. Oversight will be crucial to ensure timely installation, proper functioning of the MSEDS units, and adherence to the contract terms.

Related Government Programs

Risk Flags

Tags

irradiation-apparatus-manufacturing, department-of-homeland-security, ma, definitive-contract, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $20.8 million to LEIDOS SECURITY DETECTION & AUTOMATION, INC.. PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF 33 MSEDS UNITS AT VARIOUS AIRPORTS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LEIDOS SECURITY DETECTION & AUTOMATION, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $20.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-28. End: 2027-09-27.

What is the specific performance capability of the 33 MSEDS units being procured, and how does it compare to existing or alternative technologies?

The specific performance capabilities of the 33 MSEDS units are not detailed in the provided data. However, MSEDS (Multi-Scenario Emission Detection System) typically refers to advanced radiation detection technology designed to identify a wide range of radioactive threats. A comparative analysis against existing technologies would assess factors like detection sensitivity, speed, false alarm rates, and operational ease to determine if this procurement represents a significant technological advancement or a necessary upgrade.

What are the potential risks associated with the 4-year installation period (2023-2027) for these 33 units across various airports?

The extended 4-year installation period presents several risks. These include potential delays due to logistical challenges at different airports, unforeseen technical issues during integration, and the risk of technology obsolescence before all units are deployed. Furthermore, the prolonged timeline could impact the immediate enhancement of security capabilities, leaving some airports with older systems for longer than optimal. Effective project management and contingency planning are crucial to mitigate these risks.

How will the effectiveness of the MSEDS units be measured post-installation to ensure the $20.8 million investment yields the intended security improvements?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through a combination of performance metrics and operational impact assessments. This includes rigorous testing of detection accuracy and speed against known and simulated threats, monitoring false alarm rates, and evaluating the system's reliability and uptime. Operational impact can be assessed by analyzing improvements in threat identification, reduction in security incidents, and potentially faster screening processes. Regular audits and user feedback from TSA personnel will also contribute to evaluating the overall effectiveness of the investment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingNavigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments ManufacturingIrradiation Apparatus Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: ALARM, SIGNAL, SECURITY DETECTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 70T04023R7672N013

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1 RADCLIFF RD, TEWKSBURY, MA, 01876

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: $48,514,079

Exercised Options: $31,865,114

Current Obligation: $20,778,507

Actual Outlays: $141,072

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline

Start Date: 2023-09-28

Current End Date: 2027-09-27

Potential End Date: 2031-09-27 07:43:26

Last Modified: 2026-01-28

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