DHS TSA awards $7.5M contract for Agilent Bulk Resolution Technology units

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,498,510 ($7.5M)

Contractor: Agilent Technologies Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-09-30

End Date: 2028-03-29

Contract Duration: 911 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PURCHASE AGILENT BULK RESOLUTION TECHNOLOGY (BRT) UNITS AND ASSOCIATED MAINTENANCE.

Place of Performance

Location: WILMINGTON, NEW CASTLE County, DELAWARE, 19808

State: Delaware Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $7.5 million to AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PURCHASE AGILENT BULK RESOLUTION TECHNOLOGY (BRT) UNITS AND ASSOCIATED MAINTENANCE. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on essential security technology for TSA operations. 2. Sole awardee suggests potential for limited competition or specialized product. 3. Long-term contract duration (over 4 years) indicates ongoing need. 4. Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty. 5. High value suggests significant operational impact or advanced technology.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $7.5 million for Agilent Bulk Resolution Technology (BRT) units and maintenance appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the equipment and the multi-year duration. Benchmarking against similar procurements for advanced detection systems is challenging without more specific technical details. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests that the government has negotiated a set cost, which is a positive indicator for value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. However, the award to a single entity, Agilent Technologies Inc., suggests that they were the most qualified or offered the best value. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation implies a competitive process was initiated.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging competitive pricing and ensuring that the government receives the best possible value for its investment.

Public Impact

Enhances security screening capabilities at transportation facilities. Supports the Transportation Security Administration's mission to protect the nation's transportation systems. Likely impacts airport security personnel and travelers through improved screening technology. Procurement supports the manufacturing and maintenance of advanced detection instruments.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if Agilent's technology is proprietary and widely integrated.
Reliance on a single supplier for critical maintenance could pose supply chain risks.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract provides budget predictability.
Long-term contract ensures sustained availability of essential security technology.
Full and open competition, even with a single awardee, suggests a structured procurement process.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader sector of security and defense technology manufacturing, specifically focusing on detection and navigation instruments. The market for such specialized equipment is often characterized by high barriers to entry due to research and development costs and stringent performance requirements. Agilent Technologies is a known player in analytical instrumentation, and this contract signifies their role in providing critical components for national security infrastructure.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (sb) is false and there is no indication of a small business set-aside. This suggests the contract was not specifically targeted towards small businesses, and larger, established companies like Agilent Technologies were likely the primary bidders. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not detailed but could exist depending on Agilent's supply chain strategy.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a Definitive Contract awarded by the Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration. Oversight would typically involve contract management by the TSA contracting officer and potentially reviews by the DHS Office of Inspector General, especially concerning performance and adherence to terms. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases, though detailed performance metrics are usually internal.

Related Government Programs

Homeland Security Equipment Procurement
Transportation Security Technology
Advanced Detection Systems
Agilent Technologies Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for technological obsolescence over the contract duration.
Reliance on a single supplier for critical maintenance and support.
Limited competition may impact long-term price negotiation flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $7.5 million to AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC. THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PURCHASE AGILENT BULK RESOLUTION TECHNOLOGY (BRT) UNITS AND ASSOCIATED MAINTENANCE.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES 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 $7.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-30. End: 2028-03-29.

What is the specific function and technological advantage of Agilent Bulk Resolution Technology (BRT) units in the context of TSA operations?

Agilent Bulk Resolution Technology (BRT) units are specialized instruments designed for the detection and identification of a wide range of substances, including explosives, narcotics, and chemical threats. In the context of TSA operations, these units likely enhance the capabilities of security personnel to screen baggage, cargo, and personnel more effectively and efficiently. The 'bulk resolution' aspect suggests the technology can analyze materials in larger quantities or without requiring extensive sample preparation, potentially speeding up screening processes and improving accuracy compared to older or less advanced methods. This technology contributes to the TSA's overall mission of preventing acts of terrorism, violent crime, and other threats to transportation security by providing a more robust and reliable means of identifying potential dangers.

How does the firm fixed price (FFP) contract type benefit the government in this procurement?

A Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract type is highly beneficial for the government in this procurement because it establishes a ceiling on the total cost the government will pay, regardless of the contractor's actual costs. This provides significant cost certainty and predictability for the Department of Homeland Security's budget. Under an FFP contract, the contractor, Agilent Technologies Inc., assumes the primary risk for any cost overruns. This incentivizes the contractor to manage its expenses efficiently and to perform the work within the agreed-upon budget. For the TSA, this means they can allocate funds with confidence, knowing the total expenditure for the Agilent BRT units and associated maintenance will not exceed the negotiated price, making financial planning more straightforward and reducing the risk of unexpected cost increases.

What are the potential risks associated with a long-term contract (over 4 years) for specialized technology like BRT units?

Long-term contracts for specialized technology like Agilent's Bulk Resolution Technology (BRT) units, while ensuring sustained availability, carry several potential risks. Firstly, technological obsolescence is a concern; over a four-year period, newer, more advanced, or more cost-effective technologies might emerge, making the contracted units outdated. Secondly, there's a risk of vendor lock-in, where the TSA becomes heavily reliant on Agilent's specific technology and maintenance services, potentially limiting future flexibility and bargaining power. Thirdly, if Agilent faces financial difficulties or strategic shifts, it could impact the continuity of supply and maintenance, posing a risk to TSA operations. Finally, the fixed price, while offering certainty, might not fully account for unforeseen market fluctuations in component costs or labor over the extended duration, potentially leading to less favorable pricing for the government if market conditions change significantly.

Given the 'full and open competition' designation, why was the contract awarded to a single vendor, Agilent Technologies Inc.?

The designation 'full and open competition' means that the government solicited bids from all responsible sources and did not restrict the procurement to specific vendors. However, it does not guarantee that multiple vendors will submit competitive offers or that multiple vendors will be deemed technically capable or offer the best value. In this case, Agilent Technologies Inc. was likely awarded the contract because they were the only bidder, the most technically qualified, or offered the best overall value proposition (considering price, technical merit, past performance, etc.) among the bidders. Specialized equipment like Bulk Resolution Technology often has a limited number of manufacturers with the necessary expertise and approved products, leading to a single award even in a competitive solicitation.

What is the typical market size and competitive landscape for Bulk Resolution Technology (BRT) systems used in security screening?

The market for Bulk Resolution Technology (BRT) systems used in security screening is a niche but critical segment within the broader security and defense technology industry. This market is characterized by high technical requirements, stringent regulatory approvals (e.g., by TSA or equivalent bodies), and significant research and development investment. Consequently, the number of companies capable of developing and manufacturing such advanced systems is limited. Key players often include established defense contractors and specialized technology firms. The competitive landscape can vary; while some solicitations might see multiple bidders, others, particularly for highly specialized or proprietary technologies like BRT, may result in awards to a single, highly qualified vendor due to unique capabilities or existing certifications. Market size is difficult to pinpoint without specific segment data but is tied to global spending on aviation, cargo, and critical infrastructure security.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 70T04025R7573N001

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Agilent Technologies, Inc.

Address: 2850 CENTERVILLE RD, WILMINGTON, DE, 19808

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,498,510

Exercised Options: $7,498,510

Current Obligation: $7,498,510

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline