DHS Awards $32.6M for Explosive Detection Systems to Smiths Detection Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,664,010 ($32.7M)

Contractor: Smiths Detection Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-09-29

End Date: 2028-09-28

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $29.8K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: DELIVERY ORDER FOR EXPLOSIVE DETECTION SYSTEM PURCHASE & INSTALLATION.

Place of Performance

Location: SPRINGFIELD, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22150

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $32.7 million to SMITHS DETECTION INC. for work described as: DELIVERY ORDER FOR EXPLOSIVE DETECTION SYSTEM PURCHASE & INSTALLATION. Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical security infrastructure. 2. Sole-source award raises questions about competition and potential cost savings. 3. Long-term contract (3 years) with substantial value. 4. Focus on detection systems highlights ongoing security needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $32.6M for a 3-year delivery order is substantial. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this price is optimal compared to market alternatives or previous procurements for similar systems.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may result in higher costs for taxpayers compared to a competitive process.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition could lead to a higher financial burden on taxpayers if the price is not optimized.

Public Impact

Enhances security at transportation hubs. Supports TSA's mission to protect the nation. Potential for improved detection capabilities. Ensures operational readiness for security screening.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for overpricing
Long-term commitment

Positive Signals

Addresses critical security need
Supports established vendor

Sector Analysis

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) frequently procures security equipment. Spending in this sector is driven by evolving threats and the need for advanced detection technologies. Benchmarks are difficult without competitive data.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific provisions or considerations for small businesses in this sole-source award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is crucial for sole-source contracts to ensure fair pricing and value. The TSA should have internal mechanisms to validate the necessity and cost-effectiveness of this award.

Related Government Programs

Irradiation Apparatus Manufacturing
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
Transportation Security Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award limits competition.
Potential for inflated pricing.
Lack of transparency in price justification.
Long contract duration may not adapt to future tech.
Dependence on a single vendor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $32.7 million to SMITHS DETECTION INC.. DELIVERY ORDER FOR EXPLOSIVE DETECTION SYSTEM PURCHASE & INSTALLATION.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SMITHS DETECTION 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 $32.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-29. End: 2028-09-28.

What is the justification for the sole-source award, and how was the price determined to be fair and reasonable?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, urgent needs, or lack of viable alternatives. The contracting agency must demonstrate that the price is fair and reasonable through market research, historical data, or cost analysis. Without this documentation, it's difficult to ascertain the validity of the pricing.

What are the specific performance metrics and deliverables for this explosive detection system?

Performance metrics and deliverables are critical for assessing the effectiveness of the system. These would typically include detection rates, false alarm rates, operational uptime, maintenance requirements, and integration capabilities with existing security infrastructure. Clear, measurable objectives are essential for contract success.

How does this procurement align with the TSA's long-term technology roadmap for threat detection?

This procurement should align with the TSA's strategic vision for enhancing security capabilities. It's important to understand if this system represents a significant technological advancement, fills a critical gap, or is part of a broader modernization effort. Alignment ensures that investments are strategic and contribute to overall mission effectiveness.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Irradiation Apparatus Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: ALARM, SIGNAL, SECURITY DETECTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2202 LAKESIDE BLVD, EDGEWOOD, MD, 21040

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $32,664,010

Exercised Options: $32,664,010

Current Obligation: $32,664,010

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70T04025D7672N004

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline