DHS awards $35.7M for Mobile X-Ray Cargo Inspection Systems to Smiths Detection Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $35,728,080 ($35.7M)
Contractor: Smiths Detection Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2007-09-27
End Date: 2009-04-30
Contract Duration: 581 days
Daily Burn Rate: $61.5K/day
Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: MOBILE X-RAY CARGO INSPECTION SYSTEMS
Place of Performance
Location: PINE BROOK, MORRIS County, NEW JERSEY, 07058
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $35.7 million to SMITHS DETECTION INC. for work described as: MOBILE X-RAY CARGO INSPECTION SYSTEMS Key points: 1. The contract value is $35.7 million. 2. The award was made via a competitive delivery order. 3. The primary risk is potential overpricing given the fixed-price contract. 4. The sector is primarily related to defense and security equipment manufacturing.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract was awarded at a firm fixed price. Without detailed cost breakdowns or benchmarks for similar systems, assessing the value for money is challenging. The awarded amount of $35.7 million for 4 units over 581 days suggests a significant investment.
Cost Per Unit: $8,932,000
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: unknown
This was a competitive delivery order, indicating that multiple vendors likely had an opportunity to bid. Competitive processes generally lead to better price discovery and potentially more favorable pricing for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests that taxpayers are likely receiving a fair price, though the exact level of savings is not quantifiable without further analysis.
Public Impact
Enhances border security by enabling rapid inspection of cargo. Supports U.S. Customs and Border Protection's mission to detect illicit materials. Provides advanced technology for threat detection at ports of entry.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 61 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition details
- Potential for price creep in fixed-price contracts
Positive Signals
- Competitive award process
- Clear end-user agency and mission
Sector Analysis
The contract falls within the defense and security sector, specifically involving specialized inspection equipment. Spending in this area is driven by national security needs and technological advancements in threat detection.
Small Business Impact
There is no specific indication that small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further investigation would be needed to determine their participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Department of Homeland Security, a large agency with established oversight mechanisms. The competitive delivery order process implies some level of review and justification.
Related Government Programs
- Irradiation Apparatus Manufacturing
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of detailed technical specifications
- Unclear performance metrics
- Limited information on post-award performance
- Potential for obsolescence of technology over time
Tags
irradiation-apparatus-manufacturing, department-of-homeland-security, nj, do, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $35.7 million to SMITHS DETECTION INC.. MOBILE X-RAY CARGO INSPECTION SYSTEMS
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 (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $35.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-09-27. End: 2009-04-30.
What is the specific technological capability of these mobile X-ray systems and how does it compare to market alternatives?
The data does not specify the exact technological capabilities beyond 'Mobile X-Ray Cargo Inspection Systems.' A thorough analysis would require understanding the resolution, penetration depth, imaging software, and portability features. Comparing these to other available systems would reveal if the chosen technology represents a leading-edge solution or a standard offering, impacting the perceived value.
What were the key evaluation criteria used in the competitive delivery order process, and how did they balance technical merit against price?
The provided data does not detail the evaluation criteria for this competitive delivery order. Understanding how technical specifications, past performance, and price were weighted is crucial for assessing the fairness of the award. A strong emphasis on technical factors might justify a higher price, while a price-driven evaluation would suggest a focus on cost-effectiveness.
What is the expected operational lifespan and maintenance cost of these systems, and how do they factor into the total cost of ownership?
The contract duration is 581 days, but the operational lifespan of the systems is not specified. Information on expected maintenance, repair costs, and potential upgrades is also missing. These factors are critical for a complete understanding of the total cost of ownership and the long-term value proposition for the government.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Irradiation Apparatus Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 30 HOOK MOUNTAIN ROAD, PINE BROOK, NJ, 11
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $35,728,080
Exercised Options: $35,728,080
Current Obligation: $35,728,080
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HSBP1005D00991
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-09-27
Current End Date: 2009-04-30
Potential End Date: 2009-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2014-06-13
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