DHS awards $10.4M for engineering analysis and testing to Battelle Memorial Institute

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,435,856 ($10.4M)

Contractor: Battelle Memorial Institute

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2006-05-24

End Date: 2010-11-19

Contract Duration: 1,640 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: BATTELLE-T.O. 16 ENGINEERING ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT TESTING

Place of Performance

Location: COLUMBUS, FRANKLIN County, OHIO, 43201

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $10.4 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE for work described as: BATTELLE-T.O. 16 ENGINEERING ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT TESTING Key points: 1. Battelle Memorial Institute secured a $10.4M contract for engineering analysis and testing. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition. 3. The contract duration was 1640 days, indicating a long-term need. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541990 suggests a broad range of professional services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract was awarded using a Time and Materials pricing structure. Without specific details on labor hours and rates, it's difficult to definitively assess value. However, the total award amount of $10.4M over approximately 4.5 years suggests a moderate annual spend.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing and allows for a wide range of potential contractors to bid. This method is expected to yield fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is a positive indicator for taxpayer value, as it encourages multiple bids and potentially lower prices.

Public Impact

Ensures critical engineering analysis and testing capabilities for the Transportation Security Administration. Supports national security by providing specialized technical assessments. The long contract duration suggests ongoing reliance on these services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 63 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials pricing can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it hard to gauge effectiveness.
The contract was awarded in 2006, and data may be outdated.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Long contract duration suggests sustained need and potential for relationship building.
Battelle Memorial Institute is a reputable research and development organization.

Sector Analysis

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operates within the broader federal transportation sector, which often requires specialized engineering and technical services for infrastructure, security systems, and operational analysis. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining safety and efficiency.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and that the contractor is not a small business. Therefore, there is no direct small business participation evident in this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded as a delivery order, suggesting it falls under a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or similar vehicle. Oversight would typically be managed by the contracting officer at the Department of Homeland Security, ensuring adherence to terms and conditions.

Related Government Programs

All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
Transportation Security Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Time and Materials pricing structure.
Lack of detailed performance metrics.
Contract awarded over a decade ago.
Broad NAICS code limits specificity of services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $10.4 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE. BATTELLE-T.O. 16 ENGINEERING ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT TESTING

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $10.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2006-05-24. End: 2010-11-19.

What specific engineering analysis and testing services were provided under this contract, and how did they directly contribute to the TSA's mission?

The contract focused on 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' (NAICS 541990). While specific details are not provided, these services likely encompassed a range of technical assessments, research, and development support crucial for TSA's operational needs, potentially including analysis of security technologies, infrastructure integrity, or procedural effectiveness to enhance transportation safety and security.

Given the Time and Materials pricing, what mechanisms were in place to control costs and ensure the government received good value for the $10.4M expenditure?

With Time and Materials (T&M) contracts, effective cost control relies heavily on robust oversight, including detailed monitoring of labor hours, rates, and material costs. The government should have had mechanisms like CLIN-level ceilings, regular reviews of invoices against estimated costs, and clear definitions of direct labor categories to ensure fair pricing and prevent cost overruns.

How effectively did the full and open competition process ensure competitive pricing and identify the best technical solution for the TSA's needs?

Full and open competition is designed to maximize the pool of potential offerors, thereby fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovative solutions. The success of this process in ensuring competitive pricing and the best technical solution would depend on the clarity of the solicitation requirements, the number and quality of bids received, and the evaluation criteria used by the TSA.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Product/Service Code: TRAINING AIDS AND DEVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 505 KING AVE, COLUMBUS, OH, 43201

Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,435,856

Exercised Options: $10,435,856

Current Obligation: $10,435,856

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSTS0405DDEP027

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline