DHS awarded $41M for tunnel and EDS systems, with Leidos securing the contract
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $41,096,000 ($41.1M)
Contractor: Leidos Security Detection & Automation, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2006-08-17
End Date: 2011-09-21
Contract Duration: 1,861 days
Daily Burn Rate: $22.1K/day
Number of Offers Received: 10
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: Other
Official Description: PURCHASE ONE METER WIDE TUNNELS AND INTEGRATED FFOV EDS.
Place of Performance
Location: SAINT PETERSBURG, PINELLAS County, FLORIDA, 33702
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $41.1 million to LEIDOS SECURITY DETECTION & AUTOMATION, INC. for work described as: PURCHASE ONE METER WIDE TUNNELS AND INTEGRATED FFOV EDS. Key points: 1. The contract value of $41.1 million for tunnel and EDS systems appears to be a significant investment in security technology. 2. Competition dynamics are unclear without more data on the bidding process, but the award to a single entity suggests potential limitations. 3. Performance context is limited, but the duration of the contract (over 5 years) indicates a substantial operational requirement. 4. Sector positioning is within homeland security, specifically focusing on transportation security infrastructure. 5. Risk indicators could include the reliance on a single vendor for critical security equipment and the potential for cost overruns in time and materials contracts.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific details on the meter-wide tunnels and integrated FFOV EDS. However, a $41.1 million award over five years suggests a significant investment per year. The 'Time and Materials' contract type can sometimes lead to higher costs if not closely managed, as it reimburses the contractor for direct labor and materials plus a fee. Comparing this to similar procurements for advanced security screening equipment would be necessary for a more precise value assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: unknown
The provided data does not specify the competition level for this contract. If it was a full and open competition, the number of bidders would indicate the level of market interest and potential for competitive pricing. If it was sole-source or limited, it could suggest unique capabilities required or a lack of market alternatives. The absence of this information hinders a thorough assessment of price discovery and potential savings for taxpayers.
Taxpayer Impact: The level of competition directly impacts taxpayer value. Robust competition typically drives down prices and encourages innovation. Limited competition may result in higher costs and fewer choices for the government.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are likely travelers and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through enhanced security screening capabilities. The services delivered include the provision of specialized tunnel systems and Explosive Detection Systems (EDS) for security screening. The geographic impact is specified as Florida (ST: FL, SN: FLORIDA), indicating the deployment location for these systems. Workforce implications could involve training for personnel to operate and maintain the new equipment, as well as potential roles for technicians in installation and support.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to the Time and Materials contract type.
- Lack of transparency regarding the competition level limits assessment of value for money.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical security infrastructure could pose supply chain risks.
Positive Signals
- Award to a known entity (Leidos) suggests a level of established capability.
- The contract duration indicates a long-term commitment to enhancing security infrastructure.
- Deployment in Florida addresses specific security needs within a key transportation hub.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the broader homeland security and transportation technology sector. The market for advanced security screening equipment, including EDS, is characterized by specialized technology providers and significant government investment. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other procurements for similar screening technologies by DHS, TSA, or other federal agencies involved in aviation or transportation security.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a set-aside provision. The primary contractor, Leidos, would determine any subcontracting opportunities based on their own procurement strategies.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight mechanisms for this contract would typically involve the contracting officer's representative (COR) from the TSA, who monitors performance, costs, and adherence to contract terms. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract's deliverables and payment schedules. Transparency is dependent on the public availability of contract details and performance reports, which may be limited for security-sensitive procurements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to investigations of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.
Related Government Programs
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Equipment Procurements
- Homeland Security Technology Contracts
- Explosive Detection Systems (EDS) Market
- Federal Security Infrastructure Investments
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials contract type.
- Lack of competition details hinders value assessment.
- Security-sensitive nature may limit transparency.
Tags
homeland-security, transportation-security, explosive-detection-systems, leidos, department-of-homeland-security, transportation-security-administration, florida, time-and-materials, security-technology, large-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $41.1 million to LEIDOS SECURITY DETECTION & AUTOMATION, INC.. PURCHASE ONE METER WIDE TUNNELS AND INTEGRATED FFOV EDS.
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 $41.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-08-17. End: 2011-09-21.
What is the specific type and capability of the 'integrated FFOV EDS' being purchased?
The 'integrated FFOV EDS' likely refers to a Forward-Looking Obstacle Explosive Detection System. FFOV suggests a system designed to detect threats from a distance, potentially using advanced imaging or sensor technologies. The 'integrated' aspect implies it is part of a larger system, possibly combined with the meter-wide tunnels mentioned. Without more specific technical documentation or product names, the exact capabilities (e.g., detection range, types of threats, throughput) remain unclear. However, such systems are critical for enhancing security screening at ports of entry or transportation hubs by identifying concealed threats more effectively than traditional methods.
How does the $41.1 million cost compare to similar procurements for EDS technology?
Benchmarking the $41.1 million cost requires comparing it to similar procurements for advanced Explosive Detection Systems (EDS) and associated infrastructure. The provided data lacks specific details on the quantity, technical specifications, and duration of support for these systems, making a direct cost-per-unit comparison difficult. However, federal agencies like the TSA regularly invest in EDS technology, with costs varying significantly based on technological sophistication, vendor, and deployment scale. A comprehensive analysis would involve examining recent contract awards for comparable EDS systems, factoring in installation, training, and maintenance costs over the contract's lifespan to determine if this award represents a competitive market rate or an outlier.
What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for security equipment?
Time and Materials (T&M) contracts, like the one awarded to Leidos, carry inherent risks, primarily concerning cost control. In a T&M arrangement, the government reimburses the contractor for the actual cost of labor (at specified hourly rates) and materials, plus a fixed fee or profit margin. The primary risk is that costs can escalate beyond initial estimates if labor hours are excessive or material costs are higher than anticipated. This lack of a fixed ceiling can make budget forecasting challenging and potentially lead to cost overruns if not meticulously monitored by the government. For critical security equipment, ensuring efficient resource utilization and preventing scope creep is paramount to achieving value for taxpayer money.
What is Leidos Security Detection & Automation, Inc.'s track record with similar DHS/TSA contracts?
Leidos Security Detection & Automation, Inc. (and its predecessors/related entities) has a significant track record in providing security technology and services to government agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). They are known for developing and deploying various screening technologies, including EDS, baggage screening systems, and other security-related equipment. While specific performance details for this particular $41.1 million contract are not detailed here, Leidos's continued engagement with DHS suggests a history of meeting contract requirements. A deeper dive into past performance evaluations, contract modifications, and any disputes or awards associated with their previous DHS/TSA contracts would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and effectiveness.
How has federal spending on transportation security technology evolved over the past decade?
Federal spending on transportation security technology has seen consistent investment, driven by evolving threats and technological advancements. Agencies like the TSA continually procure and upgrade screening equipment, including EDS, advanced imaging technology (AIT), and other threat detection systems. Over the past decade, there has been a trend towards more sophisticated, automated, and data-driven security solutions. Spending patterns reflect a focus on enhancing passenger and baggage screening efficiency, improving threat detection capabilities, and integrating new technologies to counter emerging risks. While specific figures fluctuate annually based on budget appropriations and modernization priorities, the overall trajectory indicates sustained and significant federal outlays in this critical sector.
Contractor Details
Address: ACCOUNTS PAYABLE, SAINT PETERSBURG, FL, 90
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $352,000,000
Exercised Options: $134,859,635
Current Obligation: $41,096,000
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: DTSA2003D00928
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-08-17
Current End Date: 2011-09-21
Potential End Date: 2011-09-21 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2011-09-27
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