DHS awards $26.3M contract to Smiths Detection for airport security equipment
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $26,328,817 ($26.3M)
Contractor: Smiths Detection, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2008-09-16
End Date: 2011-06-28
Contract Duration: 1,015 days
Daily Burn Rate: $25.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: SMITHS - ADDITIONAL 164 AT UNITS TO PROVIDE FOR MULTIPLE AIRPORTS ON DEPLOYMENT PLAN.
Place of Performance
Location: WARREN, SOMERSET County, NEW JERSEY, 07059
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $26.3 million to SMITHS DETECTION, INC. for work described as: SMITHS - ADDITIONAL 164 AT UNITS TO PROVIDE FOR MULTIPLE AIRPORTS ON DEPLOYMENT PLAN. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Smiths Detection, Inc. for search and detection systems. 2. The contract has a duration of 1015 days. 3. This award falls under the Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing sector. 4. The contract was awarded via full and open competition.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award amount of $26.3M appears reasonable for the scope of providing additional units for multiple airports. Benchmarking against similar contracts for advanced detection systems would provide further validation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process that likely resulted in fair pricing. The use of a firm fixed price contract further supports price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to enhance airport security through the acquisition of necessary detection equipment.
Public Impact
Enhanced airport security measures to detect threats. Improved passenger safety and travel experience. Support for national security initiatives in transportation.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for follow-on contracts or increased scope.
- Dependence on a single vendor for critical security equipment.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.
- Addresses critical national security needs.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT and Defense sectors, specifically focusing on advanced search and detection systems for transportation security. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining national security and public safety.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the awardee is Smiths Detection, Inc., a large corporation. There is no specific information provided regarding small business participation in this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Homeland Security, through the Transportation Security Administration, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for federal procurement should be in place.
Related Government Programs
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- Transportation Security Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in.
- Supply chain dependencies.
- Technological obsolescence risk.
- Long-term maintenance and support costs.
Tags
search-detection-navigation-guidance-aer, department-of-homeland-security, nj, do, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $26.3 million to SMITHS DETECTION, INC.. SMITHS - ADDITIONAL 164 AT UNITS TO PROVIDE FOR MULTIPLE AIRPORTS ON DEPLOYMENT PLAN.
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 $26.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-09-16. End: 2011-06-28.
What is the specific type of detection technology being procured and how does it compare to current industry standards?
The contract specifies 'Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing.' While the exact technology isn't detailed, it implies advanced systems for identifying threats in aviation environments. Benchmarking against current industry standards for explosive detection systems (EDS) or similar technologies would reveal if this procurement represents a significant technological advancement or a standard upgrade.
What are the potential risks associated with relying on Smiths Detection for these critical security systems?
Risks include vendor lock-in, potential supply chain disruptions affecting delivery, and the possibility of obsolescence if the technology is not cutting-edge. Over-reliance could also limit future competition if alternative solutions emerge. Ensuring robust maintenance and support contracts will be crucial for long-term operational effectiveness.
How will the effectiveness of these additional units be measured to ensure optimal return on investment for taxpayer funds?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through performance metrics such as detection rates, false alarm rates, throughput capacity, and system reliability. Post-deployment assessments and user feedback from airport security personnel will be vital. Regular audits and performance reviews by the TSA will ensure the systems meet operational requirements and justify the investment.
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: ALARM, SIGNAL, SECURITY DETECTION
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Smiths Group PLC (UEI: 210273256)
Address: 30 TECHNOLOGY DR, WARREN, NJ, 07
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $26,328,817
Exercised Options: $26,328,817
Current Obligation: $26,328,817
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HSTS0407DDEP347
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-09-16
Current End Date: 2011-06-28
Potential End Date: 2011-06-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2012-08-22
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