DHS awards $20.8M for 500 detection units to Smiths Detection Inc. under full and open competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $20,768,444 ($20.8M)
Contractor: Smiths Detection Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2009-09-29
End Date: 2014-09-28
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $11.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: TAS::70 0556::TAS TO PURCHASE 500 BLS UNITS AND ASSOCIATED SUPPORT AND TRAINING.
Place of Performance
Location: WARREN, SOMERSET County, NEW JERSEY, 07059, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $20.8 million to SMITHS DETECTION INC. for work described as: TAS::70 0556::TAS TO PURCHASE 500 BLS UNITS AND ASSOCIATED SUPPORT AND TRAINING. Key points: 1. Spending focused on critical security equipment for TSA. 2. Single awardee suggests potential for concentrated market share. 3. Firm Fixed Price contract type aims to control costs. 4. Long contract duration (5 years) requires ongoing monitoring.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $20.8M for 500 units, averaging $41,537 per unit, appears reasonable given the specialized nature of search and detection equipment. Benchmarking against similar advanced security systems would provide further validation.
Cost Per Unit: $41,537
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method is expected to yield fair market prices and encourage innovation from multiple vendors.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process likely resulted in a fair price, minimizing unnecessary taxpayer expenditure for essential security technology.
Public Impact
Enhances airport and transportation security capabilities. Supports TSA's mission to protect national transportation systems. Procurement of advanced detection technology for threat identification.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in with a single supplier for support and training.
- Long-term contract duration may not reflect evolving technology needs.
- Dependence on one company for critical security equipment.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
- Procurement of essential security equipment.
Sector Analysis
This procurement falls within the 'Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing' sector. Spending in this area is driven by national security and public safety requirements, often involving high-value, specialized equipment.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific set-aside for small businesses. The prime contractor, Smiths Detection Inc., is a large corporation, suggesting limited direct opportunities for small businesses in this specific contract award.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Department of Homeland Security (TSA) and falls under standard federal procurement regulations. Oversight would involve contract management by TSA officials to ensure delivery and performance.
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.
- Long contract duration.
- Lack of specified technology refresh.
- Limited small business participation.
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 $20.8 million to SMITHS DETECTION INC.. TAS::70 0556::TAS TO PURCHASE 500 BLS UNITS AND ASSOCIATED SUPPORT AND TRAINING.
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 $20.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2009-09-29. End: 2014-09-28.
What is the specific technological capability of the 500 BLS units being procured, and how does it compare to current market offerings?
The data does not specify the exact technological capabilities of the 'BLS units'. Further analysis would require examining the Statement of Work (SOW) or technical specifications associated with this contract to understand the advanced features, detection limits, and operational advantages compared to other available systems in the market.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the effectiveness of the detection units and the contractor's support?
Contract performance is typically measured against specific metrics outlined in the contract, such as detection rates, false alarm rates, system uptime, and response times for support. The effectiveness of the units would also be assessed through operational deployment and their contribution to overall security threat mitigation.
Are there provisions for technology refresh or upgrades within the contract to ensure the detection units remain state-of-the-art?
The provided data does not specify provisions for technology refresh or upgrades. Given the 5-year duration and the nature of technology, it is crucial to ascertain if the contract includes options for incorporating newer technologies or if a separate procurement process will be required for future upgrades.
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: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Smiths Group PLC (UEI: 210273256)
Address: 2202 LAKESIDE BLVD, EDGEWOOD, MD, 21040
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $20,768,444
Exercised Options: $20,768,444
Current Obligation: $20,768,444
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HSTS0409DCT2078
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2009-09-29
Current End Date: 2014-09-28
Potential End Date: 2014-09-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2015-09-14
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