DHS awards $38.8M for TSA Test Support Services under TESS MAC, Battelle Memorial Institute selected

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $38,774,827 ($38.8M)

Contractor: Battelle Memorial Institute

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2012-07-26

End Date: 2016-04-18

Contract Duration: 1,362 days

Daily Burn Rate: $28.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF NO SUGGESTED SOURCE CONTRACT: TBD TO OBTAIN A TASK ORDER (TO TBD) UNDER CONTRACT NUMBER HSTS04-10-D-ST3066 TO OBTAIN TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (TSA) SYSTEMS INTEGRATION FACILITY (TSIF) TEST SUPPORT SERVICES AND TRANSPORTATION SECURITY EQUIPMENT (TSE) TEST ARTICLE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES UNDER THE TEST AND EVALUATION SUPPORT SERVICES (TESS) MULTI-AWARD CONTRACT. THIS TASK ORDER WILL ENABLE THE OFFICE OF SECURITY CAPABILITIES, OPERATION SUPPORT DIVISION, TO CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN THE LEVEL OF SERVICE IT CONTINUALLY PROVIDES TO AGENCY THROUGH THE EXECUTION OF TECHNICAL TESTING FOR TSA SECURITY EQUIPMENT (TSE) CURRENTLY DEPLOYED AND TO-BE-DEPLOYED NATION WIDE. THIS NEW TO WILL NOT ONLY PROVIDE THE TSIF TEST EXECUTION/SUPPORT SERVICES IT NEEDS TO MAINTAIN ITS LEVEL OF SERVICE TO THE AGENCY, IT WILL ALSO FUND THE PROCUREMENT OF TSE TEST ARTICLES TO BE UTILIZED IN THE FOLLOWING TSA OFFICE OF SECURITY CAPABILITIES T&E ACTIVITIES OF CHECKPOINT AND CHECKED BAGGAGE TSE: TSE OPERATIONAL TEST AND EVALUATION (OT&E) EVENTS, RISK BASED SECURITY / PRE-CHECK OT&E EVENTS, TSE ADVANCED SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM (ASP) TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT EVENTS, TSE FIRST ARTICLE TEST AND EVALUATION (FAT&E) EVENTS, TSE FACTORY ACCEPTANCE TEST (FAT) EVENTS, TSE SITE ACCEPTANCE TEST (SAT) EVENTS, TSE INTEGRATED SAT (ISAT) EVENTS, AND TSE OPERATIONAL READINESS TEST (ORT) EVENTS. POP THROUGH 5/11/2013

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22202

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $38.8 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF NO SUGGESTED SOURCE CONTRACT: TBD TO OBTAIN A TASK ORDER (TO TBD) UNDER CONTRACT NUMBER HSTS04-10-D-ST3066 TO OBTAIN TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (TSA) SYSTEMS INTEGRATION FACILITY (TSIF) TEST SUPPORT SERVICES AND TRANSPORTATION SECURITY EQUIPMENT (TSE) TE… Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Battelle Memorial Institute for essential TSA test support. 2. Services include maintaining deployed and future TSA security equipment. 3. Full and open competition was utilized for this delivery order. 4. The contract duration is 1362 days, ending April 18, 2016.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. However, the fixed fee component provides some cost control.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating a robust price discovery process. This method generally leads to more competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition suggests that taxpayers are likely receiving a fair price for the services rendered.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operational support for critical TSA security equipment nationwide. Supports the testing and maintenance of current and future transportation security technologies. Contributes to the overall security and efficiency of transportation systems.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent risk of cost escalation.
Contract duration is substantial, requiring ongoing monitoring.
Specific details on performance metrics and quality assurance are not provided.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
Supports a critical government function (TSA security).
Task order under an existing multi-award contract, potentially leveraging established processes.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting government security and transportation infrastructure. Benchmarks for similar services can vary widely based on scope and complexity.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses in this particular task order. Analysis of the parent contract would be needed for a comprehensive small business impact assessment.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a delivery order under a multi-award contract, suggesting a degree of pre-existing oversight. However, specific oversight mechanisms for this task order are not detailed.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
Transportation Security Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
Long contract duration.
Lack of detailed performance metrics.
Potential for scope creep without stringent oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $38.8 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE. IGF::OT::IGF NO SUGGESTED SOURCE CONTRACT: TBD TO OBTAIN A TASK ORDER (TO TBD) UNDER CONTRACT NUMBER HSTS04-10-D-ST3066 TO OBTAIN TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (TSA) SYSTEMS INTEGRATION FACILITY (TSIF) TEST SUPPORT SERVICES AND TRANSPORTATION SECURITY EQUIPMENT (TSE) TEST ARTICLE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES UNDER THE TEST AND EVALUATION SUPPORT SERVICES (TESS) MULTI-AWARD CONTRACT. THIS TASK ORDER WILL ENABLE THE OFFICE OF SECURITY CAPABILITIES, OPERATION SUPPORT DIVISION, TO

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 $38.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-07-26. End: 2016-04-18.

What is the specific breakdown of costs within the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, and how is the fixed fee determined?

The provided data does not detail the cost breakdown or the methodology for determining the fixed fee. A Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract involves reimbursing the contractor for allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. Understanding the allocation between direct costs, indirect costs, and the fixed fee is crucial for assessing value and potential for cost overruns.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements (SLAs) for the test support and maintenance services?

The data does not specify the KPIs or SLAs associated with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Systems Integration Facility (TSIF) test support and Transportation Security Equipment (TSE) test article development and maintenance. Robust KPIs and SLAs are essential for ensuring the quality, timeliness, and effectiveness of the services provided, and for holding the contractor accountable.

How does the performance of Battelle Memorial Institute on this contract compare to industry benchmarks for similar engineering and test support services?

Without specific performance data or defined metrics for this contract, a direct comparison to industry benchmarks is not possible. However, the fact that it's a delivery order under an existing MAC suggests a level of established performance. A thorough assessment would require reviewing past performance reports, customer satisfaction surveys, and any documented issues or successes.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: QUALITY CONTROL, TEST, INSPECTION › EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS TESTING

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 505 KING AVENUE, COLUMBUS, OH, 43201

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $38,774,827

Exercised Options: $38,774,827

Current Obligation: $38,774,827

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSTS0410DST3066

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline