DoD awards $22M for Z Backscatter Vans, highlighting AS&E's role in advanced security screening
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $21,994,792 ($22.0M)
Contractor: American Science & Engineering Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2008-08-21
End Date: 2009-12-31
Contract Duration: 497 days
Daily Burn Rate: $44.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: Z BACKSCATTER VANS(ZBV)
Place of Performance
Location: BILLERICA, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01821
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $22.0 million to AMERICAN SCIENCE & ENGINEERING INC for work described as: Z BACKSCATTER VANS(ZBV) Key points: 1. The contract value of $21.99M for Z Backscatter Vans (ZBV) indicates a significant investment in specialized security equipment. 2. American Science & Engineering Inc. is the sole awardee, suggesting a strong competitive position or unique capability. 3. The primary risk lies in potential vendor lock-in and the reliance on a single supplier for critical technology. 4. This spending falls under 'Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing', a niche but vital sector for national security.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award amount of $21.99M for Z Backscatter Vans appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the technology. Benchmarking against similar advanced imaging or security systems would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the specific award type ('Delivery Order') implies it might be against an existing contract vehicle, potentially limiting the scope of direct competition for this specific order.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for advanced security equipment, aiming to enhance national security capabilities. The competitive award process should ensure reasonable pricing.
Public Impact
Enhanced border security and threat detection capabilities. Potential for improved screening efficiency at critical infrastructure points. Supports the development and deployment of advanced non-intrusive inspection technologies.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Reliance on a single vendor for critical technology.
- Potential for obsolescence if technology rapidly advances.
- Limited visibility into ongoing maintenance and support costs.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Utilizes a firm fixed price contract, providing cost certainty.
- Addresses a critical national security need.
Sector Analysis
Spending in 'Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing' often supports specialized defense and security applications. Benchmarks are difficult without specific comparable systems, but the value suggests a high-technology, low-volume product.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, American Science & Engineering Inc., is a publicly traded company, not a small business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific delivery order.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Army's procurement process, including the use of delivery orders against established contract vehicles, is subject to standard federal oversight. Transparency in the competitive process is key.
Related Government Programs
- Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Vendor lock-in potential.
- Technological obsolescence risk.
- Dependence on a single supplier.
- Limited public data on performance metrics.
- Unclear long-term sustainment costs.
Tags
other-measuring-and-controlling-device-m, department-of-defense, ma, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $22.0 million to AMERICAN SCIENCE & ENGINEERING INC. Z BACKSCATTER VANS(ZBV)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AMERICAN SCIENCE & ENGINEERING INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $22.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-08-21. End: 2009-12-31.
What is the long-term cost projection for maintaining and upgrading these Z Backscatter Vans?
Long-term cost projections are crucial for understanding the total lifecycle cost of the Z Backscatter Vans. This includes anticipated expenses for maintenance, repair, software updates, and potential future upgrades to keep the technology current. Without this information, the initial award value may not reflect the true financial commitment over the system's operational life.
How does the performance of these ZBV systems compare to alternative non-intrusive inspection technologies in terms of detection rates and operational speed?
Comparing the performance of ZBV systems against alternative technologies is essential for validating their effectiveness and value. Key metrics include detection rates for various threats, operational speed, ease of deployment, and personnel safety. Understanding these comparisons helps ensure the Department of Defense is utilizing the most effective and efficient screening solutions available.
What is the strategic plan for integrating these ZBV units into existing security infrastructure and operational workflows?
The strategic integration plan for ZBV units is vital for maximizing their impact. This involves assessing how they fit into current border security, checkpoint, or facility screening operations, considering logistical requirements, personnel training needs, and data management protocols. Effective integration ensures the technology enhances, rather than disrupts, existing security frameworks.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: FIRE/RESCUE/SAFETY; ENVIRO PROTECT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 829 MIDDLESEX TPKE, BILLERICA, MA, 01821
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $21,994,792
Exercised Options: $21,994,792
Current Obligation: $21,994,792
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS07F8897D
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-08-21
Current End Date: 2009-12-31
Potential End Date: 2009-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-12-09
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