DoD awards $56.6M for Z BACKSCATTER VANs, highlighting Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing sector
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $56,577,747 ($56.6M)
Contractor: American Science & Engineering Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2006-09-12
End Date: 2007-08-31
Contract Duration: 353 days
Daily Burn Rate: $160.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COMBINATION (APPLIES TO AWARDS WHERE TWO OR MORE OF THE ABOVE APPLY)
Sector: Other
Official Description: Z BACKSCATTER VAN
Place of Performance
Location: BILLERICA, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01821
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $56.6 million to AMERICAN SCIENCE & ENGINEERING INC for work described as: Z BACKSCATTER VAN Key points: 1. The contract value of $56.6M is significant for specialized equipment. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The award falls under the 'Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing' NAICS code. 4. The duration of the contract (353 days) indicates a focused, short-term need.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The award amount of $56.6M for a single delivery order for specialized equipment appears substantial. Without specific unit cost data or detailed technical specifications, a direct pricing comparison is difficult. However, the scale suggests a significant investment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing, though the specific impact depends on the number and capability of bidders.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for this procurement. The use of full and open competition aims to ensure the best value is obtained, thereby maximizing the efficient use of taxpayer money.
Public Impact
This procurement supports national security by providing advanced detection technology. The award contributes to the manufacturing sector, potentially creating or sustaining jobs. The use of specialized 'BACKSCATTER VAN' technology suggests advanced surveillance or security capabilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data.
- Potential for technology obsolescence in advanced detection systems.
- Limited visibility into the specific application of the 'BACKSCATTER VAN'.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Significant investment in critical technology.
- Supports Department of Defense operational needs.
Sector Analysis
The 'Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing' sector encompasses a wide range of specialized equipment. Spending in this sector can fluctuate based on defense needs, technological advancements, and specific project requirements. This award represents a notable investment within this niche.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The award was made via a delivery order, suggesting it might be part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a pre-existing agreement. Oversight would focus on the terms of the base contract and the justification for this specific order.
Related Government Programs
- Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of detailed technical specifications.
- Potential for single-source reliance if AS&E is the sole provider.
- Limited information on long-term sustainment and upgrade costs.
- The 'Other' NAICS code lacks specific industry context.
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 $56.6 million to AMERICAN SCIENCE & ENGINEERING INC. Z BACKSCATTER VAN
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 $56.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-09-12. End: 2007-08-31.
What is the specific operational purpose and technological advantage of the Z BACKSCATTER VAN system?
The Z BACKSCATTER VAN likely refers to a vehicle-mounted system utilizing Z-backscatter X-ray technology for non-intrusive inspection and detection of threats, contraband, or anomalies. Its advantage lies in its ability to penetrate materials like plastic and organic matter, revealing hidden objects without requiring direct line-of-sight or extensive disassembly, crucial for security screening.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate the effectiveness of the Z BACKSCATTER VAN?
Key performance indicators for such systems typically include detection rates for specific threats (e.g., explosives, narcotics), false alarm rates, scan speed and throughput, image resolution and clarity, system reliability and uptime, and ease of operation. Evaluating these KPIs ensures the technology meets the demanding operational requirements of the Department of Defense.
How does the cost of this Z BACKSCATTER VAN system compare to alternative or emerging detection technologies?
Benchmarking the cost requires comparing the $56.6M award against the total lifecycle cost of alternative systems, including acquisition, maintenance, training, and operational expenses. Emerging technologies might offer lower initial costs or improved capabilities, but their maturity, reliability, and integration feasibility must be assessed against proven systems like the Z BACKSCATTER VAN.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COMBINATION (APPLIES TO AWARDS WHERE TWO OR MORE OF THE ABOVE APPLY) (2)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 829 MIDDLESEX TPKE, BILLERICA, MA, 01821
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $56,577,747
Exercised Options: $56,577,747
Current Obligation: $56,577,747
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS07F8897D
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-09-12
Current End Date: 2007-08-31
Potential End Date: 2007-08-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-12-09
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