Army awards $15.7M for alarm, signal, and security detection systems, with a significant portion going to Morpho Detection

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,746,622 ($15.7M)

Contractor: Morpho Detection, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2004-03-16

End Date: 2010-05-31

Contract Duration: 2,267 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: 200408!000558!2100!W912DY!* !GS07F9500G !C!N! !N!W912DY04F0040! !20040316!20040630!065166894!808677843!001367960!N!GE ION TRACK LLC !205 LOWELL STREET !WILMINGTON !MA!01887!01000!510!51!ALEXANDRIA !ALEXANDRIA (CITY) !VIRGINIA !+000013743677!N!N!000000000000!6350!MISC ALARM, SIGNAL AND SECURITY DETECTION SYSTEMS !C9E!ALL OTHER SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT !000 !* !334519!E! !6! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! ! ! !A! ! ! !000! ! ! ! ! ! ! !Y!B!N!N! ! ! ! ! ! !00 ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !0001! !

Place of Performance

Location: CAMDEN, OUACHITA County, ARKANSAS, 71701

State: Arkansas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $15.7 million to MORPHO DETECTION, LLC for work described as: 200408!000558!2100!W912DY!* !GS07F9500G !C!N! !N!W912DY04F0040! !20040316!20040630!065166894!808677843!001367960!N!GE ION TRACK LLC !205 LOWELL STREET !WILMINGTON !MA!01887!01000!510!51!ALEXANDRIA !ALEX… Key points: 1. Value for money is difficult to assess without detailed cost breakdowns and performance metrics. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, potentially leading to better pricing. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a firm fixed-price contract and a defined delivery period. 4. Performance context is limited, as specific deliverables and outcomes are not detailed. 5. Sector positioning is within the 'Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing' category, a niche but essential area for defense. 6. The contract's duration of over 7 years suggests a long-term need for these security systems.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award amount of $15.7 million over approximately 7 years suggests an average annual spend of around $2.2 million. Benchmarking this against similar contracts for alarm, signal, and security detection systems is challenging without more specific details on the types of systems procured and their functionalities. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides some cost certainty, but the value for money hinges on the effectiveness and reliability of the delivered systems.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. While the number of bidders is not specified, this competitive approach generally fosters price discovery and encourages contractors to offer their best pricing and technical solutions. The Army's decision to use full and open competition suggests confidence in the market's ability to meet their requirements.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it is expected to drive down costs through market forces and encourage innovation among potential suppliers.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely Department of the Army installations requiring advanced security and detection systems. Services delivered include the provision and potentially maintenance of alarm, signal, and security detection systems. The geographic impact is likely concentrated at Army facilities within the United States, though specific locations are not detailed. Workforce implications are minimal for the public sector, but the contract supports jobs within the defense contracting industry.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it hard to gauge true value for money.
The long contract duration could lead to vendor lock-in if not managed carefully.
Specific system capabilities and integration details are not publicly available.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
The contract addresses critical security needs for the Department of the Army.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the 'Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing' sector, which encompasses a wide range of specialized equipment. The market for security and detection systems is competitive, driven by evolving threats and technological advancements. The Department of Defense is a significant customer for such technologies, with spending often focused on advanced surveillance, intrusion detection, and alarm systems. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without knowing the exact nature of the systems procured.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, and the primary awardee is listed as 'MORPHO DETECTION, LLC'. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely limited unless the prime contractor actively engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Army's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract, requiring the contractor to deliver specified goods within the agreed-upon price. Transparency is moderate, with basic award details available, but deeper insights into performance and cost justification would require access to more detailed contract files or Inspector General reports.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Security Systems Procurement
Army Installation Security Contracts
Alarm and Signal System Manufacturing
Security Detection Equipment Contracts

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may lead to technology obsolescence.
Limited public data on specific system capabilities and performance.
Potential for contractor cost overruns or government under-procurement due to fixed pricing over extended period.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $15.7 million to MORPHO DETECTION, LLC. 200408!000558!2100!W912DY!* !GS07F9500G !C!N! !N!W912DY04F0040! !20040316!20040630!065166894!808677843!001367960!N!GE ION TRACK LLC !205 LOWELL STREET !WILMINGTON !MA!01887!01000!510!51!ALEXANDRIA !ALEXANDRIA (CITY) !VIRGINIA !+000013743677!N!N!000000000000!6350!MISC ALARM, SIGNAL AND SECURITY DETECTION SYSTEMS !C9E!ALL OTHER SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT !000 !* !334519!E! !6! ! ! ! ! !999

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MORPHO DETECTION, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $15.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2004-03-16. End: 2010-05-31.

What specific types of alarm, signal, and security detection systems were procured under this contract?

The contract's Product Service Code (PSC) is '3430' for 'Alarm, Signal, and Security Detection Systems' and the NationalНаименование (NAICS) code is '334519' for 'Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing'. While these codes indicate the general category of goods, they do not specify the exact models, functionalities, or technological sophistication of the systems. These could range from basic intrusion alarms and surveillance cameras to more advanced chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) detection systems, or integrated command and control platforms. Further details would likely be found in the contract's statement of work or delivery orders, which are not publicly available in this dataset.

How does the awarded amount of $15.7 million compare to historical spending on similar security systems by the Department of the Army?

Comparing the $15.7 million award to historical spending requires a broader analysis of Army procurement data for similar security systems over the contract's duration (2004-2010). Without access to a comprehensive database of past contracts for 'Alarm, Signal, and Security Detection Systems' (PSC 3430) or related categories, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the award amount appears substantial, suggesting a significant procurement effort. The fact that it was awarded under full and open competition might indicate that the Army sought competitive bids to ensure a reasonable price for this scale of acquisition. Further analysis would involve tracking spending trends in this specific technology area across different Army commands and fiscal years.

What is the track record of Morpho Detection, LLC (the primary awardee) in fulfilling government contracts, particularly for security systems?

Morpho Detection, LLC, and its predecessors/affiliates, have a history of supplying security and detection technologies to government agencies. Information available in public contract databases indicates past awards for related equipment, including systems for detecting explosives and narcotics. Assessing their overall track record requires examining past performance evaluations, on-time delivery rates, and any instances of contract disputes or terminations. While the award itself suggests they were deemed capable of fulfilling this contract, a deeper dive into their performance history on similar, large-scale government procurements would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and expertise in this domain.

What are the potential risks associated with a firm fixed-price contract of this duration (over 7 years)?

A firm fixed-price (FFP) contract, while offering cost certainty to the government, can introduce risks for both parties when extended over a long period like this contract (2004-2010, approximately 7 years). For the government, the primary risk is that technology may become outdated before the contract ends, or that the fixed price may become uncompetitive if market prices decrease significantly. For the contractor, the risk lies in underestimating costs, especially if material prices or labor costs increase unexpectedly over the contract's life. Additionally, long-term FFP contracts can sometimes disincentivize innovation or quality improvements beyond the minimum required, as the contractor's profit is fixed regardless of exceeding expectations. Effective contract management, including potential for contract modifications or reviews, is crucial to mitigate these risks.

How does the $15.7 million award align with the Army's overall budget for security and detection equipment during the mid-2000s?

Determining the precise alignment of this $15.7 million award with the Army's overall budget for security and detection equipment during the mid-2000s requires access to detailed historical Army budget appropriations and spending reports for relevant categories. This single contract represents a significant investment, but its proportion within the total security budget depends on the Army's priorities and the scale of other concurrent procurements. Given the period (post-9/11), there was a heightened focus on security infrastructure and advanced detection capabilities across all military branches. This award likely reflects a strategic allocation of resources towards enhancing the security posture of Army installations, but its exact budgetary significance would need to be contextualized against the broader defense spending landscape of that era.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Safran Power USA LLC (UEI: 275374015)

Address: 205 LOWELL ST, WILMINGTON, MA, 01887

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS07F9500G

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline