DoD's $14.6M Mobile Trace Detector Contract Awarded to Morpho Detection, LLC Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $14,601,679 ($14.6M)
Contractor: Morpho Detection, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2008-11-14
End Date: 2010-11-30
Contract Duration: 746 days
Daily Burn Rate: $19.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 7
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: MOBILE TRACE DETECTORS
Place of Performance
Location: WILMINGTON, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01887
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $14.6 million to MORPHO DETECTION, LLC for work described as: MOBILE TRACE DETECTORS Key points: 1. Contract Value: $14.6 million over its duration. 2. Sole Awardee: Morpho Detection, LLC secured the entire contract. 3. Competition Type: Full and open competition was utilized. 4. Sector: Primarily IT/Defense related due to the nature of trace detection technology.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $14.6 million for mobile trace detectors over approximately two years appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the equipment. Benchmarking against similar advanced detection 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 robust price discovery process. However, the single award to Morpho Detection, LLC indicates they were the most competitive bidder.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally leads to better pricing for taxpayers by encouraging multiple bids and driving down costs.
Public Impact
Enhances security capabilities for the Department of Defense. Supports personnel and asset protection through advanced threat detection. Potential for broader application in civilian security and law enforcement. Ensures availability of critical detection technology for military operations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited number of awards (7 delivery orders) for a contract of this value.
- No explicit mention of small business participation.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Utilizes a firm fixed price contract type, providing cost certainty.
Sector Analysis
The procurement falls within the defense sector, specifically related to advanced security and detection equipment. Spending benchmarks for similar specialized detection systems are difficult to ascertain without more specific technical details, but $14.6M for mobile trace detectors is a significant investment.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small businesses were not directly involved in this specific contract award. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were subcontractors or if there were opportunities missed for their participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a transparent process. However, ongoing oversight would be necessary to ensure delivery timelines, performance standards, and cost adherence are met throughout the contract's life.
Related Government Programs
- Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole awardee for a significant contract value.
- No clear indication of small business participation.
- Potential for vendor lock-in with specialized equipment.
- Limited number of delivery orders (7) for the contract duration and value.
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 $14.6 million to MORPHO DETECTION, LLC. MOBILE TRACE DETECTORS
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 $14.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-11-14. End: 2010-11-30.
What was the specific technical capability that made Morpho Detection, LLC the most competitive bidder under full and open competition?
The specific technical capability that led to Morpho Detection, LLC's competitive advantage likely relates to the superior performance, reliability, or unique features of their mobile trace detector technology. This could include faster detection times, broader range of detectable substances, lower false positive rates, or enhanced portability and ease of use in diverse operational environments, all of which were likely weighted heavily in the evaluation criteria.
What are the potential risks associated with a sole awardee for specialized defense equipment like mobile trace detectors?
A sole awardee for specialized defense equipment can pose risks such as vendor lock-in, reduced future competition, and potential price increases in subsequent contracts. If the sole awardee faces production issues, financial instability, or decides to exit the market, it could disrupt the supply chain and leave the government without viable alternatives, potentially impacting national security readiness.
How effectively does this contract contribute to the Department of Defense's overall security and threat detection mission?
This contract likely contributes effectively by providing advanced mobile trace detection capabilities, crucial for identifying explosives, chemical agents, and other threats in various operational settings. The investment in such technology enhances situational awareness and protective measures for personnel and assets, directly supporting the DoD's mission to maintain security and counter evolving threats.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: ALARM, SIGNAL, SECURITY DETECTION
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 7
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
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $24,404,462
Exercised Options: $24,404,462
Current Obligation: $14,601,679
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS07F9500G
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-11-14
Current End Date: 2010-11-30
Potential End Date: 2010-11-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-11-25
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