VA awards $42.2M contract for X-ray scanners and metal detectors to Astrophysics Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $42,189 ($42.2K)

Contractor: Astrophysics Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2025-06-11

End Date: 2027-06-10

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $58/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: X-RAY SCANNER & METAL DETECTOR AT HARTFORD RO

Place of Performance

Location: WALNUT, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91789

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $42,189.22 to ASTROPHYSICS INC for work described as: X-RAY SCANNER & METAL DETECTOR AT HARTFORD RO Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single vendor, Astrophysics Inc., for specialized detection equipment. 2. The contract duration is 729 days, indicating a medium-term need for these devices. 3. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a broad search for qualified vendors. 4. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, which helps in budget predictability. 5. The equipment is intended for use at Hartford, likely a VA facility in California. 6. The specific product code suggests a focus on manufacturing of measuring and controlling devices.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific details on the X-ray scanner and metal detector models and their capabilities. Astrophysics Inc. is a known entity in the defense and security sector, but a direct comparison to similar VA contracts for this specific equipment is not readily available. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty for the VA, but the overall value for money depends on the performance and longevity of the equipment procured.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that the Department of Veterans Affairs sought proposals from all responsible sources. The data does not specify the number of bids received, but the use of this procurement method generally promotes a competitive environment. This approach aims to ensure the government receives the best possible value by considering a wide range of potential suppliers.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically drives down prices through market forces and encourages innovation among bidders, leading to potentially better equipment at more competitive costs.

Public Impact

Veterans and staff at VA facilities, particularly those in California, will benefit from enhanced security through the deployment of advanced detection equipment. The contract ensures the delivery of X-ray scanners and metal detectors, crucial for maintaining a secure environment within healthcare settings. The geographic impact is primarily focused on California, where the specified VA facility (Hartford) is located. The contract supports the manufacturing sector by procuring specialized electronic equipment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics for the detection equipment.
Limited information on the number of bids received under full and open competition.
Potential for obsolescence of technology over the contract duration.
Dependence on a single vendor for delivery and potential support.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust search for qualified vendors.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty for the agency.
Contract duration of nearly two years allows for sustained deployment and use.
Procurement of essential security equipment for a critical government agency.

Sector Analysis

The market for security screening equipment, including X-ray scanners and metal detectors, is a significant segment within the broader industrial and manufacturing sectors. This contract falls under the 'Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing' category, indicating a specialized niche. The defense and public safety sectors are major consumers of such technologies, with government agencies frequently procuring these items to enhance security at facilities. Benchmarks for similar contracts would typically involve comparing pricing for comparable equipment from different manufacturers and assessing the technological capabilities offered.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary focus was on full and open competition. While Astrophysics Inc. may engage small businesses as subcontractors, there is no explicit requirement or indication of such in the provided data. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless Astrophysics Inc. actively sources from small businesses for components or services related to this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' contracting and procurement oversight mechanisms. Accountability measures are inherent in the Firm Fixed Price contract type, requiring delivery of specified goods. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract were suspected or reported.

Related Government Programs

VA Medical Equipment Procurement
Security Screening Systems
Federal Supply Schedule Contracts
Department of Veterans Affairs IT and Equipment Purchases

Risk Flags

Potential for technological obsolescence
Dependence on vendor for specialized equipment
Limited public information on specific equipment capabilities

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $42,189.22 to ASTROPHYSICS INC. X-RAY SCANNER & METAL DETECTOR AT HARTFORD RO

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ASTROPHYSICS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Veterans Affairs (Department of Veterans Affairs).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $42,189.22.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-06-11. End: 2027-06-10.

What specific models of X-ray scanners and metal detectors are being procured under this contract, and what are their technical specifications?

The provided data does not specify the exact models of X-ray scanners and metal detectors being procured. It only lists the general category as 'X-RAY SCANNER & METAL DETECTOR AT HARTFORD RO' and assigns a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code of 334519, which covers 'Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing.' To understand the technical specifications, one would need to access the detailed contract award documents or the statement of work. These documents would outline the required performance capabilities, resolution, detection sensitivity, throughput, and any specific certifications or standards the equipment must meet. Without this information, a detailed technical assessment is not possible.

How does the awarded price of approximately $42.2 million compare to market rates for similar security screening equipment?

A direct comparison of the $42.2 million award to market rates for similar security screening equipment is difficult without knowing the exact quantity, specific models, and their advanced features. The contract is for a duration of 729 days, suggesting a significant number of units or a long-term service agreement. Astrophysics Inc. is a known provider, but their pricing can vary based on customization and volume. To benchmark effectively, one would need to identify comparable contracts awarded by other federal agencies or large private sector organizations for similar X-ray scanners and metal detectors, considering factors like technological sophistication, brand, and warranty. The firm fixed-price nature suggests the VA aimed for cost certainty, but the true value for money hinges on the equipment's performance and longevity relative to its cost.

What is the track record of Astrophysics Inc. in delivering similar security equipment to government agencies?

Astrophysics Inc. has a history of providing security screening equipment, including X-ray scanners and metal detectors, to various government agencies, including defense and law enforcement. Their presence in the market suggests they have experience meeting the rigorous requirements of federal procurements. However, the specific track record for delivering this exact type of equipment to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) under similar contract structures would require a deeper dive into past performance evaluations and contract completion data. Assessing their past performance would involve reviewing on-time delivery rates, adherence to specifications, and any documented issues or successes in previous contracts of comparable scope and complexity.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Potential risks for this contract include technological obsolescence of the detection equipment over its lifecycle, potential performance issues not meeting operational needs, and delivery delays. Mitigation strategies are likely embedded within the contract terms. The Firm Fixed Price (FFP) structure shifts some financial risk to the contractor, incentivizing them to deliver within budget. The contract's duration (729 days) allows for a phased deployment and testing period. Furthermore, the award under 'full and open competition' suggests a thorough vetting of potential vendors, aiming to select a capable and reliable supplier. Specific mitigation for performance issues would typically involve detailed acceptance testing criteria and warranty clauses.

How does this contract align with the Department of Veterans Affairs' broader security and infrastructure modernization goals?

This contract directly aligns with the VA's critical need to maintain secure facilities for veterans and staff. Upgrading or replacing X-ray scanners and metal detectors contributes to the agency's overall security infrastructure modernization. By ensuring advanced detection capabilities, the VA aims to prevent unauthorized items from entering facilities, thereby safeguarding personnel and sensitive areas. This procurement supports the VA's commitment to providing a safe and secure healthcare environment, which is a fundamental aspect of its mission. The investment in such technology reflects a proactive approach to security management within the healthcare system.

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: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 21481 FERRERO PKWY, CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA, 91789

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $68,229

Exercised Options: $42,189

Current Obligation: $42,189

Actual Outlays: $34,089

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS07F0182T

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline