DHS awards $26.8M for Mobile Video Surveillance Systems to secure Southwest Border

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $26,817,290 ($26.8M)

Contractor: Tactical Micro, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2019-09-27

End Date: 2021-08-31

Contract Duration: 704 days

Daily Burn Rate: $38.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: MOBILE VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS (MVSS) FOR U.S. BORDER PATROL TO DETECT, TRACK, AND IDENTIFY ITEMS OF INTEREST (IOIS) ALONG THE U.S. SOUTHWEST BORDER.

Place of Performance

Location: FREDERICKSBURG, SPOTSYLVANIA County, VIRGINIA, 22408

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $26.8 million to TACTICAL MICRO, INC. for work described as: MOBILE VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS (MVSS) FOR U.S. BORDER PATROL TO DETECT, TRACK, AND IDENTIFY ITEMS OF INTEREST (IOIS) ALONG THE U.S. SOUTHWEST BORDER. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Tactical Micro, Inc. for $26.8M. 2. Systems aim to detect, track, and identify items of interest along the U.S. Southwest Border. 3. Full and open competition was conducted after exclusion of sources. 4. The contract falls under the Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $26.8M for mobile video surveillance systems appears reasonable given the scope of securing a large border area. Benchmarking against similar surveillance technology contracts would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating a limited competition. This method may have restricted the pool of potential bidders, potentially impacting price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The investment aims to enhance border security, which has significant long-term taxpayer benefits through improved interdiction and reduced illicit activity.

Public Impact

Enhanced border security and surveillance capabilities. Potential for improved detection of illegal crossings and smuggling. Technological advancement in border management. Supports national security objectives. Impacts operations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may have reduced price competitiveness.
Technology obsolescence risk in surveillance systems.

Positive Signals

Clear objective for border security enhancement.
Awarded to a single vendor, potentially streamlining deployment.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT and Defense sectors, specifically focusing on surveillance and detection systems. Spending in this area is critical for national security and border management, with significant government investment.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific provisions or awards made to small businesses under this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Oversight would involve monitoring the performance and delivery of the surveillance systems to ensure they meet the stated requirements.

Related Government Programs

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition to inflate costs.
Risk of technology becoming outdated quickly.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical systems.
Effectiveness in diverse environmental conditions needs validation.
Integration challenges with existing border infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $26.8 million to TACTICAL MICRO, INC.. MOBILE VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS (MVSS) FOR U.S. BORDER PATROL TO DETECT, TRACK, AND IDENTIFY ITEMS OF INTEREST (IOIS) ALONG THE U.S. SOUTHWEST BORDER.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TACTICAL MICRO, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $26.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-09-27. End: 2021-08-31.

What is the expected operational lifespan and maintenance cost of these mobile video surveillance systems?

The contract duration is 704 days, suggesting an operational lifespan beyond the initial delivery period. However, specific details on maintenance costs are not provided in this data. Understanding ongoing sustainment expenses is crucial for a complete value assessment and long-term budget planning for the agency.

How does the performance of these systems compare to previous or alternative border surveillance technologies in terms of detection rates and false positives?

The provided data focuses on the contract award and vendor, not on the system's performance metrics. A comparative analysis of detection rates and false positive incidents against other technologies would be necessary to evaluate the effectiveness and value for money of these Mobile Video Surveillance Systems.

What are the specific 'items of interest' the systems are designed to detect, and are there any privacy implications associated with their use?

The 'items of interest' likely refer to individuals, vehicles, or contraband attempting to cross the border illicitly. While the primary goal is security, the use of extensive surveillance technology raises privacy concerns. Clear policies and oversight are essential to ensure data is used responsibly and in compliance with privacy regulations.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: VEHICULAR EQUIPMENT COMPONENTS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Benchmark Electronics, Inc. (UEI: 024792194)

Address: 3509 SHANNON PARK DR STE 103, FREDERICKSBURG, VA, 22408

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $26,817,290

Exercised Options: $26,817,290

Current Obligation: $26,817,290

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSBP1016D00002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline