DHS awards $28.4M for mobile video surveillance systems to detect border threats

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $28,448,051 ($28.4M)

Contractor: Tactical Micro, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2019-09-27

End Date: 2021-10-01

Contract Duration: 735 days

Daily Burn Rate: $38.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

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

Place of Performance

Location: FREDERICKSBURG, SPOTSYLVANIA County, VIRGINIA, 22408

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $28.4 million to TACTICAL MICRO, INC. for work described as: MOBILE VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS FOR U.S. BORDER PATROL TO DETECT, TRACK, AND IDENTIFY ITEMS OF INTEREST (IOIS) ALONG THE SOUTHWEST U.S. BORDER. Key points: 1. Contract value of $28.4 million for mobile video surveillance systems. 2. Systems aim to detect, track, and identify items of interest along the Southwest U.S. border. 3. Awarded by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to Tactical Micro, Inc. 4. Contract duration spans from September 2019 to October 2021. 5. The procurement method was full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 6. This contract supports border security operations and technology enhancement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $28.4 million for mobile video surveillance systems appears reasonable given the technology's role in border security. Benchmarking against similar DHS procurements for surveillance technology suggests this award falls within expected cost ranges for advanced systems. The firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government, indicating a well-defined scope of work and associated pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources.' This specific procurement type suggests that while the competition was intended to be broad, certain sources may have been excluded based on specific criteria or prior exclusions. The number of bidders is not explicitly stated, but the 'exclusion of sources' implies a potentially narrowed field compared to a standard full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The 'exclusion of sources' aspect warrants scrutiny to ensure it did not unduly limit competition and potentially impact price discovery, though the 'full and open' intent suggests a competitive process was still prioritized.

Public Impact

Enhances the U.S. Border Patrol's ability to monitor and secure the Southwest border. Provides critical technology for detecting and identifying potential threats and contraband. Supports national security objectives by improving situational awareness in a high-traffic border region. Contributes to the operational effectiveness of law enforcement agencies responsible for border security. Indirectly impacts the workforce by providing advanced tools for border patrol agents.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition due to 'exclusion of sources' clause.
Need for ongoing performance monitoring to ensure system effectiveness and reliability.

Positive Signals

Award to a single contractor for specialized systems can lead to focused expertise.
Firm fixed-price contract provides budget predictability.
Supports a critical national security mission.

Sector Analysis

The market for border security technology is a significant segment within the broader defense and security sector. This contract for mobile video surveillance systems fits within the 'Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing' industry. Spending in this area is driven by evolving threats and the need for advanced monitoring capabilities, with government agencies like DHS being major procurers of such specialized equipment.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation was not a primary focus for this specific award, as the contract was not set aside for small businesses and there is no explicit mention of subcontracting goals. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved in the supply chain or as potential subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would fall under the Department of Homeland Security's established procurement and contract management processes. The firm fixed-price nature of the award provides a degree of accountability by fixing the total cost. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases, though specific performance metrics and oversight reports may not be publicly detailed.

Related Government Programs

Border Security Technology
Surveillance Systems
Department of Homeland Security Contracts
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Procurements
Mobile Surveillance Technology

Risk Flags

Limited competition potential due to source exclusion.
Dependence on technology that may become obsolete.
Environmental performance degradation risk.
Cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $28.4 million to TACTICAL MICRO, INC.. MOBILE VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS FOR U.S. BORDER PATROL TO DETECT, TRACK, AND IDENTIFY ITEMS OF INTEREST (IOIS) ALONG THE SOUTHWEST U.S. 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 $28.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-09-27. End: 2021-10-01.

What is the track record of Tactical Micro, Inc. in delivering similar surveillance systems to government agencies?

Tactical Micro, Inc. has a history of providing specialized electronic systems and components to various government entities, including defense and homeland security agencies. While specific details on past mobile video surveillance system contracts for border patrol may require deeper investigation into contract databases, their general expertise lies in complex electronic manufacturing and integration. Assessing their past performance on similar projects, including on-time delivery, adherence to specifications, and overall system reliability, is crucial for understanding their capability to meet the demands of this DHS contract. A review of past performance evaluations and any reported issues or successes would provide a clearer picture of their reliability in this domain.

How does the $28.4 million contract value compare to similar mobile video surveillance system procurements for border security?

The $28.4 million contract value for mobile video surveillance systems appears to be within a reasonable range for advanced border security technology. Similar procurements by agencies like DHS or the Department of Defense for sophisticated surveillance equipment, including mobile platforms, often range from several million to tens of millions of dollars, depending on the system's capabilities, quantity, and integration complexity. Factors such as the specific sensor technology, data processing, communication capabilities, and ruggedization for field deployment significantly influence cost. Without direct comparisons of identical systems, this award suggests a substantial investment in enhancing border surveillance capabilities, likely reflecting the advanced nature of the technology procured.

What are the primary risks associated with the deployment and performance of these mobile video surveillance systems?

Key risks associated with these mobile video surveillance systems include technological obsolescence, as surveillance technology evolves rapidly. Environmental factors such as extreme weather conditions along the Southwest border could impact system performance and durability. Operational risks involve potential for system failures, data transmission issues, and the need for continuous maintenance and upgrades. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the systems in accurately detecting and identifying 'items of interest' is a critical performance risk that requires rigorous testing and validation. Cybersecurity threats to the data collected and transmitted also represent a significant risk that must be mitigated through robust security protocols.

How effective are mobile video surveillance systems in enhancing border patrol operations compared to other surveillance methods?

Mobile video surveillance systems offer significant advantages in enhancing border patrol operations by providing real-time, dynamic monitoring capabilities. Their mobility allows agents to deploy them strategically to cover vast and varied terrains, offering flexibility that fixed surveillance posts lack. These systems can detect, track, and identify potential threats or illicit activities from a distance, improving situational awareness and response times. Compared to static sensors or aerial surveillance, mobile units can offer persistent ground-level observation. However, their effectiveness is contingent on factors like image clarity in diverse conditions, data analysis capabilities, and integration with existing command and control systems. Continuous technological advancements are crucial to maintaining their edge over evolving smuggling techniques.

What has been the historical spending trend for mobile video surveillance systems by the Department of Homeland Security?

Historical spending by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on mobile video surveillance systems has generally trended upwards, reflecting a sustained commitment to enhancing border security technology. While specific figures for 'mobile video surveillance systems' as a distinct category can fluctuate based on evolving threats and technological advancements, DHS consistently invests in a range of surveillance and detection equipment. This includes aerial platforms, ground sensors, and mobile units. The $28.4 million awarded in this instance is part of a larger, ongoing investment strategy aimed at modernizing border infrastructure and improving operational capabilities. Analyzing broader spending patterns on border technology provides context for this specific award, indicating a strategic allocation of resources towards advanced surveillance solutions.

What are the implications of the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' procurement method for this contract?

The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' procurement method implies that while the initial intent was to allow all responsible sources to compete, certain entities were subsequently excluded from the bidding process. This exclusion could be based on various factors, such as prior performance issues, specific technical requirements that only a limited number of vendors could meet, or national security considerations. While it aims to ensure that only qualified and appropriate vendors participate, it can also limit the breadth of competition compared to a standard 'full and open' process. The justification for excluding sources is critical to understanding whether this method optimized value for the government or potentially restricted competitive pricing.

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

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: $28,448,051

Exercised Options: $28,448,051

Current Obligation: $28,448,051

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSBP1016D00002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline