DHS Awards $17.7M for Aircraft Sensor Repair, Boosting Homeland Security Capabilities

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,726,622 ($17.7M)

Contractor: Scientific Research Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2021-09-23

End Date: 2026-09-22

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Defense

Official Description: AIRCRAFT SENSOR REPAIR SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: JACKSONVILLE, DUVAL County, FLORIDA, 32221

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $17.7 million to SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CORPORATION for work described as: AIRCRAFT SENSOR REPAIR SERVICES Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $17.7 million for critical aircraft sensor repair. 2. Competition method was 'Full and Open', suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Potential risk associated with 'Time and Materials' pricing, which can lead to cost overruns. 4. Services fall under Engineering Services (NAICS 541330), a key sector for defense and security.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is Time and Materials, which offers flexibility but carries a risk of cost escalation compared to fixed-price contracts. Benchmarking against similar repair services is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust price discovery process. However, the Time and Materials pricing structure may still allow for costs to exceed initial estimates.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential maintenance of critical security assets, ensuring operational readiness.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operational readiness of U.S. Customs and Border Protection aircraft. Supports national security by maintaining vital surveillance and interdiction equipment. Potential for cost increases due to Time and Materials pricing structure.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials pricing
Lack of specific cost data for benchmarking

Positive Signals

Full and open competition
Essential service for national security

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Engineering Services, a broad category often involving specialized technical support. The spending aligns with typical investments in maintaining complex aerospace and defense systems for government agencies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business, suggesting larger, specialized firms are likely performing these critical repair services.

Oversight & Accountability

Awarded by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a component of DHS, this contract is subject to standard federal procurement oversight. The duration and value warrant monitoring for cost efficiency.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Programs

Risk Flags

Time and Materials pricing model
Lack of detailed cost data for analysis
Potential for cost overruns
No small business participation noted

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $17.7 million to SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CORPORATION. AIRCRAFT SENSOR REPAIR SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CORPORATION.

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 $17.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-09-23. End: 2026-09-22.

What is the projected cost per hour or per repair event, and how does it compare to industry benchmarks for similar sensor repair services?

The provided data does not include specific per-unit cost breakdowns or hourly rates, making direct benchmarking against industry standards challenging. A Time and Materials contract allows costs to fluctuate based on actual labor and material used, necessitating robust oversight to ensure fair pricing and prevent overruns.

What are the specific risks associated with the Time and Materials pricing model for these aircraft sensor repairs, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

The primary risk of Time and Materials is the potential for cost escalation if labor hours or material costs are higher than anticipated, lacking a ceiling price. Mitigation strategies typically involve close monitoring of hours, material receipts, and contractor performance by the contracting officer's representative (COR) to ensure efficiency and prevent waste.

How effectively does this contract contribute to the overall mission readiness and operational capabilities of U.S. Customs and Border Protection's aerial assets?

By ensuring the repair and maintenance of critical aircraft sensors, this contract directly supports the operational readiness of CBP's aerial fleet. This is vital for surveillance, interdiction, and border patrol missions, thereby contributing significantly to homeland security effectiveness.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 70B02C21R00000076

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2300 WINDY RIDGE PKWY, ATLANTA, GA, 30339

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,392,448

Exercised Options: $17,726,622

Current Obligation: $17,726,622

Actual Outlays: $9,537,206

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADU131

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline