Homeland Security awards $77.4M for High Energy Rail Systems to Smiths Detection Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $77,434,829 ($77.4M)
Contractor: Smiths Detection Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2020-07-01
End Date: 2029-12-31
Sector: Defense
Official Description: HIGH ENERGY RAIL SYSTEMS
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $77.4 million to SMITHS DETECTION INC. for work described as: HIGH ENERGY RAIL SYSTEMS Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced rail security technology. 2. Competition appears limited, with a single awardee. 3. Potential risks include vendor lock-in and sole-source reliance. 4. Long-term contract extends through 2029, indicating sustained need.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award of over $77 million for high energy rail systems suggests a substantial commitment to enhancing security infrastructure. The value indicates a significant need and a belief in the chosen solution's efficacy.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This appears to be a sole-source award, indicating that Smiths Detection Inc. was the only vendor considered or capable of meeting the specific requirements. This limits competitive pressure on pricing and innovation.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not benefit from competitive pricing due to the sole-source nature of this award.
Public Impact
Enhanced security at rail ports of entry. Improved detection capabilities for threats. Potential for faster processing of goods and people.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Long contract duration may not adapt to evolving threats.
- Dependence on a single vendor for critical security systems.
Positive Signals
- Addresses critical national security needs.
- Investment in advanced detection technology.
- Long-term commitment ensures sustained security posture.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the security and defense sector, specifically focusing on border protection and transportation security. High energy rail systems are crucial for detecting contraband and threats at ports of entry.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this award, nor does it appear to be a set-aside contract. The focus is on a specialized, high-value security solution.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial to ensure Smiths Detection Inc. meets performance benchmarks and that the technology remains effective throughout the contract's lifespan. The Department of Homeland Security will need to monitor the sole-source relationship closely.
Related Government Programs
- High Energy Rail Systems
- Security Technology
- Border Security Equipment
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Long-term contract
- Vendor dependency
Tags
homeland-security, customs-and-border-protection, rail-security, detection-technology, smiths-detection, sole-source, national-security, transportation-security
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $77.4 million to SMITHS DETECTION INC.. HIGH ENERGY RAIL SYSTEMS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SMITHS DETECTION 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 $77.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-07-01. End: 2029-12-31.
Analysis insight 1
The specific capabilities of these high energy rail systems are not detailed but are presumed to be advanced detection tools.
Analysis insight 2
The sole-source justification warrants further examination to understand why alternative solutions were not pursued.
Analysis insight 3
The long-term nature of the contract suggests a strategic, ongoing investment in rail security infrastructure.