DHS Awards $7.3M R&D Contract to Astrophysics Inc for Air Cargo Skid Screening System
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $7,356,476 ($7.4M)
Contractor: Astrophysics Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2018-04-25
End Date: 2025-03-31
Contract Duration: 2,532 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THIS IS A NEW AWARD OFF OF THE LONG RANGE BAA FOR AN AIR CARGO SKID SCREENING SYSTEM.
Place of Performance
Location: WALNUT, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91789
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $7.4 million to ASTROPHYSICS INC for work described as: THIS IS A NEW AWARD OFF OF THE LONG RANGE BAA FOR AN AIR CARGO SKID SCREENING SYSTEM. Key points: 1. Awarded under the Long Range BAA, this contract focuses on R&D for air cargo screening. 2. Astrophysics Inc, the contractor, specializes in security screening technology. 3. The contract value is $7.3 million, with a duration of 2532 days. 4. The NAICS code 541715 indicates research and development in physical sciences. 5. This award falls under the Department of Homeland Security's procurement operations.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $7.3 million for a 2532-day R&D project appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the technology. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts for advanced screening systems would provide further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method is expected to yield fair pricing and identify the most capable offeror.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for critical security technology development.
Public Impact
Enhances air cargo security through advanced screening technology. Supports the Department of Homeland Security's mission to protect national security. Potential for broader application in other transportation security sectors. Invests in domestic R&D capabilities for critical infrastructure protection.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- R&D projects can have uncertain outcomes and timelines.
- Dependence on a single contractor for specialized technology development.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Focus on critical national security technology.
- Long-term contract provides stability for development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement and national security, with significant government investment in areas like advanced screening systems.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and the contractor, Astrophysics Inc., is likely a larger entity. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The award is managed by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Procurement Operations. Oversight would involve monitoring project milestones, budget adherence, and performance to ensure accountability and effective use of funds.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- Office of Procurement Operations Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for R&D project delays or scope creep.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical technology.
- Effectiveness of the final product is not guaranteed at the outset.
- Long contract duration may require adjustments to evolving threats.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-homeland-security, ca, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $7.4 million to ASTROPHYSICS INC. THIS IS A NEW AWARD OFF OF THE LONG RANGE BAA FOR AN AIR CARGO SKID SCREENING SYSTEM.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ASTROPHYSICS INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Office of Procurement Operations).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $7.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-04-25. End: 2025-03-31.
What is the specific technological advancement this screening system aims to achieve compared to existing solutions?
The specific technological advancement is not detailed in the provided data. However, given the R&D nature and the contractor's specialization in screening, it likely focuses on improved detection capabilities, speed, or integration with existing cargo handling processes. Further details would be found in the Statement of Work.
What are the key performance metrics for this R&D contract to ensure successful development?
Key performance metrics for this R&D contract would typically include successful demonstration of specified detection capabilities, adherence to development timelines, integration feasibility, and potentially prototype performance under simulated conditions. The contract's Statement of Work would outline these specific, measurable criteria.
How will the effectiveness of the developed screening system be validated post-development?
Post-development validation would likely involve rigorous testing and evaluation by DHS personnel or designated third parties. This could include operational field tests, comparison against known threats, and performance benchmarking against established security standards to ensure the system meets its intended objectives.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
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, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $7,356,476
Exercised Options: $7,356,476
Current Obligation: $7,356,476
Actual Outlays: $1,815,203
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-04-25
Current End Date: 2025-03-31
Potential End Date: 2025-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-04
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