DHS Awards $17.3M for Explosives Threat Assessment and Detection Support to Applied Research Associates

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,309,055 ($17.3M)

Contractor: Applied Research Associates, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2022-07-01

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: R&D

Official Description: EXPLOSIVES THREAT ASSESSMENT, CHARACTERIZATION, AND DETECTION SYSTEM DATA COLLECTION SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: PANAMA CITY, BAY County, FLORIDA, 32401

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $17.3 million to APPLIED RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC. for work described as: EXPLOSIVES THREAT ASSESSMENT, CHARACTERIZATION, AND DETECTION SYSTEM DATA COLLECTION SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical R&D for explosives threat detection. 2. Applied Research Associates, Inc. is the sole awardee. 3. Potential risks include reliance on a single contractor and the Time and Materials pricing structure. 4. Spending falls within the R&D sector, specifically physical and engineering sciences.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is Time and Materials, which can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed. Benchmarking against similar R&D support contracts 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, suggesting a competitive process. However, it is a delivery order, and the specific competition details for this order are not provided.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical research and development in national security, aiming to improve safety and security.

Public Impact

Enhances national security by improving explosives detection capabilities. Supports advancements in scientific research and technological development. Potential for improved public safety through better threat assessment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type
No small business participation noted

Positive Signals

Supports critical national security mission
Awarded under full and open competition

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences. Spending benchmarks for specialized R&D support services can vary widely based on project scope and duration.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be crucial given the Time and Materials contract type to ensure costs remain within reasonable bounds and that the research objectives are met effectively.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
Office of Procurement Operations Programs

Risk Flags

Time and Materials contract type may lead to cost overruns.
Lack of small business participation.
Reliance on a single contractor for specialized services.
Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $17.3 million to APPLIED RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC.. EXPLOSIVES THREAT ASSESSMENT, CHARACTERIZATION, AND DETECTION SYSTEM DATA COLLECTION SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is APPLIED RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, 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 $17.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-07-01. End: 2026-06-30.

What specific deliverables are expected under this contract, and how will their successful completion be measured to ensure value for money?

The contract likely involves data collection, analysis, and reporting related to explosives threats. Success measurement would typically involve adherence to defined research protocols, timely delivery of comprehensive reports, and validation of findings by subject matter experts. Specific deliverables and metrics should be detailed in the contract's Statement of Work.

What are the primary risks associated with the Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure for this R&D service, and how are they being mitigated?

The primary risk of T&M is potential cost escalation due to undefined labor hours or material needs. Mitigation strategies include establishing strong oversight, setting cost ceilings or not-to-exceed clauses, requiring detailed timesheets and invoices, and ensuring a clear Statement of Work to limit scope creep.

How does this contract contribute to the Department of Homeland Security's overall mission effectiveness in combating explosives threats?

This contract directly supports DHS's mission by funding research to improve the understanding, characterization, and detection of explosives. Enhanced data and analytical capabilities can lead to more effective threat assessment, better-informed policy decisions, and the development of advanced detection technologies, ultimately bolstering national security.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4300 SAN MATEO BLVD NE STE A-220, ALBUQUERQUE, NM, 87110

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $22,267,445

Exercised Options: $17,309,055

Current Obligation: $17,309,055

Actual Outlays: $11,624,159

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 3

Total Subaward Amount: $120,949

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADU404

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline