DHS Awards $3.39M for Explosives Detection Systems, Research & Development Contract
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $3,391,835 ($3.4M)
Contractor: Halo X RAY Technologies Limited
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2023-09-30
End Date: 2026-06-28
Contract Duration: 1,002 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 7
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: CHECKED BAGGAGE BAA CALL - ROTATING ON-GANTRY CT AND XRD SYSTEM FOR FULL TUNNEL AUTOMATIC EXPLOSIVES DETECTION
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $3.4 million to HALO X RAY TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED for work described as: CHECKED BAGGAGE BAA CALL - ROTATING ON-GANTRY CT AND XRD SYSTEM FOR FULL TUNNEL AUTOMATIC EXPLOSIVES DETECTION Key points: 1. Contract awarded to HALO X RAY TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED for advanced baggage screening technology. 2. Focus on R&D in physical and engineering sciences, specifically explosives detection. 3. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive pricing environment. 4. The contract duration of approximately 3 years allows for development and implementation.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $3.39M for a 3-year R&D effort appears reasonable given the specialized nature of automated explosives detection systems. Benchmarking against similar advanced sensor development contracts 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, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value solution.
Taxpayer Impact: The investment in advanced explosives detection technology aims to enhance security, potentially reducing the long-term costs associated with security breaches and manual inspection processes.
Public Impact
Enhanced airport and transportation security through automated explosives detection. Potential for faster baggage screening, reducing passenger wait times. Advancement in R&D for physical and engineering sciences related to security technology. Supports the Department of Homeland Security's mission to protect the nation.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.
- Reliance on a single vendor for specialized technology could pose future supply chain risks.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition is a positive signal for value.
- Investment in critical security infrastructure.
- Focus on R&D can lead to technological innovation.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement and national security, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research area and maturity.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this procurement. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Homeland Security, through its Office of Procurement Operations, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for R&D contracts, including progress reviews and financial audits, should be in place.
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 cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
- Dependence on a single vendor for critical technology.
- R&D projects inherently carry technical and performance risks.
- Integration challenges with existing airport security systems.
- Long-term maintenance and upgrade costs are not detailed.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-homeland-security, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $3.4 million to HALO X RAY TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED. CHECKED BAGGAGE BAA CALL - ROTATING ON-GANTRY CT AND XRD SYSTEM FOR FULL TUNNEL AUTOMATIC EXPLOSIVES DETECTION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is HALO X RAY TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED.
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 $3.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-09-30. End: 2026-06-28.
What is the specific technological advancement this system offers over existing solutions?
The contract specifies a 'rotating on-gantry CT and XRD system for full tunnel automatic explosives detection.' This suggests an advancement in imaging technology, potentially combining Computed Tomography (CT) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) for more comprehensive and automated threat identification within the baggage screening process, aiming for higher accuracy and speed than current methods.
What are the key performance metrics for this R&D contract, and how will success be measured?
Key performance metrics likely include detection accuracy rates for various explosive types, system throughput (bags per hour), reliability, and integration capabilities with existing security infrastructure. Success will be measured against predefined technical specifications and operational requirements outlined in the contract statement of work.
How will the government ensure cost-effectiveness and prevent scope creep in this Cost Plus Fixed Fee R&D contract?
The government will likely employ rigorous project management, regular technical reviews, and strict adherence to the defined scope of work. For a CPFF contract, careful monitoring of allowable costs and the fixed fee negotiation process are crucial to ensure value and prevent uncontrolled cost increases.
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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 7
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: UNIT 2 CASTLE PARK, NOTTINGHAM
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $4,736,314
Exercised Options: $3,391,835
Current Obligation: $3,391,835
Actual Outlays: $3,384,939
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-09-30
Current End Date: 2026-06-28
Potential End Date: 2027-06-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-12
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