DHS awards $25.6M for Screening Equipment Deployment Services to Vertex Aerospace LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $25,623,236 ($25.6M)
Contractor: Vertex Aerospace LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2021-08-01
End Date: 2026-08-28
Contract Duration: 1,853 days
Daily Burn Rate: $13.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: SCREENING EQUIPMENT DEPLOYMENT SERVICES (SEDS) STANDALONE CHECKED BAGGAGE (CB)
Place of Performance
Location: STERLING, LOUDOUN County, VIRGINIA, 20166
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $25.6 million to VERTEX AEROSPACE LLC for work described as: SCREENING EQUIPMENT DEPLOYMENT SERVICES (SEDS) STANDALONE CHECKED BAGGAGE (CB) Key points: 1. Contract awarded for critical security equipment deployment. 2. Vertex Aerospace LLC is the sole awardee. 3. Potential for cost overruns or performance issues exist. 4. Spending falls within engineering services sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The award amount of $25.6 million for delivery order over 5 years appears reasonable for specialized deployment services. Benchmarking against similar large-scale equipment deployment contracts is difficult without more granular data on service scope and duration.
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. However, the specific award type is a delivery order, which may indicate a pre-existing contract vehicle or a specific need addressed through a competitive process.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential security infrastructure upgrades, aiming for improved screening efficiency and national security.
Public Impact
Enhances airport security screening capabilities. Supports national transportation security initiatives. Potential for improved passenger experience through efficient screening.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited public information on specific performance metrics.
- Potential for scope creep or unforeseen technical challenges.
- Reliance on a single vendor for deployment services.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical national security need.
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Long-term contract provides stability for services.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under engineering services, specifically related to the deployment and integration of specialized screening equipment. Spending benchmarks for such niche deployment services are not readily available, but the scale suggests a significant national security investment.
Small Business Impact
No specific information is provided regarding small business participation in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if there were opportunities missed.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial to ensure Vertex Aerospace LLC meets performance requirements and adheres to the contract terms. The Department of Homeland Security and TSA will be responsible for monitoring progress and managing any potential issues.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- Transportation Security Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in if follow-on services are needed.
- Complexity of integrating new equipment into existing infrastructure.
- Risk of performance delays impacting security operations.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical deployment.
Tags
engineering-services, department-of-homeland-security, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $25.6 million to VERTEX AEROSPACE LLC. SCREENING EQUIPMENT DEPLOYMENT SERVICES (SEDS) STANDALONE CHECKED BAGGAGE (CB)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is VERTEX AEROSPACE LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $25.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-08-01. End: 2026-08-28.
What is the specific technology being deployed and its expected impact on screening efficiency?
The data specifies 'Screening Equipment Deployment Services (SEDS) Standalone Checked Baggage (CB)'. This implies services related to the installation, configuration, and integration of new or upgraded checked baggage screening systems. The expected impact is to enhance the capabilities of security checkpoints, potentially leading to faster processing times, improved threat detection rates, and compliance with evolving security mandates.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract and how will they be measured?
Key performance indicators are not detailed in the provided data. Typically, for deployment services, KPIs would include on-time installation, system functionality post-deployment, adherence to technical specifications, and minimal disruption to ongoing operations. Measurement would likely involve site inspections, system testing, and user acceptance reports managed by the TSA contracting officer's representative.
Are there any contingency plans or alternative solutions if Vertex Aerospace LLC fails to perform adequately?
The contract data does not explicitly mention contingency plans. However, standard government contracting practice includes clauses for default and remedies. If Vertex Aerospace LLC fails to perform, the government could potentially terminate the contract for default and seek services from another vendor, possibly incurring additional costs. The 'full and open competition' award suggests other qualified vendors exist.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 555 INDUSTRIAL DR S, MADISON, MS, 39110
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $25,623,236
Exercised Options: $25,623,236
Current Obligation: $25,623,236
Actual Outlays: $9,007,693
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 70T04021D7672N001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-08-01
Current End Date: 2026-08-28
Potential End Date: 2026-08-28 10:28:29
Last Modified: 2025-08-29
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