DHS Awards $69K for Colormetric Test Kits to Detectachem Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $69,145 ($69.1K)

Contractor: Detectachem Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-09-23

End Date: 2025-10-24

Contract Duration: 31 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.2K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THIS PURCHASE ORDER IS FOR COLORMETRIC TEST KITS FOR JFK.

Place of Performance

Location: JAMAICA, QUEENS County, NEW YORK, 11430

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $69,144.54 to DETECTACHEM INC. for work described as: THIS PURCHASE ORDER IS FOR COLORMETRIC TEST KITS FOR JFK. Key points: 1. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is procuring colormetric test kits. 2. Detectachem Inc. is the sole awardee for this $69,144.54 contract. 3. The contract is for a short duration of 31 days. 4. The procurement falls under Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing. 5. This is a firm fixed-price contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The price of $69,144.54 for 31 days of test kits appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the product. However, without specific quantity or per-unit details, a precise comparison is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was not competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a potential limitation in competition. The lack of open competition may have impacted price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for this purchase. The limited competition raises questions about whether the best possible price was secured.

Public Impact

Ensures availability of essential testing equipment for JFK airport security. Supports the operational readiness of the TSA at a major transportation hub. Procurement of specialized diagnostic tools for safety and security.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition
Short contract duration
Lack of detailed performance metrics

Positive Signals

Essential security equipment
Firm fixed-price contract

Sector Analysis

The procurement falls within the Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing sector, which supplies specialized chemical and diagnostic products. Spending benchmarks for such niche items are highly variable and depend on specific product requirements and market dynamics.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this procurement. The award was made to Detectachem Inc., and further analysis would be needed to determine if they are a small business.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made via a Purchase Order, which is a standard procurement instrument. Oversight would involve ensuring the kits meet specifications and are delivered on time. The limited competition warrants closer scrutiny.

Related Government Programs

Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
Transportation Security Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Lack of detailed specifications
Short contract duration may indicate an urgent or temporary need
Potential for price overruns due to lack of competitive bidding

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $69,144.54 to DETECTACHEM INC.. THIS PURCHASE ORDER IS FOR COLORMETRIC TEST KITS FOR JFK.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DETECTACHEM INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $69,144.54.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-23. End: 2025-10-24.

What is the specific quantity and per-unit cost of the colormetric test kits being purchased?

The provided data does not specify the exact quantity or per-unit cost of the colormetric test kits. The total award amount is $69,144.54 for a 31-day period. Understanding the quantity is crucial for a thorough value assessment and to benchmark against similar products in the market.

What are the specific security risks or operational needs driving this particular purchase of test kits?

The data indicates the kits are for JFK airport, suggesting a role in transportation security. However, the specific threat or operational need (e.g., detecting specific substances, routine screening) is not detailed. This lack of clarity makes it difficult to assess the criticality and necessity of this specific procurement.

How effective are these colormetric test kits in meeting the TSA's security objectives at JFK?

The effectiveness of the colormetric test kits is not detailed in the provided information. While they are being procured for security purposes at JFK, there is no data on their accuracy, reliability, or how they contribute to the overall security posture. Post-award performance monitoring would be essential to gauge their actual effectiveness.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing › Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 120 INDUSTRIAL BLVD, SUGAR LAND, TX, 77478

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $69,145

Exercised Options: $69,145

Current Obligation: $69,145

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline