CBP Awards $93.5M for Mobile Surveillance Capabilities to Detect Border Threats

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $93,466,874 ($93.5M)

Contractor: Teledyne Flir Detection, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2010-12-30

End Date: 2017-09-20

Contract Duration: 2,456 days

Daily Burn Rate: $38.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 12

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THIS CONTRACT IS FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF MOBILE SURVEILLANCE CAPABILITIES (MSC) TO DETECT/IDENTIFY/TRACK ITEMS OF INTEREST (IOIS) ALONG US BORDER FOR U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION(CBP). ARRA FUNDED IN BASE PERIOD/BSFIT FUNDED IN OPTION PERIODS. THIS IS A FIRM FIXED PRICED CONTRACT FOR A FIVE (5) YEAR CONTRACT PERIOD (BASE + 4 OPTIONS). TOTAL PRICE IS ESTIMATED. THIS IS A MULTIPLE AWARD.

Place of Performance

Location: ELKRIDGE, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 21075

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $93.5 million to TELEDYNE FLIR DETECTION, INC. for work described as: THIS CONTRACT IS FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF MOBILE SURVEILLANCE CAPABILITIES (MSC) TO DETECT/IDENTIFY/TRACK ITEMS OF INTEREST (IOIS) ALONG US BORDER FOR U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION(CBP). ARRA FUNDED IN BASE PERIOD/BSFIT FUNDED IN OPTION PERIODS. THIS IS A FIRM FIXED PRICED CON… Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Teledyne FLIR Detection, Inc. for critical border security technology. 2. Utilizes a firm-fixed-price structure over five years, indicating clear cost expectations. 3. Full and open competition suggests a robust market and potentially competitive pricing. 4. Focuses on advanced surveillance to enhance detection and tracking of items of interest.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total contract value of $93.5 million over five years for mobile surveillance capabilities appears reasonable given the advanced technology and critical national security application. Benchmarking against similar advanced surveillance systems would provide further validation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value. This method allows multiple vendors to bid, driving innovation and cost-effectiveness.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of competitive bidding is expected to optimize taxpayer investment by securing advanced surveillance technology at a fair market price.

Public Impact

Enhances border security by providing advanced detection and tracking capabilities. Supports U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in monitoring the border. Procurement of mobile surveillance systems aids in identifying and tracking items of interest. ARRA and BSFIT funding indicates investment in economic stimulus and critical infrastructure.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in advanced technology contracts.
Dependence on a single awardee for critical capabilities.
Long-term sustainment and upgrade costs not fully detailed.

Positive Signals

Clear firm-fixed-price contract structure.
Awarded through full and open competition.
Addresses a critical national security need.
Utilizes advanced mobile surveillance technology.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the 'Other Electronic Component Manufacturing' sector, specifically related to advanced surveillance and detection systems. Spending in this area is driven by national security needs and technological advancements, with benchmarks varying widely based on system complexity and capabilities.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this was not awarded to small businesses, as the contract was awarded to Teledyne FLIR Detection, Inc. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract's firm-fixed-price nature and full and open competition suggest a degree of oversight in pricing. However, ongoing monitoring of performance, technological relevance, and potential sustainment costs will be crucial for accountability.

Related Government Programs

Other Electronic Component Manufacturing
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Programs

Risk Flags

Technology obsolescence risk.
Integration challenges with existing systems.
Long-term sustainment and upgrade costs.
Dependence on contractor's financial stability.
Potential for scope creep in advanced technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $93.5 million to TELEDYNE FLIR DETECTION, INC.. THIS CONTRACT IS FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF MOBILE SURVEILLANCE CAPABILITIES (MSC) TO DETECT/IDENTIFY/TRACK ITEMS OF INTEREST (IOIS) ALONG US BORDER FOR U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION(CBP). ARRA FUNDED IN BASE PERIOD/BSFIT FUNDED IN OPTION PERIODS. THIS IS A FIRM FIXED PRICED CONTRACT FOR A FIVE (5) YEAR CONTRACT PERIOD (BASE + 4 OPTIONS). TOTAL PRICE IS ESTIMATED. THIS IS A MULTIPLE AWARD.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TELEDYNE FLIR DETECTION, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $93.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-12-30. End: 2017-09-20.

What is the specific technological advantage offered by these mobile surveillance capabilities compared to existing border security measures?

The mobile surveillance capabilities likely offer enhanced mobility, real-time data processing, and advanced sensor fusion (e.g., thermal, electro-optical) to detect and track items of interest across diverse terrains and conditions. This allows for more dynamic and responsive border monitoring than static systems, improving the ability to identify threats and interdict illegal activities.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single prime contractor for such critical surveillance technology over a five-year period?

Relying on a single prime contractor carries risks such as vendor lock-in, potential price increases for follow-on support or upgrades, and vulnerability if the contractor faces financial or operational difficulties. It also limits opportunities for competitive innovation from other market players during the contract's life.

How effectively will these mobile surveillance capabilities integrate with existing CBP command and control systems to ensure seamless operational use?

Effective integration depends on adherence to interoperability standards and robust testing protocols during development and deployment. Successful integration will ensure that data from the mobile surveillance units is readily accessible and actionable by CBP operators, enhancing situational awareness and response times without creating data silos.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing › Other Electronic Component Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: VEHICULAR EQUIPMENT COMPONENTS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: HSBP1010R1429

Offers Received: 12

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Teledyne Flir, LLC (UEI: 091296244)

Address: 7055 TROY HILL DRIVE, SUITE 300, ELKRIDGE, MD, 21075

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $93,466,874

Exercised Options: $93,466,874

Current Obligation: $93,466,874

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline