DHS Spends $35.8M on Microwave Surveillance Equipment from Digital Barriers USA Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $35,821,736 ($35.8M)
Contractor: Digital Barriers USA Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2014-08-05
End Date: 2016-06-30
Contract Duration: 695 days
Daily Burn Rate: $51.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: MICROWAVE SURVEILLANCE EQUIPMENT
Place of Performance
Location: ASHBURN, LOUDOUN County, VIRGINIA, 20147
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $35.8 million to DIGITAL BARRIERS USA INC for work described as: MICROWAVE SURVEILLANCE EQUIPMENT Key points: 1. The contract value is substantial at $35.8 million. 2. Digital Barriers USA Inc. secured the award. 3. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is the awarding agency. 4. The equipment falls under the Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The total award amount of $35.8 million for microwave surveillance equipment appears high given the relatively short duration of the contract (695 days). Benchmarking against similar contracts is difficult without more specific technical details.
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 pricing strategy and how it was determined through this competition is not detailed.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers funded $35.8 million for surveillance equipment, with the value and necessity of this expenditure requiring further scrutiny.
Public Impact
Increased surveillance capabilities for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Potential impact on privacy concerns related to surveillance technology. Investment in advanced communication and monitoring equipment for national security.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- High contract value for surveillance equipment.
- Limited transparency on per-unit cost and value for money.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Supports critical law enforcement and national security functions.
Sector Analysis
The spending is within the IT and Defense sectors, specifically related to specialized communications and surveillance equipment. Benchmarks for similar advanced surveillance systems can vary widely based on technical specifications and capabilities.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Digital Barriers USA Inc., and there is no indication that small businesses were involved as subcontractors or partners in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically involve program managers within ICE and DHS ensuring the equipment meets specifications and is used appropriately. Accountability for the $35.8 million expenditure rests with the contracting officers and program officials.
Related Government Programs
- Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Programs
Risk Flags
- High dollar value for specialized equipment.
- Limited transparency on cost-effectiveness and value for money.
- Potential privacy implications of surveillance technology.
- Need for detailed performance metrics to assess effectiveness.
Tags
radio-and-television-broadcasting-and-wi, department-of-homeland-security, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $35.8 million to DIGITAL BARRIERS USA INC. MICROWAVE SURVEILLANCE EQUIPMENT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is DIGITAL BARRIERS USA INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $35.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2014-08-05. End: 2016-06-30.
What specific capabilities does this microwave surveillance equipment provide, and how do they align with ICE's mission objectives?
The specific capabilities of the microwave surveillance equipment are not detailed in the provided data. However, such equipment generally provides advanced signal interception, monitoring, and data collection capabilities. For ICE, these could be used for border security, tracking illicit activities, or intelligence gathering to support their law enforcement and national security mandates.
What was the competitive landscape like for this contract, and did the full and open competition result in the best possible price?
While the contract was awarded under full and open competition, the data does not provide details on the number of bidders or the specific pricing strategies employed. Without this information, it's difficult to definitively state whether the competition yielded the best possible price. Further analysis of the bidding process and awarded price against market rates would be necessary.
How effectively is this $35.8 million investment being utilized to enhance ICE's operational effectiveness and national security?
The effectiveness of the $35.8 million investment hinges on the actual performance and deployment of the microwave surveillance equipment. Metrics such as improved intelligence gathering, successful interdictions, or enhanced situational awareness would indicate effectiveness. Without post-award performance reports or operational impact assessments, it is challenging to quantify the return on this significant taxpayer investment.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Communications Equipment Manufacturing › Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: DBL2 PLC (UEI: 216587213)
Address: 21660 RED RUM DR STE 105, ASHBURN, VA, 20147
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $54,039,253
Exercised Options: $35,821,736
Current Obligation: $35,821,736
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HSHQDC12D00076
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2014-08-05
Current End Date: 2016-06-30
Potential End Date: 2016-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2017-04-04
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