DHS awards $1.6M contract for trace detection systems to Smiths Detection, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,257,865 ($16.3M)

Contractor: Smiths Detection, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2007-05-08

End Date: 2008-05-08

Contract Duration: 366 days

Daily Burn Rate: $44.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: OTHER (NONE OF THE ABOVE)

Sector: IT

Official Description: SMITHS- 570 ETD 400B TRACE SYSTEMS

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $16.3 million to SMITHS DETECTION, INC. for work described as: SMITHS- 570 ETD 400B TRACE SYSTEMS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single vendor, Smiths Detection, Inc. 2. The contract value is $1.6 million. 3. The system is for search, detection, navigation, guidance, aeronautical, and nautical applications. 4. This falls under the broader category of system and instrument manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $1.6 million for trace detection systems appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the equipment. Benchmarking against similar government procurements for advanced detection technology would provide a clearer picture of value.

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. This method is generally expected to yield fair market prices and encourage innovation.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by securing competitive pricing for necessary equipment.

Public Impact

Enhances security screening capabilities at transportation hubs. Supports the Department of Homeland Security's mission to prevent terrorism. Procurement of advanced detection technology for national security.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
Potential for vendor lock-in if this is a proprietary system.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Supports critical national security functions.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT and Defense sectors, specifically in the manufacturing of specialized search and detection systems. Benchmarks for similar advanced sensor technology procurements are highly variable.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if opportunities were missed.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Homeland Security, through the Transportation Security Administration, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Accountability would involve tracking system performance and adherence to contract terms.

Related Government Programs

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
Transportation Security Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Limited performance data available.
Potential for high lifecycle costs.
Dependence on a single vendor for specialized equipment.
Need for ongoing validation of effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $16.3 million to SMITHS DETECTION, INC.. SMITHS- 570 ETD 400B TRACE SYSTEMS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SMITHS DETECTION, 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 $16.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-05-08. End: 2008-05-08.

What is the specific performance capability of the 570 ETD 400B Trace Detection System compared to industry standards?

The provided data does not detail the specific performance capabilities of the 570 ETD 400B Trace Detection System. A comprehensive review would require access to technical specifications, testing results, and operational deployment data to compare its sensitivity, specificity, and speed against current industry benchmarks and competing technologies.

What is the long-term cost implication of maintaining and upgrading these trace detection systems?

The long-term cost implications are not detailed in the provided data. This would typically include costs for maintenance, calibration, consumables, software updates, and potential future upgrades or replacements. Understanding these ongoing expenses is crucial for a complete lifecycle cost assessment and budget planning.

How effectively does this system contribute to the TSA's overall security mission and threat detection rates?

The effectiveness of the system in contributing to the TSA's mission is not quantified in the provided data. Measuring this would involve analyzing its impact on threat detection rates, reduction in false positives, operational efficiency gains, and its role in mitigating specific security risks identified by the agency.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: ALARM, SIGNAL, SECURITY DETECTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: OTHER (NONE OF THE ABOVE) (3)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Smiths Group PLC (UEI: 210273256)

Address: 30 TECHNOLOGY DR, WARREN, NJ, 07

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,257,865

Exercised Options: $16,257,865

Current Obligation: $16,257,865

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSTS0406DDEP509

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline