Technology Sectors
TSA awards huge baggage screening contracts to L-3 and Morpho Detection
 |
|
L-3's eXaminer |
TSA has awarded contracts, each potentially worth more than half a billion dollars, to L-3 Communications Security and Detection Systems, Inc. and Morpho Detection, Inc. to supply “medium speed” explosive detection systems that can screen checked baggage turned over by airline passengers.
The two contracts, which will each run for a five-year ordering period, will be one of three components of what TSA calls its “Next Generation Checked Baggage Explosives Detection Systems. As part of this program, TSA also plans to procure “reduced size” and “high speed” explosives detection systems.
According to TSA’s formal solicitation, the contracts will be considered “hybrids” because they will include indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ), firm fixed price, and time and material (T&M) line items.
L-3’s Security and Detection Systems unit, which is based in Woburn, MA, received an award from TSA on August 21 with a maximum value of $549,635,601. On the same day, Morpho Detection, which is headquartered in Newark, CA, landed an award with a ceiling amount of $528,224,500. “The total estimated value of this requirement, for 5 years, is approximately $691 million,” said TSA.
“Under this contract the contractor shall provide management support services including systems engineering, quality assurance (QA), configuration management (CM), system test and evaluation, training, and support required to test, deliver, configure, and install the EDS equipment,” said the TSA’s notice.
The new systems will deployed to airports across the country.
Further information is available from Kirsten O’Brien, a contract specialist, at 571-227-5633 or kirsten.obrien@dhs.gov
