DHS seeks SBInet help

The Homeland Security Department is reaching for more scientific, technical and engineering assistance for its SBInet border surveillance program with as much as $170 million in additional support contracts to be awarded this year, according to an analysis by Input Inc., a market research firm in Reston, Va.

The prime contract for construction of the Secure Border Initiative Network was awarded to Boeing Co. in September 2006. The project, which consists of towers, sensors and communication networks, is estimated to cost as much as $30 billion for both the Mexican and Canadian borders. Boeing is expected to win final approvals shortly for completion of the first 28-mile segment in Arizona.

In November 2007, the SBInet acquisition office released additional requirements for the surveillance system that are forecasted to become procurements in fiscal 2008, according to Input.

The new support contracts are primarily for additional scientific and technical work, Input said. They include:

• SBInet Program Executive Office Scientific, Engineering, Technical and Administrative Support Services ? A five-year contract with a $100 million maximum value to provide services to the program office. The solicitation is expected in late February with full and open competition.
  
• SBInet Microwave Backhaul Build-out ? A program worth between $20 to $50 million to provide infrastructure to support wireless services in SBInet. It will include design, equipment, installation and conversion. The award is anticipated to be made through the Enterprise Acquisition Gateway for Leading Edge Solutions (EAGLE) procurement vehicle.
  
• SBInet Independent Verification and Validation services ? A $10 to $20 million opportunity to provide IV&V services to SBInet over five years. Input anticipates it will be awarded through Eagle in Functional Category III. The solicitation is anticipated in February.
  
• SBInet Program Executive Office Acquisition Support Services ? A $5 to $10 million opportunity to provide acquisition support to the program executive office for five years. A request for proposals is likely to come in late February, according to Input.