DoD's $18.6M Radio Equipment Contract Awarded to MERCOM, Inc. Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $18,596,986 ($18.6M)
Contractor: Mercom, Incorporated
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2012-03-23
End Date: 2012-09-27
Contract Duration: 188 days
Daily Burn Rate: $98.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: P/N DRT1183C-033
Place of Performance
Location: PAWLEYS ISLAND, GEORGETOWN County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29585
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $18.6 million to MERCOM, INCORPORATED for work described as: P/N DRT1183C-033 Key points: 1. The contract value of $18.6 million for radio and television broadcasting equipment falls within a typical range for such procurements. 2. MERCOM, INCORPORATED secured this award through full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. The firm fixed price contract type suggests that cost risks are primarily borne by the contractor. 4. The sector involves manufacturing of wireless communications equipment, crucial for defense operations.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $18.6 million appears reasonable for specialized radio and television broadcasting equipment. Benchmarking against similar DoD contracts for wireless communications hardware would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives best value.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the procurement is expected to have resulted in a fair market price, maximizing taxpayer value.
Public Impact
Ensures the Department of Defense receives necessary wireless communications equipment. Supports the manufacturing sector for specialized electronic components. The competitive award process aims for efficient use of taxpayer funds.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition utilized.
- Firm fixed price contract type.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Information Technology and Defense sectors, specifically related to the manufacturing of wireless communications equipment. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining modern military communication capabilities.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were excluded or if the scope of work was beyond their typical capacity.
Oversight & Accountability
The use of full and open competition and a firm fixed price contract suggests standard oversight mechanisms were likely in place. However, specific oversight details are not provided.
Related Government Programs
- Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of specific technical details on equipment.
- No information on contract performance history or modifications.
- Small business participation not indicated.
Tags
radio-and-television-broadcasting-and-wi, department-of-defense, sc, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $18.6 million to MERCOM, INCORPORATED. P/N DRT1183C-033
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MERCOM, INCORPORATED.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $18.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2012-03-23. End: 2012-09-27.
What is the specific type of radio and television broadcasting equipment procured, and how does its technical capability compare to current market offerings?
The provided data does not specify the exact type of radio and television broadcasting equipment. Understanding the technical specifications and capabilities is crucial to assess if the procured items represent current technology or if they are legacy systems. This information would help determine if the $18.6 million investment aligns with technological advancements and future operational needs.
Were there any performance issues or contract modifications during the delivery order period that might indicate unforeseen risks or challenges?
The data does not detail any performance issues or contract modifications. A review of contract performance history, including any change orders, delivery delays, or quality control issues, would be necessary to fully assess the execution risks associated with this award. Such information is vital for understanding the contractor's reliability and the overall success of the procurement.
How does the unit cost, if derivable, compare to similar equipment purchased by other government agencies or commercial entities?
Deriving a precise unit cost is not possible without knowing the quantity of items procured under this $18.6 million contract. If the quantity were known, a comparison to market prices for similar radio and television broadcasting equipment could be made. This would help ascertain if the government achieved a competitive price and identify potential areas for cost savings in future procurements.
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
Solicitation ID: N6523608R0077
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 235 COMMERCE DR STE 303, PAWLEYS ISLAND, SC, 29585
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, HUBZone Firm, Labor Surplus Area Firm, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $18,596,986
Exercised Options: $18,596,986
Current Obligation: $18,596,986
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: N6523611D4109
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2012-03-23
Current End Date: 2012-09-27
Potential End Date: 2012-09-27 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2019-10-22
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