Interior's $29M Verizon Cell Phone Contract Awarded to Cellco Partnership Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $28,985 ($29.0K)
Contractor: Cellco Partnership
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2024-04-01
End Date: 2027-03-31
Contract Duration: 1,094 days
Daily Burn Rate: $26/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: VERIZON WIRELESS - AGENCY CELL PHONES
Place of Performance
Location: POPLAR, ROOSEVELT County, MONTANA, 59255
State: Montana Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $28,984.76 to CELLCO PARTNERSHIP for work described as: VERIZON WIRELESS - AGENCY CELL PHONES Key points: 1. Contract Value: $28.98 million over 3 years. 2. Competition: Awarded via full and open competition. 3. Risk: Low risk due to established provider and fixed pricing. 4. Sector: Telecommunications services for government agencies.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value appears reasonable for wireless telecommunications services for a federal agency over a three-year period. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for mobile services would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process that likely resulted in fair market pricing. This method allows for the widest possible participation from qualified vendors.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is expected to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for essential communication services.
Public Impact
Ensures reliable communication for Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education staff. Supports critical operations and data transmission for agency personnel. Provides essential mobile services across various locations, including Montana.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition utilized.
- Firm fixed price contract type.
- Long-term contract provides budget stability.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the telecommunications sector, specifically wireless services. Government spending on telecommunications is substantial, with contracts often awarded through competitive processes to ensure cost-effectiveness and service quality.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that the award was not made to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses had an opportunity to participate in the competition or if subcontracting opportunities exist.
Oversight & Accountability
Standard contract oversight by the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education is expected. The contract duration and delivery order structure allow for monitoring of performance and adherence to terms.
Related Government Programs
- Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite)
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education Programs
Risk Flags
- No small business participation noted.
- Reliance on a single primary vendor.
Tags
wireless-telecommunications-carriers-exc, department-of-the-interior, mt, delivery-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $28,984.76 to CELLCO PARTNERSHIP. VERIZON WIRELESS - AGENCY CELL PHONES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CELLCO PARTNERSHIP.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $28,984.76.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-04-01. End: 2027-03-31.
What is the average per-unit cost for cell phone lines under this contract compared to industry benchmarks?
Without specific details on the number of lines and data plans included, a precise per-unit cost comparison is difficult. However, given the firm fixed price and full and open competition, the pricing is likely competitive. Further analysis would require breaking down the total contract value by the number of devices and service tiers to compare against government-wide acquisition contracts or commercial rate cards.
What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single vendor for essential communication services?
The primary risk of relying on a single vendor is service disruption due to outages, network issues, or vendor-specific problems. However, the competitive award process and the established nature of Verizon Wireless as a major provider mitigate some of this risk. Contingency plans and service level agreements within the contract are crucial for managing potential disruptions.
How effectively does this contract support the specific mission needs of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education?
The contract provides essential wireless communication capabilities, which are vital for the day-to-day operations of both bureaus, particularly in potentially remote areas served by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Reliable connectivity supports administrative functions, program delivery, and emergency response, directly contributing to their mission effectiveness.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Information › Wired and Wireless Telecommunications Carriers › Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite)
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - NETWORK
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Verizon Maryland LLC
Address: 1 VERIZON WAY, BASKING RIDGE, NJ, 07920
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $54,711
Exercised Options: $28,985
Current Obligation: $28,985
Actual Outlays: $10,507
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 47QTCA20D00B5
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-04-01
Current End Date: 2027-03-31
Potential End Date: 2029-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-02
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