Interior's $58.4M Radio Contract Awarded to RELM Communications for East Region Communications Equipment

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $58,398 ($58.4K)

Contractor: Relm Communications, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-07-15

Contract Duration: 105 days

Daily Burn Rate: $556/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: GA-FIRE-RADIOS-EAST REGION 2-AVON AFB

Place of Performance

Location: NICEVILLE, OKALOOSA County, FLORIDA, 32578

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $58,398.12 to RELM COMMUNICATIONS, INC. for work described as: GA-FIRE-RADIOS-EAST REGION 2-AVON AFB Key points: 1. Value for money assessed through fixed-price contract terms, limiting cost overruns. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators appear low due to a firm fixed-price structure and defined delivery period. 4. Performance context relies on successful delivery of specified radio and wireless communication equipment. 5. Sector positioning places this contract within the broader telecommunications equipment manufacturing industry.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $58.4 million for radio and wireless communications equipment appears reasonable given the scope and duration. As a firm fixed-price contract, it shifts cost risk to the contractor. Benchmarking against similar federal procurements for specialized communication systems would provide a more precise value assessment, but the fixed-price nature suggests a commitment to a defined budget.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The number of bidders is not specified, but the open competition suggests a healthy market for these types of communication systems, which generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition maximizes the opportunity for the government to receive the best value, as multiple companies vie for the contract, driving down prices and encouraging innovation.

Public Impact

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service benefits from enhanced communication capabilities for its operations in the Eastern Region. Services delivered include the provision of radio and wireless communications equipment essential for field operations and emergency response. Geographic impact is focused on the Eastern Region of the United States, supporting federal wildlife and land management activities. Workforce implications may include support for technical personnel involved in the deployment and maintenance of the communication systems.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if equipment is proprietary and requires specific maintenance or upgrades.
Dependence on contractor's supply chain for timely delivery of specialized equipment.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting competitive market conditions.
Defined delivery period (105 days) allows for clear performance expectations.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing sector, a critical component of the telecommunications industry. This sector is characterized by rapid technological advancements and significant investment in infrastructure. Federal spending in this area supports national security, public safety, and operational efficiency across various agencies. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-scale procurements for similar communication systems by agencies like the Department of Defense or FEMA.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting goals for small businesses. This suggests that the primary award went to a larger entity, and the direct impact on the small business ecosystem may be limited unless the prime contractor actively engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms and the defined delivery schedule. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) spectrum management
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) emergency communications initiatives
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) programs

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions impacting delivery timelines.
Risk of equipment obsolescence given the rapid pace of technological change in communications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $58,398.12 to RELM COMMUNICATIONS, INC.. GA-FIRE-RADIOS-EAST REGION 2-AVON AFB

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RELM COMMUNICATIONS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $58,398.12.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-07-15.

What is the track record of RELM COMMUNICATIONS, INC. in fulfilling federal contracts for similar communication equipment?

A review of RELM COMMUNICATIONS, INC.'s federal contract history would be necessary to assess their track record. This would involve examining past performance evaluations, on-time delivery rates, and any history of contract disputes or modifications. Understanding their experience with government procurement regulations and their capacity to deliver specialized radio and wireless equipment on schedule and within budget is crucial for evaluating the reliability of this award. Specific details on past projects, their scale, and client agencies would provide a clearer picture of their capabilities and potential risks associated with this contract.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for comparable radio and wireless communication equipment?

To benchmark the value, the awarded price of $58.4 million needs to be compared against current market rates for similar radio and wireless communication equipment. This involves researching pricing from other manufacturers and suppliers, considering factors like equipment specifications, quantity, warranty, and support services. Analyzing data from recent federal and commercial procurements for comparable systems can reveal whether this contract represents a competitive price. A firm fixed-price contract offers cost certainty, but understanding the underlying market price is essential to confirm that the government is achieving good value for its investment and not overpaying due to limited competition or other market factors.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract and how are they being mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential delays in delivery, equipment malfunction or obsolescence, and the contractor's financial stability. Mitigation strategies are inherent in the contract structure: the firm fixed-price nature caps the government's financial exposure, while the defined delivery period (105 days) sets clear performance expectations. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will likely implement oversight through regular progress reviews and acceptance testing to ensure equipment meets specifications. Assessing the contractor's past performance and financial health prior to award would further mitigate risks related to delivery and quality.

What is the expected effectiveness of the procured communication equipment in supporting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's mission?

The effectiveness of the procured equipment hinges on its ability to provide reliable and robust communication for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's operations in the Eastern Region. This includes supporting field agents, emergency response coordination, and data transmission in potentially remote or challenging environments. The equipment's specifications, interoperability with existing systems, and durability are key factors. Successful deployment and integration, coupled with adequate training and maintenance, should enhance operational efficiency, improve safety for personnel, and ultimately support the agency's conservation and management goals.

How does this contract's value and scope compare to historical spending on similar communication systems by the Department of the Interior?

Comparing this $58.4 million contract to historical spending patterns within the Department of the Interior for similar communication systems is crucial for context. Analyzing past awards for radio and wireless equipment, their values, durations, and the number of bidders over the last 5-10 years can reveal trends. Significant deviations in value or scope might indicate changes in technological requirements, market conditions, or agency needs. Understanding this historical context helps determine if this award represents a typical investment or an outlier, informing future budget planning and procurement strategies.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Communications Equipment Manufacturing › Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - NETWORK

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: RFQ1800410

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Relm Communications Inc.

Address: 7100 TECHNOLOGY DR, MELBOURNE, FL, 32904

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $58,398

Exercised Options: $58,398

Current Obligation: $58,398

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QTCA19D00DK

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline