DOI awards $392K contract for radio equipment to RELM Communications under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $39,205 ($39.2K)

Contractor: Relm Communications, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2026-07-15

Contract Duration: 104 days

Daily Burn Rate: $377/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: CO-FIRE MGMT DIVIS-CHEYENNE MNT MID WEST

Place of Performance

Location: COLORADO SPRINGS, EL PASO County, COLORADO, 80914

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $39,204.95 to RELM COMMUNICATIONS, INC. for work described as: CO-FIRE MGMT DIVIS-CHEYENNE MNT MID WEST Key points: 1. Contract value is modest, suggesting a specific need for specialized communication equipment. 2. RELM Communications, Inc. is the sole awardee, but competition was full and open. 3. The contract duration is short, indicating a potential need for ongoing procurement or a specific project. 4. The sector is focused on broadcasting and wireless communications equipment, vital for operational needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $392,04.95 appears reasonable for specialized radio equipment. Benchmarking against similar contracts for broadcasting equipment would provide further validation, but the fixed-price nature suggests cost control.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests taxpayers are likely receiving a fair price for the required radio equipment.

Public Impact

Ensures critical communication infrastructure for fire management operations. Supports the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's mission in Colorado. Potential for follow-on contracts if equipment proves reliable and effective.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Reliance on a single vendor for delivery, despite open competition.
Short contract duration may necessitate future procurements, increasing administrative burden.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Firm fixed-price contract helps control costs.
Supports essential operational needs for fire management.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Information Technology and Communications sector, specifically manufacturing of radio and wireless equipment. Spending in this area is driven by the need for reliable communication systems for various government operations, including emergency services.

Small Business Impact

While the contract was awarded under full and open competition, there is no indication that small businesses were specifically targeted or participated. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement in the supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made by the Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, indicating established oversight. The firm fixed-price contract and full and open competition suggest a degree of accountability in the procurement process.

Related Government Programs

Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
Department of the Interior Contracting
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if follow-on needs arise.
Short contract duration may lead to recurring procurement efforts.
Limited information on specific equipment capabilities and integration.
No explicit mention of small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $39,204.95 to RELM COMMUNICATIONS, INC.. CO-FIRE MGMT DIVIS-CHEYENNE MNT MID WEST

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 $39,204.95.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-07-15.

What is the specific type of radio equipment being procured and its intended use within the CO-FIRE MGMT DIVIS?

The data indicates the contract is for 'Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing'. While not explicitly detailed, it's likely for specialized communication devices essential for coordinating fire management activities in mountainous terrain, ensuring reliable communication links between ground crews, aircraft, and command centers during critical wildfire response operations.

What are the potential risks associated with the short contract duration and the specific vendor selected?

A short contract duration (104 days) could indicate a pilot program, urgent need, or a component of a larger system. Risks include potential disruption if the vendor cannot meet demand, or if follow-on needs arise and the vendor is no longer competitive or available. The reliance on RELM Communications, Inc. for delivery, even post-competition, warrants monitoring for performance and potential future sole-source justifications if competition falters.

How does this procurement align with the broader technology modernization efforts within the Department of the Interior?

This procurement likely supports the operational needs of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's fire management division. Its alignment with broader modernization depends on whether this equipment integrates with newer communication networks or represents an upgrade from legacy systems. Without more context on the specific technology, it's difficult to assess its contribution to modernization, but it addresses a clear, immediate operational requirement.

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: RFQ1800471

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: $39,205

Exercised Options: $39,205

Current Obligation: $39,205

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QTCA19D00DK

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline