Interior's $633K Fire Radio Contract Awarded to RELM Communications Under Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $63,327 ($63.3K)

Contractor: Relm Communications, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-07-31

Contract Duration: 121 days

Daily Burn Rate: $523/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: ID BRANCH OF FIRE MGMT FIRE RADIOS

Place of Performance

Location: MELBOURNE, BREVARD County, FLORIDA, 32904

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $63,326.72 to RELM COMMUNICATIONS, INC. for work described as: ID BRANCH OF FIRE MGMT FIRE RADIOS Key points: 1. Spending on fire radios totals $633,267.20. 2. RELM COMMUNICATIONS, INC. is the sole awardee. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 4. The contract is for radio and wireless communications equipment. 5. The sector is IT/Communications Equipment Manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $633,267.20 for 121 days of service appears reasonable for specialized communication equipment. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for radio systems would provide a clearer picture of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential communication equipment, with competition aiming to ensure a fair price.

Public Impact

Ensures critical communication infrastructure for fire management. Supports the operational needs of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Procurement through competitive means aims for efficient use of taxpayer dollars.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 52 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited contract duration (121 days) may require follow-on procurements.
Specific performance metrics and delivery timelines are not detailed.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Utilizes a firm fixed price contract type.
Supports a critical government function (fire management).

Sector Analysis

The Information Technology sector, specifically wireless communications equipment manufacturing, is characterized by rapid technological advancements and diverse market players. Spending benchmarks vary widely based on the specific technology and scale of deployment.

Small Business Impact

While the awardee is RELM COMMUNICATIONS, INC., the data does not indicate if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if the prime contractor is a small business. Further analysis would be needed to assess small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, under the Department of the Interior, is responsible for this procurement. Standard government oversight processes for contract execution and delivery apply.

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 follow-on contract needs due to short duration.
Lack of detailed technical specifications.
Limited insight into small business participation.
Need for benchmarking against similar specialized radio contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $63,326.72 to RELM COMMUNICATIONS, INC.. ID BRANCH OF FIRE MGMT FIRE RADIOS

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 $63,326.72.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-07-31.

What is the specific type and technical capability of the fire radios being procured, and how does this align with current firefighting technology standards?

The provided data lacks specifics on the technical capabilities of the fire radios. Understanding the exact specifications, such as frequency bands, encryption, durability, and interoperability features, is crucial. This information would allow for an assessment of whether the procured equipment meets the evolving technological needs and safety standards of modern firefighting operations, ensuring value for money and operational effectiveness.

Given the relatively short contract duration of 121 days, what is the long-term strategy for ensuring reliable fire radio communication capabilities for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?

The short duration suggests this might be a bridge contract or for a specific, time-limited need. A long-term strategy should address potential gaps in service and consider future technology upgrades. Without a clear follow-on plan, there's a risk of service disruption or the need for emergency, potentially more expensive, procurements to maintain essential communication infrastructure.

How does the firm fixed price contract structure mitigate risks associated with potential cost overruns for specialized communication equipment, especially considering the dynamic nature of the IT sec

A firm fixed price (FFP) contract shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor, RELM COMMUNICATIONS, INC. This structure provides budget certainty for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. However, the effectiveness of FFP relies on accurate initial cost estimation by the contractor and clear definition of requirements. If unforeseen technical challenges arise or market prices fluctuate significantly, the contractor may absorb losses, potentially impacting future bids or product quality.

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: 140F1G26Q0023

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: $63,327

Exercised Options: $63,327

Current Obligation: $63,327

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QTCA19D00DK

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline