DOI Spends $8.9M on OR Fire Radios via Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,919 ($8.9K)

Contractor: Relm Communications, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-09

End Date: 2026-08-13

Contract Duration: 126 days

Daily Burn Rate: $71/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: OR SHELDON NWR FIRE RADIOS

Place of Performance

Location: LAKEVIEW, LAKE County, OREGON, 97630

State: Oregon Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $8,918.76 to RELM COMMUNICATIONS, INC. for work described as: OR SHELDON NWR FIRE RADIOS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to RELM COMMUNICATIONS, INC. for $8.9M. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. The contract is for radio equipment, falling under the broadcasting and wireless communications sector. 4. Risk appears moderate given the fixed-price contract and defined delivery period.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $8.9M for 126 days of service appears reasonable for specialized communication equipment. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for radio systems would provide a more precise assessment.

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 competitive pricing and ensures the government receives best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is taxpayer-friendly as it drives down costs through market forces.

Public Impact

Ensures critical communication infrastructure for wildfire management in Oregon. Supports the operational needs of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Provides specialized radio equipment essential for public safety and resource protection.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 71 / 10

Positive Signals

Full and open competition utilized.
Firm fixed price contract type.
Clear delivery and performance period.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT and Communications sector, specifically manufacturing of radio and wireless equipment. Spending benchmarks for similar federal contracts in this area are typically competitive due to the specialized nature of the technology.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of the Interior's U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Standard oversight procedures for federal procurement should 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 technology obsolescence if equipment is not state-of-the-art.
Dependence on a single vendor (RELM COMMUNICATIONS, INC.) for this specific equipment.
Lack of detailed technical specifications in the provided data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $8,918.76 to RELM COMMUNICATIONS, INC.. OR SHELDON NWR 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 $8,918.76.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-09. End: 2026-08-13.

What is the specific type of radio technology being procured and its expected lifespan?

The specific type of radio technology is not detailed in the provided data. Understanding the technology is crucial for assessing its long-term value and potential obsolescence. The expected lifespan of the equipment will influence future replacement costs and the overall return on investment for the government.

Are there any performance metrics or service level agreements tied to this radio equipment contract?

The provided data does not specify performance metrics or service level agreements. For critical infrastructure like fire radios, clearly defined performance standards are essential to ensure reliability and effectiveness during emergency operations. Without them, assessing the true value and risk of the contract is challenging.

How does the unit cost of these radios compare to commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) equivalents?

The data does not provide unit cost details or allow for direct comparison to COTS equivalents. While the contract was competitively awarded, a direct cost comparison would offer insight into potential savings or premium paid for specialized government requirements. This analysis is key to determining optimal value for taxpayer funds.

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: 140F1G26F0031

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: $8,919

Exercised Options: $8,919

Current Obligation: $8,919

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QTCA19D00DK

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline