DOJ's U.S. Marshals Service awards $34.1M for radio and wireless equipment, with a 3-year term

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $34,118 ($34.1K)

Contractor: Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2023-10-01

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $31/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: IOD/GLRFTF - FY24 LEADS - LAW ENFORCEMENT DATA SERVICES CF: APC-FY23-000397

Place of Performance

Location: SPRINGFIELD, SANGAMON County, ILLINOIS, 62702

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $34,117.6 to ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY for work described as: IOD/GLRFTF - FY24 LEADS - LAW ENFORCEMENT DATA SERVICES CF: APC-FY23-000397 Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential communications equipment, supporting law enforcement operations. 2. The contract was competed, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the government. 4. The duration of 1095 days (3 years) provides a stable supply chain. 5. The award falls under the broad category of radio and wireless communications equipment. 6. The value of the contract is moderate within the context of federal procurement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $34.1 million over three years appears reasonable for specialized law enforcement communications equipment. Benchmarking against similar contracts for radio and wireless equipment for federal agencies is challenging without more specific technical details. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests that the government has locked in costs, which is generally a positive indicator of value, assuming the initial pricing was competitive.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), indicating a competitive process suitable for the contract's value. While the exact number of bidders is not specified, competition under SAP typically involves multiple quotes or proposals, allowing for price discovery and selection of the most advantageous offer. This approach aims to ensure fair pricing and access to a range of suppliers.

Taxpayer Impact: Competition under SAP helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a market-driven price for the required equipment, preventing overpayment.

Public Impact

The U.S. Marshals Service benefits from reliable and modern communications equipment, enhancing operational effectiveness. Law enforcement officers across various jurisdictions will have access to critical communication tools. The contract supports the national security and public safety missions of the Department of Justice. The procurement indirectly supports the manufacturing and distribution workforce within the radio and wireless communications sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if specific proprietary technologies are required.
Ensuring interoperability with existing federal communication systems is crucial.

Positive Signals

Competitive award process likely secured favorable pricing.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Long-term contract (3 years) ensures supply continuity for essential equipment.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology and Telecommunications sector, specifically focusing on radio and wireless communications equipment. This is a critical sub-sector supporting government operations, including public safety and law enforcement. The market for such equipment is characterized by technological advancements and specialized manufacturing capabilities. Federal spending in this area is consistent, driven by the need for secure and reliable communication systems.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business participation, including set-asides or subcontracting plans, was not explicitly provided in the data. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved in this procurement or if opportunities were created for them within the supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is subject to standard federal procurement oversight. The Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General may conduct audits or investigations. The use of competitive procedures under SAP and the firm fixed-price structure are intended to promote accountability and transparency in spending.

Related Government Programs

Federal Law Enforcement Communications
Radio and Wireless Equipment Procurement
Department of Justice IT Spending
U.S. Marshals Service Operations Support

Risk Flags

Potential for technology obsolescence
Need for interoperability with existing systems
Contractor performance history not detailed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $34,117.6 to ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY. IOD/GLRFTF - FY24 LEADS - LAW ENFORCEMENT DATA SERVICES CF: APC-FY23-000397

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (U.S. Marshals Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $34,117.6.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-10-01. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the specific type of radio and wireless communication equipment being procured?

The provided data indicates the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 334220, which corresponds to 'Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing.' This suggests the contract is for the manufacturing or supply of equipment within this broad category. Examples could include two-way radios, mobile communication devices, base stations, antennas, or related components. However, without a more detailed product description or line-item breakdown, the exact nature of the equipment remains general. Understanding the specific technical requirements would be crucial for a more precise assessment of value and suitability.

How does the $34.1 million contract value compare to historical spending for similar equipment by the U.S. Marshals Service?

To accurately compare this $34.1 million contract to historical spending, we would need access to historical procurement data for the U.S. Marshals Service specifically for radio and wireless communications equipment. Factors such as inflation, technological obsolescence, and changes in operational requirements over time would need to be considered. A preliminary assessment suggests the value is substantial, reflecting the critical nature of communications for law enforcement. A detailed analysis would involve identifying comparable contracts from previous fiscal years, normalizing for inflation, and examining the scope of work to ensure a like-for-like comparison.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or service level agreements (SLAs) associated with this contract?

The provided data does not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) or service level agreements (SLAs) for this contract. Typically, for equipment procurement, SLAs might relate to delivery timelines, equipment reliability, warranty support, and potentially response times for maintenance or repair. KPIs could focus on the uptime of the equipment, adherence to technical specifications, and successful integration into the Marshals Service's existing communication infrastructure. Without these details, it is difficult to fully assess the performance expectations and how contractor success will be measured.

Are there any known risks associated with the contractor or the specific technology being procured?

The provided data does not contain information about the specific contractor's past performance record or any known risks associated with the technology being procured. A thorough risk assessment would require reviewing the contractor's performance history on previous federal contracts, including any past issues with delivery, quality, or compliance. Additionally, an analysis of the technology's maturity, security vulnerabilities, and potential for obsolescence would be necessary. Given the law enforcement context, ensuring the security and reliability of the communication equipment is paramount.

What is the anticipated impact of this contract on the U.S. Marshals Service's operational capabilities?

This contract is expected to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the U.S. Marshals Service by providing them with modern and reliable radio and wireless communication equipment. Effective communication is fundamental to law enforcement operations, enabling coordination, information sharing, and rapid response during critical incidents. Upgraded equipment can improve signal clarity, range, security, and interoperability with other agencies, thereby increasing the efficiency and safety of Marshals Service personnel. This investment supports their core mission of enforcing federal laws and ensuring public safety.

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: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 15M10223QA4700304

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: State of Illinois

Address: 120 W JEFFERSON ST, SPRINGFIELD, IL, 62702

Business Categories: Category Business, Government, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, U.S. Regional/State Government

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $34,118

Exercised Options: $34,118

Current Obligation: $34,118

Actual Outlays: $10,366

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline