USAF Awards $5.35M Viasat Contract for Communications Equipment, Sole-Sourced

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,349,506 ($5.3M)

Contractor: Viasat Inc

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2023-03-01

End Date: 2025-10-25

Contract Duration: 969 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.5K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: JS VIASAT TO201 USAF ANGRC

Place of Performance

Location: JB ANDREWS, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20762

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $5.3 million to VIASAT INC for work described as: JS VIASAT TO201 USAF ANGRC Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Viasat Inc. for $5.35 million. 2. Sole-source procurement raises questions about competition and potential cost savings. 3. The contract is for 'Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing' with a significant duration. 4. Focus on Maryland suggests a specific operational need or location.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $5.35 million for communications equipment needs further benchmarking against similar sole-source awards. Without competitive bids, it's difficult to assess if this price represents fair market value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award to Viasat Inc. This limits price discovery and may result in higher costs for taxpayers compared to a competitive process.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition in this sole-source award means taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price for this communications equipment.

Public Impact

Potential for higher costs due to lack of competition. Ensures specific equipment availability for USAF operations. Limited transparency on the justification for sole-sourcing.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Positive Signals

Sector Analysis

The 'Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing' sector is diverse, encompassing a wide range of technologies. Benchmarking this specific award requires understanding the exact nature of the equipment and its market price, especially given the sole-source nature.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, as 'sb' is false. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within this award.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants scrutiny from oversight bodies to ensure the justification is sound and that taxpayer funds are being used efficiently. Transparency regarding the procurement process is key.

Related Government Programs

Risk Flags

Tags

other-communications-equipment-manufactu, general-services-administration, md, delivery-order, 1m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $5.3 million to VIASAT INC. JS VIASAT TO201 USAF ANGRC

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is VIASAT INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-03-01. End: 2025-10-25.

What is the specific justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, urgent needs, or a lack of viable alternatives. Without access to the specific documentation, it's impossible to determine the exact reason. However, such awards are often scrutinized to ensure they are truly necessary and not a result of convenience or a failure to adequately explore competitive options.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source contract for communications equipment?

Sole-source contracts carry risks of inflated pricing due to the absence of competitive pressure. There's also a risk of vendor lock-in, limited innovation, and potential quality issues if the vendor faces no market alternatives. Furthermore, it can stifle competition within the industry, potentially impacting the development of new technologies and reducing overall market efficiency.

How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of USAF operations?

This contract likely provides essential communications equipment crucial for the effective functioning of specific USAF operations. The long duration suggests a sustained need for this equipment. However, the effectiveness is intertwined with the value received; if the equipment is vital but overpriced due to sole-sourcing, the overall effectiveness in terms of resource utilization might be compromised.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingCommunications Equipment ManufacturingOther Communications Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - NETWORK

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 47QFLA22Q0225

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6155 EL CAMINO REAL, CARLSBAD, CA, 92009

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,349,506

Exercised Options: $5,349,506

Current Obligation: $5,349,506

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QFLA19D0006

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2023-03-01

Current End Date: 2025-10-25

Potential End Date: 2025-10-25 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2026-01-21

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