FAA awards $80.4K for URC-300 Transceivers to Carroll Woods Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $80,373 ($80.4K)

Contractor: Carroll Woods Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-12-02

Contract Duration: 245 days

Daily Burn Rate: $328/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: URC-300 VHF/UHF TRANSCEIVER

Place of Performance

Location: ATLANTIC CITY, ATLANTIC County, NEW JERSEY, 08405

State: New Jersey Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $80,372.7 to CARROLL WOODS INC for work described as: URC-300 VHF/UHF TRANSCEIVER Key points: 1. Spending on radio equipment is essential for aviation safety and communication. 2. Competition under SAP suggests a streamlined process, potentially impacting price discovery. 3. Risk is moderate, given the specific nature of the equipment and single award. 4. The sector is critical for maintaining air traffic control infrastructure.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award amount of $80,372.7 for 2 units of URC-300 VHF/UHF TRANSCEIVER appears reasonable given the specialized nature of aviation communication equipment. Benchmarking against similar specialized radio systems would be necessary for a definitive assessment.

Cost Per Unit: $40,186.35

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

Competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures) indicates a non-full and open competition. While this can expedite procurement, it may limit the pool of potential bidders and the opportunity for the government to secure the lowest possible price.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for essential aviation safety equipment. The limited competition may result in a slightly higher cost than a full and open competition, but the overall amount is relatively small.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operational capability for critical FAA communication systems. Supports the safety and efficiency of air traffic control. Procurement of specialized electronic equipment for government operations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may not yield the best price.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical equipment.

Positive Signals

Essential equipment for aviation safety.
Procurement completed within a reasonable timeframe.

Sector Analysis

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operates within the transportation sector, with significant spending on IT and communication equipment. Benchmarks for similar specialized radio equipment can vary widely based on technical specifications and volume.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether Carroll Woods Inc. is a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on small business participation in this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was a Purchase Order, a common method for acquiring goods. Oversight would focus on contract performance, delivery, and adherence to specifications to ensure accountability.

Related Government Programs

Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
Department of Transportation Contracting
Federal Aviation Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition.
Potential for vendor lock-in.
Lack of detailed performance comparison.
Unknown small business status.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $80,372.7 to CARROLL WOODS INC. URC-300 VHF/UHF TRANSCEIVER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CARROLL WOODS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Aviation Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $80,372.7.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-12-02.

What is the typical lifespan and maintenance cost associated with URC-300 VHF/UHF TRANSCEIVERS to assess long-term value?

The typical lifespan of specialized communication equipment like the URC-300 transceiver can range from 5 to 15 years, depending on usage intensity and maintenance protocols. Maintenance costs can include periodic servicing, component replacements, and software updates. Without specific manufacturer data or agency maintenance logs, estimating precise costs is difficult, but agencies should budget for annual maintenance, potentially 5-10% of the initial acquisition cost.

Are there any known single points of failure or obsolescence risks associated with this specific transceiver model that could impact future operational continuity?

The primary risk with specialized equipment like the URC-300 is potential obsolescence if the manufacturer ceases support or if newer, more capable technologies emerge. Single points of failure could arise if the FAA relies heavily on this model without adequate backup systems or alternative communication methods. Regular technology refresh cycles and maintaining diverse communication capabilities are crucial to mitigate these risks.

How does the performance and reliability of the URC-300 compare to other available VHF/UHF transceivers in terms of signal clarity, range, and durability in harsh environments?

Performance and reliability comparisons require detailed technical specifications and field testing data. The URC-300 is likely chosen for its specific features meeting FAA requirements. However, without comparative studies or user feedback on its performance against competitors in terms of signal clarity, range, and durability in aviation-specific environmental conditions, it's difficult to definitively assess its effectiveness relative to alternatives.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Communications Equipment Manufacturing › Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 95 DOT LN, TABOR CITY, NC, 28463

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, HUBZone Firm, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $80,373

Exercised Options: $80,373

Current Obligation: $80,373

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline