Transportation awards $32.3M for 5G RF filters to K&L Microwave, impacting airport surveillance radar

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,306 ($32.3K)

Contractor: K&L Microwave LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-08-08

Contract Duration: 120 days

Daily Burn Rate: $269/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PROCUREMENT OF 5G RF FILTERS IN SUPPORT OF THE AIRPORT SURVEILLANCE RADAR MODEL 11 (ASR-11) SYSTEM.

Place of Performance

Location: SALISBURY, WICOMICO County, MARYLAND, 21801

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $32,306 to K&L MICROWAVE LLC for work described as: PROCUREMENT OF 5G RF FILTERS IN SUPPORT OF THE AIRPORT SURVEILLANCE RADAR MODEL 11 (ASR-11) SYSTEM. Key points: 1. Contract value of $32.3M for specialized electronic components. 2. Procurement supports the critical Airport Surveillance Radar Model 11 (ASR-11) system. 3. K&L Microwave LLC, a single awardee, highlights potential concentration risk. 4. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 5. Short performance period of 120 days suggests a focused delivery requirement. 6. Awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a streamlined process for smaller procurements.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $32.3 million for 5G RF filters appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the components and their application in critical aviation infrastructure. Benchmarking against similar procurements for advanced electronic warfare or radar components would provide a more precise value assessment. The firm fixed-price structure is a positive indicator for cost control, assuming the initial pricing was competitive.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically allows for a broader range of competition for procurements under a certain dollar threshold. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, SAP aims to foster competition. The fact that it was competed suggests that multiple vendors could have potentially offered these specialized filters, leading to price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Competition under SAP generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging multiple vendors to offer competitive pricing, potentially leading to cost savings compared to sole-source awards.

Public Impact

Enhances the reliability and performance of the Airport Surveillance Radar Model 11 (ASR-11) system. Supports the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) mission to ensure safe and efficient air travel. Indirectly benefits commercial and general aviation by maintaining critical radar infrastructure. May involve specialized manufacturing workforce within the electronic component sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Reliance on a single supplier (K&L Microwave LLC) could pose supply chain risks if production is disrupted.
The specialized nature of 5G RF filters may limit the pool of qualified alternative suppliers.
Potential for price increases in future procurements if competition diminishes.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Awarded under SAP, suggesting an efficient procurement process.
Supports a critical national infrastructure component (ASR-11).

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the 'Other Electronic Component Manufacturing' sector, a vital part of the broader aerospace and defense electronics industry. This sector is characterized by high technological barriers to entry and specialized manufacturing capabilities. The market for advanced RF filters is driven by the increasing demand for higher frequencies and faster data transmission in communication and radar systems, including those used in aviation.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans was not explicitly provided for this award. Given the specialized nature of the components and the procurement value, it is possible that larger, specialized manufacturers were the primary focus. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved in the supply chain or as potential bidders.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is subject to standard federal procurement oversight mechanisms. As a purchase order awarded under SAP, it likely falls under the purview of the Federal Aviation Administration's internal oversight and the Department of Transportation's Inspector General. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases, though specific performance monitoring details are not publicly detailed.

Related Government Programs

Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR) Systems
Air Traffic Control Systems
5G Communication Technology
Radio Frequency (RF) Components

Risk Flags

Single Source Dependency
Technological Obsolescence Risk
Supply Chain Vulnerability

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $32,306 to K&L MICROWAVE LLC. PROCUREMENT OF 5G RF FILTERS IN SUPPORT OF THE AIRPORT SURVEILLANCE RADAR MODEL 11 (ASR-11) SYSTEM.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is K&L MICROWAVE LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $32,306.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2026-08-08.

What is the track record of K&L Microwave LLC in supplying similar components to the federal government?

K&L Microwave LLC has a history of supplying radio frequency (RF) components, including filters, to various government agencies. Their expertise lies in designing and manufacturing specialized microwave filters and related components for defense, aerospace, and telecommunications applications. While specific contract details and performance reviews for past government awards are not always publicly detailed, their continued presence in this niche market suggests a capacity to meet demanding technical specifications. Further investigation into their contract history with the Department of Defense and other agencies could reveal patterns in pricing, delivery performance, and technical compliance relevant to this award.

How does the $32.3 million value compare to similar procurements for advanced RF filters?

Benchmarking the $32.3 million value for 5G RF filters requires comparing it to procurements of similar complexity, quantity, and technological advancement. Advanced RF filters, especially those designed for specific applications like airport surveillance radar, can command significant prices due to the intricate design, materials, and testing involved. Without access to a comprehensive database of comparable federal procurements for these exact specifications, a precise comparison is challenging. However, given the critical nature of aviation safety systems and the specialized manufacturing required, this value is plausible. It is important to consider the unit cost, if available, and the total quantity procured to assess value effectively against market rates for high-performance RF components.

What are the primary risks associated with this procurement, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this procurement include potential supply chain disruptions due to reliance on a single supplier (K&L Microwave LLC), the risk of technological obsolescence if the 5G technology evolves rapidly, and the possibility of cost overruns if the fixed-price contract does not adequately account for unforeseen manufacturing challenges. Mitigation strategies include robust contract management by the FAA to monitor production and delivery schedules, maintaining open communication with the contractor, and potentially exploring alternative suppliers for future needs or critical spares. The short performance period also limits the exposure to long-term market fluctuations. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract itself is a risk mitigation tool against cost escalation.

How effective is the ASR-11 system, and what is the impact of these RF filters on its performance?

The Airport Surveillance Radar Model 11 (ASR-11) system is a critical component of the National Airspace System, providing air traffic controllers with essential information about aircraft positions, altitudes, and speeds within a defined airspace. The 5G RF filters procured are designed to enhance the system's ability to operate effectively within the evolving radio frequency spectrum, particularly as 5G wireless technologies become more prevalent. These filters help to mitigate interference from new communication signals, ensuring the radar's accuracy and reliability. Improved performance of the ASR-11 system directly translates to enhanced air traffic safety, more efficient routing of aircraft, and reduced potential for radar blind spots or false readings, thereby supporting the FAA's core mission.

What are the historical spending patterns for ASR-11 system components or similar radar technology by the FAA?

Historical spending patterns for ASR-11 system components and similar radar technologies by the FAA typically involve significant investments in procurement, sustainment, and modernization. The FAA regularly budgets for upgrades and maintenance of its radar infrastructure to ensure compliance with evolving air traffic management standards and technological advancements. Spending on components like RF filters is often part of larger modernization programs or sustainment contracts aimed at extending the operational life of existing systems. Analyzing past FAA budgets and contract awards related to radar systems would reveal trends in the types of components procured, the average contract values, and the frequency of such procurements, providing context for the current $32.3 million award.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing › Other Electronic Component Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC EQPT COMPNTS

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: 2250 NORTHWOOD DR, SALISBURY, MD, 21801

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: $32,306

Exercised Options: $32,306

Current Obligation: $32,306

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline