DHS awards $3.17M contract for radio and wireless communications equipment to COMMDEX, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,167,200 ($3.2M)

Contractor: Commdex, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2021-09-01

End Date: 2026-05-27

Contract Duration: 1,729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: TCNS MANPOWER

Place of Performance

Location: SAN ANGELO, TOM GREEN County, TEXAS, 76904

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $3.2 million to COMMDEX, LLC for work described as: TCNS MANPOWER Key points: 1. Contract value of $3.17 million over a period of 1729 days. 2. Awarded by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to COMMDEX, LLC. 3. The contract falls under the 'Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing' NAICS code. 4. Procurement method was 'Full and Open Competition'. 5. Contract type is a 'Delivery Order' with pricing based on 'Labor Hours'. 6. Performance period spans from September 1, 2021, to May 27, 2026. 7. The contract is located in Texas (TX).

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total contract value of $3.17 million over nearly five years suggests a moderate annual spend. Without specific details on the equipment or services procured, a direct value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the 'Labor Hours' pricing model can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. Benchmarking against similar DHS procurements for communications equipment would be necessary for a more definitive value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a 'Full and Open Competition' method, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The data does not specify the number of bidders, but this approach generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and innovation. The agency sought to maximize the pool of potential offerors.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of receiving competitive pricing and ensures that the government is not limited to a single provider, potentially driving down costs.

Public Impact

The contract is expected to benefit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) within the Department of Homeland Security. Services delivered likely involve the provision of radio and wireless communications equipment and related services. The geographic impact is centered in Texas (TX), where the contract is registered. The contract supports the manufacturing sector related to communications equipment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Pricing based on labor hours introduces potential for cost escalation if not closely monitored.
Lack of specific details on the equipment or services makes it difficult to assess true value for money.
The contract duration of nearly five years requires ongoing performance monitoring to ensure continued relevance and effectiveness.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process.
The contract supports critical communications infrastructure for a key agency within DHS.
The vendor, COMMDEX, LLC, is established in the relevant industry.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the 'Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing' sector. This industry is vital for national security and public safety, providing essential communication tools for government agencies. Spending in this sector can fluctuate based on technological advancements and agency needs for upgraded or specialized equipment. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend on the specific type and quantity of equipment procured.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific impacts on the small business ecosystem stemming from a set-aside provision. The competition was open to all responsible sources, regardless of size.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Accountability measures would be embedded in the contract's performance standards and delivery schedules. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of contract awards, though specific performance details may be internal. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Homeland Security Procurement
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Contracts
Radio and Wireless Communications Equipment Procurement
Federal IT and Communications Spending

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to 'Labor Hours' pricing model.
Lack of specific equipment details hinders comprehensive value assessment.
Contract duration requires sustained performance monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $3.2 million to COMMDEX, LLC. TCNS MANPOWER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is COMMDEX, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-09-01. End: 2026-05-27.

What is the specific type of radio and wireless communications equipment being procured under this contract?

The provided data does not specify the exact type of radio and wireless communications equipment. The NAICS code 334220, 'Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing,' indicates the general industry category. However, to understand the precise nature of the procurement, one would need to consult the contract's statement of work or detailed specifications. This could range from portable radios and base stations to complex wireless network infrastructure or specialized communication devices for border operations.

How does the $3.17 million contract value compare to similar procurements by DHS or CBP for communications equipment?

A direct comparison of the $3.17 million contract value requires access to historical spending data for similar procurements by DHS and CBP. Without specific details on the equipment's technical specifications, quantity, and service requirements, a precise benchmark is difficult. However, for a contract spanning nearly five years, this value suggests a moderate level of investment. Larger, more complex system procurements or those involving extensive research and development would likely exceed this amount, while smaller, routine equipment replacements might be less. A thorough analysis would involve identifying comparable contracts using keywords, NAICS codes, and agency identifiers.

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

The provided summary data does not include specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for this contract. These critical details are typically found within the contract's statement of work (SOW) or performance work statement (PWS). For a contract involving communications equipment and labor hours, KPIs might relate to equipment reliability, uptime, delivery timelines for orders, response times for technical support, and adherence to technical specifications. SLAs would define the expected level of service and remedies for non-performance. These would be essential for the agency to monitor contractor performance effectively.

What is COMMDEX, LLC's track record with federal contracts, particularly within DHS or for similar communications equipment?

Assessing COMMDEX, LLC's track record requires accessing federal procurement databases like SAM.gov or FPDS. While this contract indicates they are a vendor for DHS, further investigation would reveal their history of awards, past performance ratings, and any significant issues or successes on previous federal contracts. Understanding their experience with similar types of communications equipment and their performance on 'Labor Hours' contracts would provide insight into their capability and reliability for this specific award. A review of their contract history could highlight any patterns of overruns, delays, or exceptional performance.

What is the potential risk associated with a 'Labor Hours' contract type for this procurement?

The primary risk associated with a 'Labor Hours' contract type is the potential for cost overruns. Unlike fixed-price contracts, where the contractor assumes more risk for cost control, 'Labor Hours' pricing is directly tied to the time spent by personnel. If project scope creeps, inefficiencies arise, or labor rates are higher than anticipated, the total cost can escalate beyond initial projections. Effective risk mitigation requires robust government oversight, detailed tracking of hours worked, clear definition of tasks, and strong project management to ensure that labor is utilized efficiently and aligns with the contract's objectives.

How does the geographic location (Texas) influence the performance or cost of this contract?

The specified location in Texas (TX) primarily influences logistical aspects and potentially labor costs. If the equipment is manufactured or services are primarily delivered within Texas, it could streamline supply chains and reduce transportation expenses compared to sourcing from distant locations. Labor rates in Texas may also differ from other regions, impacting the overall cost under the 'Labor Hours' pricing model. Furthermore, proximity to the operational areas of U.S. Customs and Border Protection along the Texas border might be a strategic advantage for timely deployment and support of the communications equipment.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 655 ENGINEERING DR STE 100, NORCROSS, GA, 30092

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,749,261

Exercised Options: $3,167,200

Current Obligation: $3,167,200

Actual Outlays: $2,141,089

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70B04C19D00000023

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline