DHS awards $21.16M for mobile radios to CBP, with Edge Technology Distributors Inc. winning a firm-fixed-price delivery order

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,160,724 ($21.2M)

Contractor: Edge Technology Distributors, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2022-09-21

End Date: 2024-12-31

Contract Duration: 832 days

Daily Burn Rate: $25.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: MOBILE RADIOS TO EQUIP VEHICLES IN SUPPORT OF CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION (CBP) OPERATIONS.

Place of Performance

Location: TALLAHASSEE, LEON County, FLORIDA, 32309

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $21.2 million to EDGE TECHNOLOGY DISTRIBUTORS, INC. for work described as: MOBILE RADIOS TO EQUIP VEHICLES IN SUPPORT OF CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION (CBP) OPERATIONS. Key points: 1. The contract value of $21.16 million for mobile radios represents a significant investment in communication infrastructure for CBP. 2. The firm-fixed-price contract type suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, potentially benefiting the government. 3. A single award delivery order under a larger contract indicates a specific need being met, but raises questions about broader competition. 4. The duration of the contract (832 days) suggests a sustained need for these communication devices. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 334220 points to the manufacturing of radio and television broadcasting and wireless communications equipment. 6. The contract's focus on equipping vehicles highlights the operational mobility requirements of CBP.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific delivery order is challenging without knowing the total contract ceiling and the pricing of other potential awards. However, the firm-fixed-price structure is generally favorable for the government, as it caps potential costs. The price per unit, if available, would be a key metric for assessing value against market rates for similar mobile radio systems.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. However, the issuance of a single delivery order implies that Edge Technology Distributors, Inc. was selected as the most advantageous offer. The number of bidders is not specified, which limits a deeper analysis of the competitive landscape.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages a wider range of offers and can lead to more competitive pricing.

Public Impact

Border security personnel within Customs and Border Protection will benefit from enhanced communication capabilities. The services delivered include the provision of mobile radio equipment essential for operational coordination. The geographic impact is primarily within the operational areas of CBP, likely along U.S. borders and at ports of entry. The contract supports the technology sector by engaging a manufacturer of wireless communications equipment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of transparency on the number of bidders limits assessment of competitive intensity.
The specific technical capabilities and interoperability of the awarded radios are not detailed, posing a potential risk if they do not meet evolving operational needs.
Dependence on a single awardee for this specific delivery order could create future sole-source risks if not managed proactively.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a structured procurement process.
Firm-fixed-price contract type helps control costs for the government.
The contract directly supports the critical mission of Customs and Border Protection.

Sector Analysis

The market for mobile radio and wireless communications equipment is a mature sector driven by demand from public safety, transportation, and defense agencies. This contract falls within the broader telecommunications manufacturing industry, which is characterized by technological advancements and evolving standards. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining operational effectiveness for agencies like CBP, with comparable spending benchmarks often found in contracts for tactical communication systems and vehicle-mounted equipment.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting goals for small businesses. This suggests that the primary awardee is likely a larger entity, and the contract may not directly contribute to the small business ecosystem unless Edge Technology Distributors, Inc. has its own robust small business subcontracting program.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Homeland Security's procurement and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, which holds the contractor responsible for delivery and performance within the agreed price. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award notice, but further details on performance metrics and oversight activities would require access to internal DHS reporting.

Related Government Programs

Department of Homeland Security Communications Systems
Customs and Border Protection Equipment Procurement
Federal Law Enforcement Radio Systems
Wireless Communications Infrastructure

Risk Flags

Potential for technological obsolescence
Limited visibility into competitive bidding process details
Dependence on a single awardee for this delivery order

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $21.2 million to EDGE TECHNOLOGY DISTRIBUTORS, INC.. MOBILE RADIOS TO EQUIP VEHICLES IN SUPPORT OF CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION (CBP) OPERATIONS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EDGE TECHNOLOGY DISTRIBUTORS, INC..

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 $21.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-21. End: 2024-12-31.

What is the track record of Edge Technology Distributors, Inc. in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for communication equipment?

A review of federal procurement data would be necessary to fully assess Edge Technology Distributors, Inc.'s track record. Key indicators would include the number of previous federal awards, their value, the types of goods or services provided, and past performance ratings. Specifically for communication equipment, it would be important to see if they have a history of delivering reliable and technologically current products on time and within budget. Any past issues with contract performance, such as delays, quality problems, or disputes, would be significant risk factors. Without specific past performance data for this contractor, it is difficult to definitively assess their reliability for this particular award.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar mobile radio systems for law enforcement vehicles?

To compare the awarded price to market rates, one would need to analyze the specific technical specifications of the mobile radios procured under this contract. This includes factors like frequency bands, power output, encryption capabilities, durability standards (e.g., MIL-STD ratings), and any specialized features required by CBP. Benchmarking would involve researching prices from other manufacturers for comparable equipment or examining pricing from previous, similar government contracts. If the average price per unit, or the total cost for a defined package of radios, is significantly higher or lower than industry averages or previous government purchases, it would indicate potential issues with value for money. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract suggests the government aimed to lock in a price, but the initial negotiation's competitiveness is key.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, considering the technology and the contractor?

Primary risks associated with this contract include technological obsolescence, as mobile radio technology evolves rapidly, potentially rendering the procured equipment outdated before the end of its service life. There's also a risk of interoperability issues if the new radios are not fully compatible with existing CBP communication systems or those of partner agencies. Contractor performance risk exists, although mitigated by the firm-fixed-price structure; however, delivery delays or quality defects could still impact CBP operations. Furthermore, if Edge Technology Distributors, Inc. is a relatively new or small player in the federal market, there could be risks related to their capacity to scale production or provide long-term support. Dependence on a single awardee for this delivery order also presents a risk if future needs arise and competition is limited.

What is the expected effectiveness of these mobile radios in enhancing CBP's operational capabilities?

The effectiveness of these mobile radios is expected to be high, assuming they meet or exceed the technical requirements specified by CBP. Enhanced mobile radio capabilities typically translate to improved real-time communication between agents in the field and command centers, which is critical for situational awareness, coordination during incidents, and rapid response. Reliable communication is fundamental to border security operations, enabling better tracking of individuals, vehicles, and potential threats. The 'mobile' aspect specifically addresses the need for communication while agents are actively patrolling or responding to events in vehicles, ensuring continuous connectivity. The success will depend on the radios' durability, range, clarity, and integration with CBP's overall communication network.

How does this contract's spending compare to historical federal spending on similar communication equipment for law enforcement or border security?

To assess historical spending patterns, one would need to analyze aggregated federal contract data for the NAICS code 334220 (Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing) or specific product service codes related to mobile radios and tactical communications. Comparing the $21.16 million award to annual or multi-year spending trends for CBP or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would provide context. If this award represents a significant increase or decrease compared to historical averages, it could indicate a shift in procurement strategy, an upgrade cycle, or a response to changing operational needs. Understanding the volume and value of similar contracts awarded over the past 5-10 years would help determine if this is a typical investment or an outlier.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Edge Technology Distributors Inc

Address: 2910 KERRY FOREST PKWY STE D4-12, TALLAHASSEE, FL, 32309

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $35,609,972

Exercised Options: $21,160,724

Current Obligation: $21,160,724

Actual Outlays: $21,160,724

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70B04C19D00000017

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline