DHS Awards $5.8M Task Order for Mesh Radio Equipment and Services to Gotenna, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,813,048 ($5.8M)

Contractor: Gotenna, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2024-09-04

End Date: 2026-07-03

Contract Duration: 667 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: TASK ORDER FOR MESH RADIO EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: ASHBURN, LOUDOUN County, VIRGINIA, 20147

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $5.8 million to GOTENNA, INC. for work described as: TASK ORDER FOR MESH RADIO EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES Key points: 1. The task order focuses on specialized mesh radio equipment and services, a niche but critical area for secure communications. 2. Gotenna, Inc. is the sole awardee, raising questions about the extent of competition and potential price discovery. 3. The contract duration of 667 days suggests a need for ongoing support or phased deployment of the technology. 4. The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' indicates a specific justification for limiting the initial pool of bidders.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $5.8M for mesh radio equipment and services needs comparison against similar government procurements. Without specific benchmarks for this specialized technology, assessing value is challenging. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The competition method, 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' implies that while the initial solicitation was broad, specific criteria or prior exclusions narrowed the field. This approach can impact price discovery by potentially limiting the number of competitive bids received.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced communication technology. The effectiveness of the competition method in securing the best price for taxpayers is a key consideration.

Public Impact

Enhances border security communication capabilities for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Supports critical operations requiring reliable, off-grid communication networks. Potential for improved situational awareness and response times in remote or challenging environments.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may lead to suboptimal pricing.
Lack of detailed justification for excluding sources.
Potential for vendor lock-in with specialized equipment.

Positive Signals

Addresses a specific, critical need for advanced communication.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Supports a key agency within the Department of Homeland Security.

Sector Analysis

The procurement falls within the Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing sector. Spending in this sector is often driven by defense, public safety, and critical infrastructure needs, with significant R&D investment.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this procurement, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be crucial to ensure the delivered mesh radio equipment and services meet the specified requirements and perform as expected. Monitoring contract performance and adherence to terms will be key accountability measures.

Related Government Programs

Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Potential for vendor lock-in
Lack of transparency in source exclusion
Need for robust performance monitoring

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $5.8 million to GOTENNA, INC.. TASK ORDER FOR MESH RADIO EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GOTENNA, 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 $5.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-04. End: 2026-07-03.

What specific technical requirements necessitate the exclusion of certain sources, and how does this exclusion impact the overall value proposition for the government?

The exclusion of sources likely stems from specific technical interoperability requirements, security certifications, or unique performance characteristics of mesh radio technology essential for U.S. Customs and Border Protection's mission. While this ensures a tailored solution, it can limit the competitive landscape, potentially increasing costs if fewer vendors can meet these stringent demands. A thorough justification should detail why alternative solutions are insufficient and how the chosen approach maximizes operational effectiveness despite potential cost implications.

How does the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' process ensure fair pricing and prevent potential price gouging?

This process aims to balance specialized needs with competitive pressure. While the initial pool is narrowed, the remaining vendors are still expected to compete. Effective price discovery relies on the agency's ability to solicit competitive bids from the qualified pool, conduct thorough market research on pricing for similar solutions, and negotiate effectively. The agency must demonstrate that the final price reflects fair market value, even with a reduced number of bidders.

What are the long-term implications of relying on a single vendor for specialized mesh radio equipment and services, particularly regarding future upgrades and interoperability?

Long-term reliance on a single vendor can lead to vendor lock-in, making future upgrades or integration with new technologies potentially more expensive and complex. It also raises concerns about the vendor's continued commitment to supporting the product line. Agencies should have strategies in place for managing this relationship, including clear contract clauses for future support, upgrade paths, and potential transition plans to alternative solutions if necessary.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - IT MANAGEMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 81 WILLOUGHBY ST FL 4, BROOKLYN, NY, 11201

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,813,048

Exercised Options: $5,813,048

Current Obligation: $5,813,048

Actual Outlays: $4,259,586

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70B06C23D00000014

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline