DHS awards $38.8M contract for non-citizen communications services to Talton Communications Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $38,776,485 ($38.8M)

Contractor: Talton Communications Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2023-08-01

End Date: 2025-04-08

Contract Duration: 616 days

Daily Burn Rate: $62.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: NON-CITIZEN COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: SELMA, DALLAS County, ALABAMA, 36701

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $38.8 million to TALTON COMMUNICATIONS INC for work described as: NON-CITIZEN COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value of $38.8 million over its period of performance. 2. Services are categorized under Telecommunications Resellers (NAICS 517121). 3. Awarded via full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 4. Contract duration is 616 days. 5. Firm Fixed Price contract type indicates predictable costs. 6. Geographic scope includes Alabama. 7. The contract was awarded by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $38.8 million for non-citizen communications services over approximately 20 months appears to be within a reasonable range for such specialized telecommunications support. Benchmarking against similar contracts for government-wide telecommunications resellers is challenging due to the specific nature of the services and the target demographic. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests that the government has negotiated a set cost, which can be advantageous if the scope of work is well-defined. Further analysis would require detailed service level agreements and comparison with industry standards for similar communication solutions.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' While this indicates a competitive process, the 'exclusion of sources' clause suggests that certain potential bidders may have been disqualified or not considered for specific reasons, potentially limiting the breadth of competition. The number of bidders is not specified, but the designation implies that multiple responsible sources were considered. The level of competition, even with exclusions, is expected to drive price discovery, but the specific impact is difficult to ascertain without knowing the number of proposals received and their relative pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive process, even with exclusions, aims to secure the best value for taxpayers. A well-competed contract, even with limited exclusions, should lead to more favorable pricing than a sole-source award. Taxpayers benefit from the government's effort to obtain services at a reasonable cost through this method.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are non-citizens requiring communication services, likely facilitated by ICE operations. The services delivered are telecommunications, enabling essential communication for the specified population. The geographic impact is focused on Alabama, where the services will be deployed. Workforce implications are likely related to the telecommunications sector, potentially creating or sustaining jobs in Alabama for service provision and support.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if 'non-citizen communications services' are not precisely defined.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical communication infrastructure could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
The 'exclusion of sources' clause warrants scrutiny to ensure it was justified and did not unduly restrict competition.

Positive Signals

Awarded through a competitive process, suggesting potential for value.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The contract duration allows for sustained service delivery.

Sector Analysis

The telecommunications resellers market is a segment of the broader IT and communications sector, providing essential infrastructure and services to government agencies. This contract fits within the government's need for reliable communication solutions, particularly for agencies managing large populations or complex operational requirements like ICE. Comparable spending benchmarks for telecommunications resellers vary widely based on the scale and type of services, but government contracts often represent significant investments due to security and reliability demands.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract included a small business set-aside. The contract was awarded to Talton Communications Inc., and information regarding subcontracting plans or their impact on the small business ecosystem is not provided in the available data. Further investigation would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved as subcontractors or if there are opportunities for them within this contract's performance.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within the Department of Homeland Security. Accountability measures are typically embedded within the contract's performance work statement and service level agreements. Transparency regarding the specific services and performance metrics would depend on public reporting by DHS and ICE, and the contract's terms regarding data sharing. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any issues of fraud, waste, or abuse arise.

Related Government Programs

Department of Homeland Security - General Operations
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Detention and Deportation Services
Federal Telecommunications Services
Government Communications Contracts

Risk Flags

Competition Method - 'Exclusion of Sources' requires further justification.
Service Specificity - 'Non-citizen communications services' is broad and may require detailed definition.
Data Sensitivity - Handling sensitive information related to non-citizens requires robust security protocols.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $38.8 million to TALTON COMMUNICATIONS INC. NON-CITIZEN COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TALTON COMMUNICATIONS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $38.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-08-01. End: 2025-04-08.

What specific types of communication services are being provided under this contract?

The contract specifies 'NON-CITIZEN COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES' under the NAICS code for 'Telecommunications Resellers.' While the exact nature of these services is not detailed in the provided data, it likely encompasses voice, data, and potentially video communication solutions tailored to the needs of non-citizens interacting with or managed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This could include services for detention facilities, community-based programs, or communication with legal representatives and family members. The firm fixed-price nature suggests a defined scope of services, but the specifics would be elaborated in the contract's Performance Work Statement (PWS).

How does the $38.8 million contract value compare to similar government contracts for telecommunications services?

Benchmarking the $38.8 million contract value for 'non-citizen communications services' against similar government contracts is challenging without more specific details on the service scope and duration. However, for a period of approximately 20 months (August 2023 to April 2025), this represents a significant investment. Government telecommunications contracts can range from tens of thousands to billions of dollars, depending on the agency, user base, and technology. ICE's operational scale suggests a substantial need for reliable communication. The firm fixed-price nature helps control costs, but a direct comparison would require analyzing contracts with similar user populations and service requirements, which are not readily available in the public domain.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract, given its focus on non-citizen communications?

Potential risks include the sensitivity of the data being transmitted and the critical nature of communication for individuals in immigration proceedings. Ensuring privacy, security, and reliable access is paramount. Operational risks could arise from fluctuating needs in non-citizen populations, potentially leading to scope adjustments or increased demand not fully captured by the initial fixed-price agreement. Furthermore, the 'exclusion of sources' in the competition method, while potentially justified, could limit the pool of innovative solutions or competitive pricing if not managed carefully. Reputational risk could also be a factor if service disruptions or privacy breaches occur.

What is the historical spending pattern for non-citizen communications services by ICE or DHS?

Historical spending patterns for non-citizen communications services by ICE or DHS are not detailed in the provided data. However, given the ongoing nature of immigration enforcement and processing, it is reasonable to assume that ICE has consistently required telecommunications support for its operations involving non-citizens. The scale and specific nature of these services may have evolved over time with technological advancements and policy changes. Analyzing past contracts, including their values, durations, and awarded vendors, would be necessary to establish a clear historical spending trend for this specific service category.

What does the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' designation imply for contractor performance and accountability?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' designation implies that while the contract was competed, certain potential offerors were excluded from the process. This could be due to specific technical requirements, security clearances, or other pre-defined criteria. For contractor performance and accountability, it means that the selected contractor, Talton Communications Inc., met all the stringent requirements set forth by ICE. Accountability will be managed through the contract's performance standards, service level agreements, and reporting mechanisms. The exclusion clause itself suggests a potentially higher bar for entry, which could correlate with a contractor's ability to meet complex government needs, but it also warrants scrutiny to ensure fair competition was maintained.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Information › Wired and Wireless Telecommunications (except Satellite) › Telecommunications Resellers

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - PLATFORM

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 70CDCR23R00000005

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 910 RAVENWOOD DR, SELMA, AL, 36701

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $38,776,485

Exercised Options: $38,776,485

Current Obligation: $38,776,485

Actual Outlays: $38,776,485

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70CDCR23D00000005

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline