DHS awards $93M for Motorola radios to refresh aging tactical communications equipment

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $93,084,064 ($93.1M)

Contractor: Tribalco LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2022-09-28

End Date: 2026-03-13

Contract Duration: 1,262 days

Daily Burn Rate: $73.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: MOTOROLA RADIOS. PORTABLE AND MOBILE RADIOS REQUIRED FOR ERO MISSION AND TACTIAL COMMUNICATIONS REFRESH OF OLDER RADIOS WITH NEW ONES.

Place of Performance

Location: BETHESDA, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20814

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $93.1 million to TRIBALCO LLC for work described as: MOTOROLA RADIOS. PORTABLE AND MOBILE RADIOS REQUIRED FOR ERO MISSION AND TACTIAL COMMUNICATIONS REFRESH OF OLDER RADIOS WITH NEW ONES. Key points: 1. The contract aims to replace outdated radio systems, enhancing mission-critical communications for ICE. 2. A full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a broad market engagement. 3. The contract duration of over three years indicates a significant, ongoing need for these services. 4. The fixed-price nature of the contract shifts performance risk to the contractor. 5. The award to TRIBALCO LLC represents a substantial investment in communication infrastructure. 6. The procurement falls under the 'Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing' NAICS code.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

Benchmarking the value of this contract requires more granular data on specific radio models and quantities. However, the fixed-price structure is generally favorable for the government, as it caps costs. Comparing the per-unit cost against similar large-scale radio procurements for federal agencies would provide further insight into value for money. The total award amount of $93 million over approximately three years suggests a significant but potentially reasonable investment for a nationwide tactical communications refresh.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating that the solicitation was made available to all responsible sources. The presence of four bidders suggests a competitive environment, which typically leads to better pricing and innovation. The specific number of bidders and the details of the bidding process would offer a clearer picture of the intensity of the competition and its impact on price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down prices and encourage the selection of the most capable and cost-effective solution.

Public Impact

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel will benefit from modernized, reliable communication systems. The contract supports the ERO (Enforcement and Removal Operations) mission by ensuring tactical communication capabilities. The refresh of older radios with new ones is expected to improve operational efficiency and safety. The geographic impact is likely nationwide, supporting ICE operations across various locations. The contract may have implications for the workforce through training and integration of new equipment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if the chosen radio system becomes proprietary and difficult to integrate with other systems.
Ensuring interoperability with existing or future communication systems is crucial for seamless operations.
The long-term sustainment and maintenance costs of the new radio systems need careful management.

Positive Signals

Modernization of critical communication infrastructure enhances operational effectiveness and safety.
The use of a full and open competition suggests a commitment to achieving best value.
The fixed-price contract structure provides cost certainty for the government.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology and Telecommunications sector, specifically related to wireless communications equipment. The market for tactical and public safety radios is characterized by a few dominant manufacturers and specialized integrators. The total addressable market for such equipment within federal and state/local governments is substantial, driven by ongoing needs for modernization, replacement of aging infrastructure, and enhanced interoperability. This award represents a significant portion of spending within this niche for the Department of Homeland Security.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a primary focus, as the contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the prime contractor, TRIBALCO LLC, is not explicitly identified as a small business in this context. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within the scope of this award and if there are any small business subcontracting goals associated with it.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Homeland Security's contracting and program management offices. The Inspector General's office may conduct audits or investigations into the procurement process and contract performance to ensure compliance and identify any potential waste, fraud, or abuse. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, which provide public access to award details.

Related Government Programs

Department of Homeland Security Communications Systems
ICE Tactical Communications Modernization
Federal Public Safety Radio Procurement
Wireless Communications Equipment Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for obsolescence if technology evolves rapidly.
Interoperability issues with other federal or local agency systems.
Long-term sustainment and maintenance costs may exceed initial estimates.
Cybersecurity vulnerabilities in new communication platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $93.1 million to TRIBALCO LLC. MOTOROLA RADIOS. PORTABLE AND MOBILE RADIOS REQUIRED FOR ERO MISSION AND TACTIAL COMMUNICATIONS REFRESH OF OLDER RADIOS WITH NEW ONES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRIBALCO LLC.

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 $93.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-28. End: 2026-03-13.

What is the track record of TRIBALCO LLC in delivering similar communication systems to federal agencies?

Assessing TRIBALCO LLC's track record requires a review of their past performance on federal contracts, particularly those involving radio systems and tactical communications. Information from sources like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) would be invaluable. A history of successful, on-time, and within-budget deliveries of comparable systems would indicate a lower performance risk. Conversely, past issues with quality, delivery delays, or cost overruns would raise concerns. Without specific past performance data for TRIBALCO on similar contracts, it is difficult to definitively assess their capability for this specific $93 million award.

How does the awarded price compare to similar radio system procurements by other federal agencies?

To benchmark the value, one would compare the per-unit cost of the Motorola radios and associated services awarded to TRIBALCO against similar procurements by agencies like the FBI, DEA, or Department of Defense. This comparison should account for the specific models, features, quantities, and contract duration. If data is available on the average price per radio or the total cost per user for similar refresh programs, it could reveal whether this $93 million award represents a competitive price point or if it is higher than market averages. The fixed-price nature provides some cost certainty, but the underlying unit costs are key to value assessment.

What are the primary risks associated with refreshing tactical communication systems of this scale?

Key risks in refreshing tactical communication systems include technical integration challenges, ensuring interoperability with existing infrastructure, potential for vendor lock-in with proprietary technologies, and the long-term sustainment and maintenance costs. For a $93 million contract, the scale amplifies these risks. There's also the risk of user adoption and training, ensuring that personnel can effectively utilize the new equipment. Furthermore, cybersecurity vulnerabilities in new communication systems must be rigorously addressed. The chosen radio system's lifecycle cost, beyond the initial procurement, is a critical factor to manage.

How effective is the current radio system, and what specific deficiencies necessitate this refresh?

The provided data indicates the need to 'refresh of older radios with new ones' for 'ERO mission and tactical communications.' This implies that the current systems are aging, potentially obsolete, or no longer meet the evolving operational requirements of ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations. Deficiencies could include poor signal quality, limited range, lack of modern features (like encryption or data capabilities), high maintenance costs, or incompatibility with newer technologies. A detailed assessment of the current system's performance metrics, failure rates, and operational limitations would quantify the need and justify the investment in a new system.

What has been the historical spending trend for tactical communication equipment by ICE or DHS?

Analyzing historical spending on tactical communication equipment by ICE and DHS would provide context for the $93 million award. If previous spending has been significantly lower, this award represents a substantial increase, potentially indicating a major upgrade initiative or a shift in procurement strategy. Conversely, if historical spending has been in a similar range, this award might be part of a recurring refresh cycle or a consolidation of previous smaller contracts. Understanding these trends helps assess whether this investment is an anomaly or part of a consistent, long-term strategy for maintaining communication capabilities.

What is the expected lifespan and total cost of ownership for the new Motorola radio systems?

The expected lifespan and total cost of ownership (TCO) for the new Motorola radio systems are critical factors for evaluating the long-term value of this $93 million contract. While the contract covers the initial acquisition (ending March 2026), it doesn't detail ongoing maintenance, software updates, battery replacements, or potential future upgrades. A typical lifespan for such robust communication equipment might be 5-10 years, but this can vary. Calculating the TCO involves estimating annual maintenance costs, potential service contract renewals, and the eventual replacement cost. This comprehensive view is essential for fiscal planning and ensuring the investment remains cost-effective over its useful life.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - END USER

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 70CTD022Q00000067

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Tribalco, LLC

Address: 7735 OLD GEORGETOWN RD FL 12, BETHESDA, MD, 20814

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $180,572,307

Exercised Options: $93,084,064

Current Obligation: $93,084,064

Actual Outlays: $93,084,064

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70B04C19D00000021

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline