DHS Coast Guard Awards $47.7M for Antennas to Chelton Limited, Competed Under SAP
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $47,669 ($47.7K)
Contractor: Chelton Limited
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2026-04-06
End Date: 2027-04-06
Contract Duration: 365 days
Daily Burn Rate: $131/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: ANTENNAS
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $47,669.46 to CHELTON LIMITED for work described as: ANTENNAS Key points: 1. Significant award for specialized aircraft parts, indicating a need for advanced antenna technology. 2. Competition under SAP suggests a streamlined process, potentially impacting price discovery. 3. The firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty but may limit flexibility. 4. Focus on 'Other Aircraft Parts' places this within a niche manufacturing sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The award of $47.7 million for antennas appears to be a substantial investment. Without specific benchmarks for similar antenna systems or detailed contract line item breakdowns, a precise value assessment is difficult. However, the scale suggests a significant requirement.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically involves smaller procurements or specific circumstances allowing for limited competition. This method may not always yield the most competitive pricing compared to full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of SAP for a nearly $48 million award raises questions about whether a broader competition could have secured better pricing for taxpayers.
Public Impact
Ensures critical communication and navigation capabilities for the U.S. Coast Guard fleet. Supports the operational readiness of maritime surveillance and law enforcement missions. Impacts the specialized manufacturing sector for aerospace components.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition under SAP for a large award.
- Lack of detailed cost breakdown for value assessment.
Positive Signals
- Firm fixed price contract provides budget certainty.
- Supports critical Coast Guard operations.
Sector Analysis
This procurement falls under the 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing' sector. Spending in this area is driven by defense and homeland security needs for specialized components that ensure aircraft functionality and mission effectiveness.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this procurement. The prime contractor, Chelton Limited, is not specified as a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The use of SAP for a contract of this magnitude warrants oversight to ensure fair pricing and appropriate justification for limited competition. Transparency in the procurement process is key to accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- U.S. Coast Guard Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for suboptimal pricing due to limited competition (SAP).
- Lack of transparency regarding the justification for SAP.
- Absence of detailed cost breakdown for value verification.
- Unknown small business participation.
Tags
other-aircraft-parts-and-auxiliary-equip, department-of-homeland-security, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $47,669.46 to CHELTON LIMITED. ANTENNAS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CHELTON LIMITED.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Coast Guard).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $47,669.46.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2027-04-06.
What specific technical requirements drove the need for these antennas, and how do they compare to commercially available alternatives?
Understanding the specific technical requirements is crucial for assessing value. If these antennas possess unique, mission-critical capabilities not found in standard commercial products, the price may be justified. However, if they are largely standard components, the limited competition under SAP for a $47.7M award warrants scrutiny regarding potential overpayment.
What is the justification for using Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) for a contract valued at nearly $48 million?
Using SAP for a contract of this size is unusual and typically reserved for procurements below certain thresholds or under specific exceptions. A thorough review of the justification for using SAP is necessary to ensure it aligns with federal acquisition regulations and that a broader competition was not feasible or overlooked, potentially impacting taxpayer value.
How does the performance and longevity of these Chelton Limited antennas compare to similar products from other manufacturers, and what is the total cost of ownership?
Assessing the long-term value requires comparing the performance, reliability, and expected lifespan of these antennas against alternatives. While the initial award is $47.7M, understanding maintenance costs, upgrade requirements, and potential failure rates will provide a clearer picture of the total cost of ownership and overall effectiveness for the U.S. Coast Guard.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC EQPT COMPNTS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Solicitation ID: 70Z03826QW0000040
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Calspan Technology Holding Corporation
Address: THE CHELTON CENTRE, FOURTH AVENUE, MARLOW
Business Categories: Category Business, Foreign Owned, International Organization, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $47,669
Exercised Options: $47,669
Current Obligation: $47,669
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-06
Current End Date: 2027-04-06
Potential End Date: 2027-04-06 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-06
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