NASA awards $261,000 for specialized aircraft receivers, with a 41-day performance period
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $261,000 ($261.0K)
Contractor: Intertrade Limited
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2026-04-02
End Date: 2026-05-13
Contract Duration: 41 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.4K/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: THREE GLU-2100 MULTI-MODE RECEIVERS (MMR), P/N 822-2532-100 WITH P/N'S: BCG48-U000-05W9 (34 MMR OSS) AND COL4C-0087-0003 (34 MMR OPS) PRE-LOADED.
Place of Performance
Location: CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN County, IOWA, 52498
State: Iowa Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $261,000 to INTERTRADE LIMITED for work described as: THREE GLU-2100 MULTI-MODE RECEIVERS (MMR), P/N 822-2532-100 WITH P/N'S: BCG48-U000-05W9 (34 MMR OSS) AND COL4C-0087-0003 (34 MMR OPS) PRE-LOADED. Key points: 1. The contract value of $261,000 for specialized aircraft receivers appears reasonable given the limited scope and short duration. 2. Competition dynamics are unclear due to the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation, suggesting a simplified acquisition procedure. 3. Risk indicators are low, primarily related to the short performance period and the specific nature of the equipment. 4. Performance context is limited to the supply of specific receiver components, with no indication of complex integration or services. 5. Sector positioning is within aerospace manufacturing, specifically for avionics components.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award of $261,000 for three multi-mode receivers (MMR) with associated software and operational pre-loads seems appropriate for the specified components. Given the short 41-day performance period and the nature of the items (parts with pre-loaded software), the price point does not suggest overpayment. Benchmarking against similar sole-source or simplified acquisition procurements for specialized avionics components would provide further context, but the initial assessment indicates fair value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under a Simplified Acquisition Procedure (SAP). This typically means that the competition was limited to a smaller pool of vendors, often those capable of providing specialized items quickly or those within a certain geographic proximity. While not a full and open competition, SAP is designed to streamline procurement for smaller dollar values. The number of bidders is not specified, but the SAP designation implies a less extensive bidding process than a full and open solicitation.
Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, a limited competition under SAP may result in slightly higher prices compared to a broad, open competition due to a reduced number of potential bidders. However, it also allows for faster acquisition of necessary goods, which can be critical for operational needs.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are likely NASA's aviation or space programs requiring these specific multi-mode receivers. The services delivered include the provision of three specialized aircraft receivers with pre-loaded software and operational systems. The geographic impact is localized to the NASA facility receiving the equipment, likely in Iowa based on the 'SN' code. Workforce implications are minimal, likely involving installation and testing by existing NASA personnel rather than new hires.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for limited future competition if this specific part becomes a recurring need.
- Reliance on a single supplier for specialized components could pose a risk if that supplier faces production issues.
Positive Signals
- Procurement under SAP indicates an effort to expedite delivery of necessary components.
- The fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
- The short performance period minimizes long-term financial commitment and associated risks.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the aerospace and defense manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on avionics and electronic components. The market for such specialized receivers is typically niche, with a limited number of manufacturers possessing the necessary certifications and technical expertise. Spending in this sub-sector is driven by the continuous need for advanced navigation and communication systems in aircraft and spacecraft, with government agencies like NASA being significant purchasers.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (SS: false, SB: false). As a purchase order under a simplified acquisition procedure, it's possible that small businesses were solicited, but no specific set-aside was mandated. The value of the contract is relatively small, suggesting that subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are unlikely to be significant unless the prime contractor is a larger entity that chooses to engage them.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this purchase order would primarily fall under NASA's internal procurement and financial management systems. Given the relatively small dollar amount and short performance period, extensive external oversight mechanisms like an Inspector General investigation are less likely unless specific red flags arise. Transparency is maintained through contract databases like FPDS, where award details are recorded.
Related Government Programs
- Aircraft Navigation Systems
- Avionics Equipment Manufacturing
- Aerospace Component Procurement
- NASA Research and Development Support
Risk Flags
- Limited competition due to SAP designation.
- Potential for supply chain disruption if contractor faces issues.
- Specificity of component may limit future use or resale.
Tags
nasa, aerospace, avionics, multi-mode-receiver, purchase-order, simplified-acquisition-procedure, iowa, firm-fixed-price, other-measuring-and-controlling-device-manufacturing, national-aeronautics-and-space-administration
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $261,000 to INTERTRADE LIMITED. THREE GLU-2100 MULTI-MODE RECEIVERS (MMR), P/N 822-2532-100 WITH P/N'S: BCG48-U000-05W9 (34 MMR OSS) AND COL4C-0087-0003 (34 MMR OPS) PRE-LOADED.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is INTERTRADE LIMITED.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $261,000.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-05-13.
What is the track record of Intertrade Limited in supplying similar aerospace components to government agencies?
Information regarding Intertrade Limited's specific track record in supplying similar aerospace components to government agencies is not detailed in the provided data. A deeper dive into contract databases (e.g., FPDS) would be necessary to ascertain their history, past performance ratings, and any previous awards for avionics or specialized receivers. Understanding their experience with NASA or other Department of Defense entities would provide crucial context for assessing reliability and quality.
How does the price of $261,000 for three MMR units compare to market rates for similar equipment?
Without specific model numbers and detailed specifications for the 'THREE GLU-2100 MULTI-MODE RECEIVERS (MMR)', a precise market rate comparison is challenging. However, $261,000 for three units, including pre-loaded software and operational systems, suggests a unit cost of approximately $87,000 per MMR. This price point is plausible for highly specialized, certified avionics components that require rigorous testing and compliance. Benchmarking would require identifying comparable MMRs from other manufacturers or previous government procurements with identical or very similar specifications.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?
The primary risks associated with this contract are potential delivery delays given the short 41-day performance period, and the risk of the procured components not meeting exact technical specifications. Mitigation strategies likely include clear contractual terms, defined acceptance criteria, and potentially penalties for non-performance. The limited scope and value also reduce the overall financial risk to NASA. The use of a fixed-price contract shifts some risk to the contractor regarding cost overruns.
What is the expected effectiveness or impact of these multi-mode receivers on NASA's operations?
The effectiveness and impact of these multi-mode receivers (MMR) on NASA's operations are directly tied to their intended application within specific aircraft or spacecraft. MMRs are critical for navigation, communication, and surveillance, enabling aircraft to operate safely and efficiently in various airspace conditions and modes. For NASA, these receivers could be crucial for research flights, experimental aircraft testing, or supporting specific mission objectives that require advanced situational awareness and communication capabilities.
What has been the historical spending pattern for similar multi-mode receivers by NASA or other agencies?
Historical spending patterns for similar multi-mode receivers by NASA or other agencies are not provided in the current data. To analyze this, one would need to query federal procurement databases for contracts categorized under similar Product Service Codes (PSCs) or North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes related to avionics and aircraft components. Examining past awards for MMRs, their quantities, prices, and the procuring agencies would reveal trends in demand, pricing fluctuations, and typical contract values.
How does the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation influence the potential for cost savings?
The 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedure) designation suggests that the procurement process was streamlined for a lower dollar value, typically under the federal micro-purchase or simplified acquisition thresholds. While SAP aims for efficiency and speed, it generally involves a less extensive competition than full and open solicitations. This can limit the number of potential bidders, potentially reducing the downward pressure on prices that a broader competition might achieve. Therefore, while efficient, SAP may not always yield the absolute lowest price achievable through maximum competition.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Solicitation ID: 80NSSC26926870Q-1
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: RTX Corp
Address: 400 COLLINS RD NE M/S 153-220, CEDAR RAPIDS, IA, 52498
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $261,000
Exercised Options: $261,000
Current Obligation: $261,000
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-02
Current End Date: 2026-05-13
Potential End Date: 2026-05-13 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-02
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