DoD's $16.8M Wired Telecom Contract with AT&T: A Decade of Service
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $16,819,103 ($16.8M)
Contractor: AT&T Enterprises, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2003-09-23
End Date: 2011-07-11
Contract Duration: 2,848 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Place of Performance
Location: HANSCOM AFB, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01731
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $16.8 million to AT&T ENTERPRISES, LLC for work described as: Key points: 1. The contract awarded to AT&T Enterprises, LLC for wired telecommunications services represents a significant, long-term investment by the Department of Defense. 2. With a duration of 2848 days (approx. 7.8 years), this contract highlights a sustained need for these services within the Air Force. 3. The total award value of $16.8 million indicates a substantial commitment, though per-unit cost analysis is needed for full value assessment. 4. The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION' contract type suggests a competitive bidding process, potentially leading to favorable pricing for the government.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The total award of $16.8 million over nearly 8 years suggests a consistent need. Without specific service details or comparable contract data, a precise pricing assessment is difficult, but the competitive award type implies reasonable pricing.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION,' indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method is designed to foster price discovery and ensure the government receives competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is a positive sign for taxpayers, suggesting that the selected price reflects market conditions and vendor capabilities.
Public Impact
Ensures critical communication infrastructure for the Department of the Air Force. Supports ongoing military operations and administrative functions through reliable wired telecommunications. Represents a significant portion of the federal spending within the Wired Telecommunications Carriers NAICS code. Long contract duration may indicate stability in service needs or potential for vendor lock-in if not managed carefully.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 100 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific performance metrics or service level agreements in the provided data.
- Potential for price escalation or scope creep over the long contract duration.
- Limited visibility into the specific technologies and services provided under the contract.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
- Long-term contract provides service stability for the Department of the Air Force.
- Significant award value indicates a critical need met by the vendor.
Sector Analysis
The Department of Defense's spending on Wired Telecommunications Carriers (NAICS 517110) is substantial, reflecting the essential nature of these services for national security and operations. Benchmarks for similar long-term contracts would provide further context on cost-effectiveness.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, as 'sb' is false. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was sought or achieved through subcontracting.
Oversight & Accountability
The long duration of this contract necessitates robust oversight to ensure continued adherence to terms, performance standards, and fair pricing. Regular performance reviews and audits would be crucial for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Wired Telecommunications Carriers
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration may lead to vendor lock-in.
- Lack of detailed performance metrics in the provided data.
- Potential for unmonitored price creep over time.
- No indication of small business subcontracting opportunities.
Tags
wired-telecommunications-carriers, department-of-defense, ma, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $16.8 million to AT&T ENTERPRISES, LLC. See the official description on USAspending.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AT&T ENTERPRISES, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $16.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-09-23. End: 2011-07-11.
What specific telecommunications services were provided under this contract, and how did they align with the Air Force's evolving technological needs over the contract's lifespan?
The provided data lacks specifics on the exact services rendered. However, given the NAICS code 'Wired Telecommunications Carriers,' it likely encompassed services such as dedicated data lines, voice communication infrastructure, and potentially broadband internet access. The long duration suggests these core services remained essential, though the Air Force may have integrated newer technologies or upgraded existing infrastructure throughout the contract period.
How did the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION' process ensure optimal value for taxpayers, and were there any post-award modifications that impacted the initial pricing or scope?
Full and open competition typically drives down prices by allowing multiple vendors to bid, fostering a competitive environment. This process aims to secure the best possible value for the government. Without access to the bid details or any contract modification history, it's impossible to definitively state the precise impact on taxpayer value or confirm if changes altered the original terms.
What mechanisms were in place to monitor AT&T's performance and ensure the quality and reliability of the wired telecommunications services throughout the contract's nearly eight-year term?
Effective oversight mechanisms would typically include defined performance metrics, regular progress reports, site inspections, and a clear process for addressing deficiencies. The Department of Defense likely had contracting officers and technical representatives responsible for monitoring service delivery, ensuring compliance with the contract's terms and conditions, and managing any issues that arose.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Information › Wired and Wireless Telecommunications (except Satellite) › Wired Telecommunications Carriers
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: AT&T Inc. (UEI: 108024050)
Address: 1900 GALLOWS ROAD, VIENNA, VA, 11
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2003-09-23
Current End Date: 2011-07-11
Potential End Date: 2011-07-11 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2011-03-30
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