DoD Awards $11.3M for Microwave Measurement Receivers to Rohde & Schwarz USA, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $11,309,126 ($11.3M)
Contractor: Rohde & Schwarz USA, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-05-07
End Date: 2025-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,607 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: MICROWAVE MEASUREMENT RECEIVER
Place of Performance
Location: COLUMBIA, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 21046
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $11.3 million to ROHDE & SCHWARZ USA, INC. for work described as: MICROWAVE MEASUREMENT RECEIVER Key points: 1. Contract awarded for specialized electronic measurement equipment. 2. Rohde & Schwarz USA, Inc. is the sole awardee. 3. Potential for price escalation exists due to fixed-price contract type. 4. Spending is within the IT and Defense sectors.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $11.3M appears reasonable for specialized measurement equipment. Benchmarking against similar complex electronic test equipment contracts would provide further validation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method generally leads to better price discovery and value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for necessary equipment.
Public Impact
Ensures the Air Force has advanced capabilities for testing and measurement. Supports national defense by providing critical electronic warfare and signal intelligence tools. Potential for follow-on contracts if performance is satisfactory.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 70 / 10
Warning Flags
- Fixed-price contract may not fully account for potential cost overruns.
- Sole awardee could limit future competitive opportunities if not managed well.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Long-term contract duration provides stability.
- Clear product description and purpose.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the broader IT and Defense electronics sector, specifically for specialized measurement instruments. Spending benchmarks for similar high-tech equipment can vary significantly based on complexity and quantity.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, Rohde & Schwarz USA, Inc., is a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific contract, which is a missed opportunity for subcontracting.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force is responsible for oversight. The definitive contract structure allows for task orders, requiring careful monitoring of performance and spending against the established ceiling.
Related Government Programs
- Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for price increases due to fixed-price contract.
- Lack of small business subcontracting.
- Technological obsolescence risk.
- Dependence on a single supplier for this specific equipment.
Tags
instrument-manufacturing-for-measuring-a, department-of-defense, md, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $11.3 million to ROHDE & SCHWARZ USA, INC.. MICROWAVE MEASUREMENT RECEIVER
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ROHDE & SCHWARZ USA, INC..
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 $11.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-05-07. End: 2025-09-30.
What is the expected lifespan and technological relevance of these microwave measurement receivers?
The expected lifespan and technological relevance are crucial for assessing long-term value. Given the rapid advancements in microwave technology, the Air Force must ensure these receivers remain effective for their intended operational period, or plan for timely upgrades to avoid obsolescence and maintain critical capabilities.
How will the government ensure continued competitive pricing for future needs related to this equipment?
To ensure continued competitive pricing, the government should actively monitor the market for alternative suppliers and technologies. Maintaining detailed performance data and cost breakdowns from this award will be essential for future solicitations, potentially including options for service and maintenance to foster broader competition.
What are the key performance metrics being tracked for this contract to ensure effectiveness?
Key performance metrics likely include accuracy, reliability, calibration intervals, and operational readiness of the receivers. The Air Force will track adherence to specifications, delivery schedules, and any reported malfunctions or downtime. Regular performance reviews with the contractor will assess if the equipment meets the demanding requirements of its intended use.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals
Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: FA226320R0006
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Rohde & Schwarz Gmbh & CO. Kommanditgesellschaft
Address: 6821 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN DR, COLUMBIA, MD, 21046
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $11,721,328
Exercised Options: $11,721,328
Current Obligation: $11,309,126
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-05-07
Current End Date: 2025-09-30
Potential End Date: 2026-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-11-18
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