DoD Awards $21.7M for TETRAS Mission Control Room, Competition Method Impacts Price Discovery
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $21,767,224 ($21.8M)
Contractor: Wavelink Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2018-09-13
End Date: 2027-06-29
Contract Duration: 3,211 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: TETRAS - CENTRAL CONTROL FACILITY MISSION CONTROL ROOM
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35806
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $21.8 million to WAVELINK INC for work described as: TETRAS - CENTRAL CONTROL FACILITY MISSION CONTROL ROOM Key points: 1. Contract awarded to WAVELINK INC for mission control room equipment. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, potentially leading to better pricing. 3. The contract spans nearly nine years, indicating a long-term need. 4. The sector is Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts Manufacturing. 5. A significant portion of the value is allocated to delivery orders.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The total award value is $21.7 million. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized control room equipment is difficult without more specific data on the components and services included. However, the duration and scope suggest a reasonable value for the services provided.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically allows for the widest range of potential bidders. This method is expected to foster price discovery and potentially secure more competitive pricing for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it encourages multiple vendors to bid, driving down costs and increasing value for money.
Public Impact
Ensures operational readiness for critical space and missile defense missions. Supports advanced technological infrastructure for the Department of the Air Force. Long-term contract provides stability for critical program support.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 67 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration (nearly 9 years) may lead to price escalation risks.
- Cost-plus fixed fee contract type can incentivize cost overruns if not closely monitored.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition utilized.
- Awarded to a single entity, potentially simplifying management.
- Supports critical national defense infrastructure.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the 'Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing' sector. Spending in this niche area is often project-specific and tied to major defense programs, making broad sector benchmarks less applicable.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and was awarded under full and open competition. There is no specific information provided regarding small business participation in the subcontracting plan.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Department of the Air Force. Oversight will be crucial, particularly given the cost-plus fixed fee structure and the long duration, to ensure funds are used efficiently and effectively.
Related Government Programs
- Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration may increase risk of cost escalation.
- Cost-plus fixed fee contract type can incentivize cost overruns.
- Potential for technology obsolescence over the contract's nearly nine-year term.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical infrastructure.
Tags
other-guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-p, department-of-defense, al, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $21.8 million to WAVELINK INC. TETRAS - CENTRAL CONTROL FACILITY MISSION CONTROL ROOM
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is WAVELINK 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 $21.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-09-13. End: 2027-06-29.
What specific technological capabilities does the TETRAS Central Control Facility Mission Control Room provide, and how do these align with current and future Air Force operational needs?
The TETRAS Central Control Facility Mission Control Room likely provides critical command, control, and communication capabilities for space and missile defense operations. Its specific functions would include monitoring, tracking, and managing assets, as well as coordinating responses. Alignment with Air Force needs would depend on the evolving threat landscape and the service's strategic objectives in space and missile defense.
What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this long-term mission control room project, and what mitigation strategies are in place?
The primary risk with CPFF is that the contractor may have less incentive to control costs, potentially leading to overruns, as the fee is fixed regardless of the final cost. Mitigation strategies could include robust government oversight, detailed performance metrics, clear scope definition, and regular audits to ensure efficiency and prevent unnecessary expenditures.
How will the effectiveness of the TETRAS Central Control Facility Mission Control Room be measured over its nearly nine-year lifespan, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) will be used?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through a combination of operational uptime, system reliability, response times to simulated or actual events, and successful mission accomplishment metrics. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) might include Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), system availability percentages, successful data processing rates, and adherence to communication protocols.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 7800 MADISON BLVD STE 504, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35806
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $22,049,204
Exercised Options: $22,049,204
Current Obligation: $21,767,224
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA248718D4400
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-09-13
Current End Date: 2027-06-29
Potential End Date: 2027-06-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-18
Other Department of Defense Contracts
- Federal Contract — $51.3B (Humana Government Business Inc)
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- SSN 802 and 803 Long Lead Time Material — $34.7B (Electric Boat Corporation)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- KC-X Modernization Program — $32.0B (THE Boeing Company)