DoD Awards $12M for Telemetry Antenna System Modernization to Trident Research, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,000,466 ($12.0M)

Contractor: Trident Research, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2018-12-20

End Date: 2026-01-31

Contract Duration: 2,599 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: TELEMETRY ANTENNA SYSTEM MODERNIZATION

Place of Performance

Location: AUSTIN, TRAVIS County, TEXAS, 78758

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $12.0 million to TRIDENT RESEARCH, LLC for work described as: TELEMETRY ANTENNA SYSTEM MODERNIZATION Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Trident Research, LLC for $12.00M. 2. The contract falls under the 'Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts' manufacturing NAICS code. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract duration is 2599 days, ending January 31, 2026. 5. The award is a delivery order under a larger contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $12.00M for a telemetry antenna system modernization appears reasonable given the long duration (2599 days). Benchmarking against similar complex system upgrades would be necessary for a definitive assessment.

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 generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by securing the best value through a competitive process.

Public Impact

Modernization of critical telemetry antenna systems for the Air Force. Supports ongoing defense operations and technological advancement. Potential for improved data collection and communication capabilities. Long-term contract may indicate sustained need for these systems.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration (2599 days) may lead to cost overruns or scope creep if not managed effectively.
Lack of specific performance metrics or detailed scope in provided data.
Reliance on a single delivery order for a significant modernization effort.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
Firm Fixed Price contract type helps control costs.
Modernization of essential defense infrastructure.

Sector Analysis

The 'Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts' sector involves specialized manufacturing for defense applications. Spending in this area is often driven by national security needs and technological upgrades, with significant investment required for complex systems.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be crucial given the long duration of the contract to ensure performance milestones are met and costs remain within budget. The Department of the Air Force is responsible for monitoring this contract.

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.
Potential for scope creep.
Lack of detailed performance metrics.
Risk of technological obsolescence over the contract term.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $12.0 million to TRIDENT RESEARCH, LLC. TELEMETRY ANTENNA SYSTEM MODERNIZATION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRIDENT RESEARCH, 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 $12.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-12-20. End: 2026-01-31.

What specific technological advancements does this telemetry antenna system modernization entail, and how do they align with current and future Air Force operational requirements?

The provided data lacks specifics on the technological advancements. A thorough review would require access to the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) and technical specifications. Understanding the modernization's alignment with Air Force requirements is critical for assessing its long-term value and effectiveness in supporting evolving mission needs and potential future threats.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will they be measured to ensure the modernization effectively enhances telemetry capabilities?

Key performance indicators are not detailed in the provided data. Effective oversight would necessitate clearly defined KPIs related to antenna performance, data transmission reliability, signal clarity, and system uptime. Regular performance reviews against these metrics are essential to confirm the modernization's success and ensure it meets the intended operational improvements for the Air Force.

Given the 2599-day duration, what risk mitigation strategies are in place to address potential technological obsolescence or changes in operational requirements during the contract period?

The long duration presents a risk of technological obsolescence or shifting requirements. Mitigation strategies might include phased delivery, incorporating flexibility clauses in the contract, or regular review checkpoints to adapt the modernization plan. The Air Force's program management team should actively monitor technological trends and operational needs to proactively address these potential issues.

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: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2809 LONGHORN BLVD, AUSTIN, TX, 78758

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Hispanic American Owned Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $20,339,497

Exercised Options: $12,000,768

Current Obligation: $12,000,466

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA248718D5000

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline