DoD's $25.6M SMARTNET II NSST Contract Awarded to Universal Understanding Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $25,659,398 ($25.7M)
Contractor: Universal Understanding Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2008-07-11
End Date: 2012-01-14
Contract Duration: 1,282 days
Daily Burn Rate: $20.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: SMARTNET II NSST
Place of Performance
Location: SHAW AFB, SUMTER County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29152
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $25.7 million to UNIVERSAL UNDERSTANDING INC for work described as: SMARTNET II NSST Key points: 1. The contract value is $25.6 million, awarded by the Department of the Air Force. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, indicating a structured procurement process. 3. The contract duration is 1282 days, suggesting a medium-term project. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 334220 points to the broadcasting equipment manufacturing sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $25.6 million over approximately 3.5 years suggests a moderate annual spend. Without specific unit details or comparable contract data, a precise pricing assessment is difficult, but it appears to be within a typical range for specialized communications equipment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The procurement utilized 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources,' which implies that while multiple sources were considered, specific exclusions were made. This method aims for competition but may limit the pool of potential bidders, potentially impacting price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award, even with exclusions, suggests an effort to secure reasonable pricing for the government. Taxpayers benefit from a structured procurement process designed to achieve value.
Public Impact
This contract supports the Department of Defense's communication infrastructure needs. The award to Universal Understanding Inc. signifies a significant business opportunity for the company. The duration of the contract suggests ongoing requirements for the specified equipment or services. The broadcasting and wireless communications equipment sector is critical for modern military operations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential impact of 'exclusion of sources' on ultimate price competitiveness.
- Lack of detailed performance metrics or specific deliverables in the provided data.
- NAICS code 334220 is broad; specific equipment type is not detailed.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust process.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type helps control costs.
- Contract duration indicates a sustained need and potential for stable supplier relationship.
Sector Analysis
The contract falls under the Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing sector. Spending in this sector for defense is crucial for maintaining advanced communication capabilities. Benchmarks are difficult without specific equipment details, but $25.6M over 3.5 years is a substantial, though not extraordinary, award for specialized systems.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the awardee is Universal Understanding Inc. There is no explicit information provided regarding small business participation or subcontracting goals for this specific contract. Further investigation would be needed to determine any small business involvement.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Department of the Air Force, part of the Department of Defense. Standard DoD oversight mechanisms would apply, including contract performance monitoring and financial accountability. The 'exclusion of sources' clause warrants scrutiny to ensure it was justified and did not unduly restrict competition.
Related Government Programs
- Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for limited competition due to source exclusions.
- Lack of specific technical details for cost-benefit analysis.
- No clear indication of small business participation.
- Need for detailed performance and effectiveness review.
Tags
radio-and-television-broadcasting-and-wi, department-of-defense, sc, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $25.7 million to UNIVERSAL UNDERSTANDING INC. SMARTNET II NSST
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNIVERSAL UNDERSTANDING 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 $25.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-07-11. End: 2012-01-14.
What specific types of radio and wireless communication equipment were procured under this contract, and how do their costs compare to market rates for similar items?
The provided data lacks specifics on the exact equipment. The NAICS code 334220 covers a broad range. To assess value, a detailed breakdown of procured items and their unit costs against industry benchmarks or other government contracts for comparable technology would be necessary. Without this, the $25.6M figure is difficult to evaluate precisely.
What were the justifications for excluding certain sources during the 'full and open competition' process, and did this exclusion potentially lead to higher costs?
The rationale for excluding sources is not detailed in the provided data. Typically, such exclusions are based on specific technical requirements, existing infrastructure compatibility, or unique capabilities. However, any exclusion can limit the competitive landscape, potentially impacting price discovery and leading to less favorable terms for the government if not carefully managed and justified.
How effectively has Universal Understanding Inc. performed on this contract, and did the delivered equipment meet the Air Force's operational requirements?
Performance data and effectiveness metrics for this contract are not included in the provided summary. Assessing the effectiveness would require reviewing contract performance reports, user feedback from the Air Force, and any documented issues or successes related to the delivered radio and wireless communication equipment. The duration and value suggest a significant operational role.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Communications Equipment Manufacturing › Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT (INCLD FIRMWARE) SOFTWARE,SUPPLIES& SUPPORT EQUIPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: FA480308RA034
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 325 E CHURCH ST, JACKSONVILLE, FL, 90
Business Categories: Category Business, HUBZone Firm, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $25,659,398
Exercised Options: $25,659,398
Current Obligation: $25,659,398
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-07-11
Current End Date: 2012-01-14
Potential End Date: 2012-01-14 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2011-07-27
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