DoD awards $18.2M for 332 MHz KU Band services to ARTEL LLC under full and open competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $18,240,527 ($18.2M)
Contractor: Artel LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2011-02-11
End Date: 2012-04-15
Contract Duration: 429 days
Daily Burn Rate: $42.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: 332 MHZ KU BAND
Place of Performance
Location: FALLS CHURCH, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22041
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $18.2 million to ARTEL LLC for work described as: 332 MHZ KU BAND Key points: 1. Contract awarded to ARTEL LLC for specialized KU Band services. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration is approximately 14 months. 4. The NAICS code 541511 indicates custom computer programming services. 5. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, providing cost certainty.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The awarded price of $18.2M for 429 days of service appears reasonable given the specialized nature of KU Band communication services. Benchmarking against similar complex telecommunications 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, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is expected to yield a fair price, maximizing taxpayer value for the services procured.
Public Impact
Ensures critical communication capabilities for the Department of Defense. Supports military operations through reliable satellite communication services. The competitive award process aims to deliver cost-effective solutions.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if service requirements expand beyond initial scope.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical communication infrastructure.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides budget predictability.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the telecommunications and IT services sector, specifically supporting defense communications. Spending in this area is crucial for national security and operational readiness.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to assess small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The award process under full and open competition suggests adherence to standard procurement regulations. Post-award oversight by the Defense Information Systems Agency is critical to ensure performance and value.
Related Government Programs
- Custom Computer Programming Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Information Systems Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in if follow-on contracts are not competitively bid.
- Dependence on satellite technology introduces inherent vulnerabilities.
- Risk of scope creep leading to cost increases.
- Ensuring consistent performance across diverse operational environments.
Tags
custom-computer-programming-services, department-of-defense, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $18.2 million to ARTEL LLC. 332 MHZ KU BAND
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ARTEL LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Information Systems Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $18.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2011-02-11. End: 2012-04-15.
What specific technical capabilities does the 332 MHz KU Band service provide to the Department of Defense, and how do these capabilities align with current operational needs?
The 332 MHz KU Band service likely provides high-bandwidth, reliable satellite communication capabilities essential for secure data transmission, voice communications, and command and control operations for deployed military forces. This includes supporting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) data feeds and enabling real-time situational awareness in areas with limited terrestrial infrastructure.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will ARTEL LLC's performance be measured to ensure effective service delivery?
Key performance indicators would typically include metrics such as signal uptime, data throughput, latency, and adherence to security protocols. The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) would likely monitor these KPIs through regular reporting, performance reviews, and potentially independent testing to ensure ARTEL LLC meets the contract's technical and operational requirements.
Are there any potential risks associated with relying on KU Band frequencies, such as weather interference or spectrum congestion, and how are these risks mitigated?
KU Band frequencies are susceptible to rain fade, which can temporarily degrade signal quality during heavy precipitation. Mitigation strategies may include using redundant communication paths, employing adaptive coding and modulation techniques, and potentially utilizing ground diversity or multiple satellites. Spectrum congestion is managed through careful frequency planning and coordination by agencies like DISA.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Custom Computer Programming Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
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: 1893 PRESTON WHITE DR # 2, RESTON, VA, 20191
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $113,799,059
Exercised Options: $18,240,527
Current Obligation: $18,240,527
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS35F5151H
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2011-02-11
Current End Date: 2012-04-15
Potential End Date: 2016-02-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-12-07
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