DoD awards $56.4M for 216 MHz Ku-Bandwidth services to ARTEL LLC under full and open competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $56,392,679 ($56.4M)
Contractor: Artel LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2011-02-15
End Date: 2014-02-15
Contract Duration: 1,096 days
Daily Burn Rate: $51.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: 216 MHZ KU-BANDWIDTH
Place of Performance
Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20191
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $56.4 million to ARTEL LLC for work described as: 216 MHZ KU-BANDWIDTH Key points: 1. ARTEL LLC secured a significant contract for critical bandwidth services. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The duration of the contract (1096 days) indicates a medium-term commitment for these services. 4. The spending is categorized under Custom Computer Programming Services, potentially indicating integration or support aspects.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award amount of $56.4M over approximately three years suggests a substantial investment. Benchmarking against similar bandwidth contracts would be necessary for a precise value assessment, but the competitive award method provides some assurance.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to compete. This method generally promotes price discovery and can lead to more favorable pricing for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is positive for taxpayers, as it likely resulted in a fair market price for the required bandwidth services.
Public Impact
Ensures critical communication capabilities for the Department of Defense. Supports military operations and data transmission needs. The use of Ku-band suggests specific requirements for satellite communication, potentially for remote or mobile operations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data.
- Potential for vendor lock-in if ARTEL LLC is the sole provider of this specific bandwidth configuration.
- Dependency on satellite infrastructure, which can be subject to external factors.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type helps control costs.
- Long-term award indicates a stable need for the service.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the telecommunications and IT services sector, specifically focusing on satellite bandwidth. Spending benchmarks for similar government satellite communication contracts would provide further context on the pricing and value.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and was awarded under full and open competition. Therefore, small business participation is not explicitly detailed but would likely be through subcontracting if applicable.
Oversight & Accountability
The award was made by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), a key component of the DoD for information technology. Oversight would typically involve contract management by DISA to ensure ARTEL LLC meets performance and delivery requirements.
Related Government Programs
- Custom Computer Programming Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Information Systems Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in.
- Dependency on satellite infrastructure.
- Lack of detailed performance metrics.
- Limited visibility into subcontracting arrangements.
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 $56.4 million to ARTEL LLC. 216 MHZ KU-BANDWIDTH
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 $56.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2011-02-15. End: 2014-02-15.
What is the specific utilization and performance requirement for the 216 MHz Ku-bandwidth, and how does ARTEL LLC's offering meet these needs?
The provided data lacks specifics on the exact utilization and performance requirements for the 216 MHz Ku-bandwidth. Understanding these details is crucial to assess if ARTEL LLC's solution is tailored to the DoD's operational needs and if the awarded price reflects the complexity and criticality of the service. Further analysis would require access to the contract's statement of work.
What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single vendor, ARTEL LLC, for this critical bandwidth service over a three-year period?
Relying on a single vendor, ARTEL LLC, for critical bandwidth services introduces risks such as potential price increases upon contract renewal, service disruptions if the vendor faces operational issues, and limited leverage for negotiating future enhancements. The government should monitor ARTEL LLC's performance closely and explore alternative solutions or contingency plans to mitigate these risks.
How effectively does this contract contribute to the Department of Defense's overall communication strategy and mission readiness?
This contract likely contributes significantly to the DoD's communication strategy by providing essential Ku-band satellite bandwidth, crucial for operations in areas lacking terrestrial infrastructure. Its effectiveness hinges on ARTEL LLC's ability to deliver reliable, high-throughput connectivity that supports real-time data transfer and command and control, thereby enhancing mission readiness.
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: $56,392,679
Exercised Options: $56,392,679
Current Obligation: $56,392,679
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: 2011-02-15
Current End Date: 2014-02-15
Potential End Date: 2014-02-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-12-07
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