DoD's $22.4M Telecommunications Contract with Batelco: 5 Years of Wired Carrier Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $22,407,992 ($22.4M)

Contractor: Bahrain Telecommunications CO Mpany (batelco)

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2013-03-05

End Date: 2018-03-04

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 18

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Telecommunications

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF BAHRW000327 (CSA) TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE ORDERED UNDER BASIC AGREEMENT DCA40095H0017

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $22.4 million to BAHRAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS CO MPANY (BATELCO) for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF BAHRW000327 (CSA) TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE ORDERED UNDER BASIC AGREEMENT DCA40095H0017 Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $22.4 million over 5 years. 2. Services provided by Bahrain Telecommunications Company (Batelco). 3. Contract falls under wired telecommunications carriers NAICS code 517110. 4. Awarded by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA).

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's fixed price structure provides cost certainty. However, without a clear benchmark or comparison to similar contracts, assessing the overall value for money is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and potentially better pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for essential telecommunications infrastructure supporting defense operations.

Public Impact

Ensures critical communication infrastructure for U.S. military operations in Bahrain. Supports the Defense Information Systems Agency's mission. Provides a stable telecommunications service for a significant duration.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed performance metrics.
Limited transparency on pricing justification.
Potential for price increases upon contract renewal.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Firm fixed price contract provides cost predictability.
Long-term service provision ensures operational continuity.

Sector Analysis

This contract is within the telecommunications sector, specifically wired carriers. Spending in this sector is crucial for maintaining global communication networks, especially for defense purposes. Benchmarks for similar international telecommunications contracts would be needed for a more precise comparison.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was awarded to a large telecommunications company and does not show any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is likely managed by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) through contract administration and performance monitoring. Accountability rests with DISA to ensure service delivery meets requirements and the contractor adheres to terms.

Related Government Programs

Wired Telecommunications Carriers
Department of Defense Contracting
Defense Information Systems Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of detailed cost breakdown.
No clear performance metrics provided.
Potential for vendor lock-in.
Geopolitical risks associated with operating in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $22.4 million to BAHRAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS CO MPANY (BATELCO). IGF::OT::IGF BAHRW000327 (CSA) TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE ORDERED UNDER BASIC AGREEMENT DCA40095H0017

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BAHRAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS CO MPANY (BATELCO).

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Information Systems Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $22.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2013-03-05. End: 2018-03-04.

What is the specific nature of the telecommunications services provided under this contract?

The contract provides wired telecommunications carrier services. This typically includes the provision and maintenance of physical network infrastructure such as fiber optic cables, copper lines, and associated equipment necessary for voice and data transmission supporting military operations in the region.

How does the pricing compare to similar international telecommunications contracts for defense purposes?

Without access to a database of comparable international telecommunications contracts for defense purposes, a direct price comparison is not feasible. The firm fixed price suggests a negotiated rate, but its competitiveness relative to the market is unknown without further data.

What mechanisms are in place to ensure the effectiveness and reliability of these telecommunications services?

Effectiveness and reliability are typically ensured through Service Level Agreements (SLAs) within the contract, performance monitoring by DISA, and potential penalties for non-compliance. Regular technical reviews and operational feedback loops would also contribute to maintaining service quality.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Information › Wired and Wireless Telecommunications (except Satellite) › Wired Telecommunications Carriers

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 18

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: BUILDING 1095 ROAD 1425, AL-H, MANAMA

Business Categories: Category Business, Foreign Owned, International Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $22,407,992

Exercised Options: $22,407,992

Current Obligation: $22,407,992

Timeline