DoD's $8.5M fiber optic cable contract awarded to Global Broadband Solutions LLC for submarine communications

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,510,858 ($8.5M)

Contractor: Global Broadband Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-08-13

End Date: 2026-08-12

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: DISA GUANTANAMO BAY (GTMO) SUBMARINE FIBER OPTIC CABLE (SFOC) AND DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE INFORMATION NETWORK (DODIN) SPECIAL PROJECTS SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: FORT GEORGE G MEADE, ANNE ARUNDEL County, MARYLAND, 20755

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $8.5 million to GLOBAL BROADBAND SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: DISA GUANTANAMO BAY (GTMO) SUBMARINE FIBER OPTIC CABLE (SFOC) AND DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE INFORMATION NETWORK (DODIN) SPECIAL PROJECTS SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the specialized nature of submarine fiber optic cable installation and support. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration of 1460 days (4 years) indicates a long-term need for these services. 4. The award was made by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), a key player in military communications. 5. The project supports the Department of Defense Information Network (DODIN), crucial for military operations. 6. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, which shifts cost risk to the contractor.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $8.5 million for a four-year period for submarine fiber optic cable installation and support appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized telecommunications infrastructure projects. Benchmarking against similar large-scale, high-security fiber optic deployments for government entities would provide further context, but the scope suggests significant technical expertise and logistical planning are required. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract helps in budget predictability.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' This indicates that while the competition was intended to be open, specific sources were excluded, potentially due to specialized capabilities or prior performance. The exact number of bidders is not provided, but the exclusion of sources suggests a narrowed field. This approach can sometimes lead to higher prices if the pool of qualified bidders is small, but it can also ensure that the most capable vendors are considered for highly specialized requirements.

Taxpayer Impact: The exclusion of certain sources, even within a full and open framework, warrants scrutiny to ensure that the government did not forgo potentially more cost-effective options. Taxpayers benefit when competition is maximized, and any limitations on the bidding pool should be clearly justified.

Public Impact

This contract directly benefits the Department of Defense by enhancing secure communication infrastructure. It ensures the operational readiness and connectivity of critical military assets through a robust submarine fiber optic cable system. The project's geographic impact is focused on supporting operations at Guantanamo Bay (GTMO). Workforce implications may include specialized technicians for cable installation, maintenance, and network support.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for increased costs if excluded sources were highly competitive.
Reliance on a single contractor for a critical infrastructure component could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Award to Global Broadband Solutions LLC suggests they possess the necessary specialized expertise.
Long-term contract duration indicates a sustained commitment to critical infrastructure.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the telecommunications sector, specifically focusing on specialized undersea fiber optic infrastructure. The market for such services is niche, requiring significant capital investment, technical expertise, and security clearances. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely involve other large-scale government or commercial undersea cable projects, which are infrequent and highly specialized. The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) frequently procures complex communication solutions to maintain the Department of Defense's global network.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a primary consideration for this specific award. There is no indication of a small business set-aside. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist, but they are not explicitly detailed in this award information. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless Global Broadband Solutions LLC actively engages small businesses for specialized support services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), which is responsible for managing and monitoring contractor performance. Accountability measures are typically embedded within the contract terms, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed operational performance data may be restricted due to national security considerations. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

DODIN Network Support Contracts
Submarine Cable Installation Projects
Telecommunications Infrastructure Procurement
DISA Network Modernization Initiatives

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to source exclusion.
Reliance on specialized contractor for critical infrastructure.
Cybersecurity risks associated with network infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $8.5 million to GLOBAL BROADBAND SOLUTIONS LLC. DISA GUANTANAMO BAY (GTMO) SUBMARINE FIBER OPTIC CABLE (SFOC) AND DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE INFORMATION NETWORK (DODIN) SPECIAL PROJECTS SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GLOBAL BROADBAND SOLUTIONS 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 $8.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-08-13. End: 2026-08-12.

What is the track record of Global Broadband Solutions LLC in performing similar large-scale submarine fiber optic cable projects for the federal government?

Assessing the track record of Global Broadband Solutions LLC requires a review of their past performance on federal contracts, particularly those involving submarine fiber optic cable installation and maintenance. Information on previous projects, client satisfaction, and adherence to schedule and budget would be crucial. While this contract award suggests they possess the necessary qualifications, a deeper dive into their project history, including any past performance evaluations or awards/debarments, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their capabilities and reliability for this critical infrastructure project. Specific details on prior similar projects are not readily available in the provided data.

How does the awarded value of $8.5 million compare to the typical costs of similar submarine fiber optic cable projects for government entities?

The awarded value of $8.5 million for a four-year contract for submarine fiber optic cable (SFOC) and Department of Defense Information Network (DODIN) special projects support is difficult to benchmark precisely without more granular details on the scope of work, length of cable, geographic challenges, and specific technological requirements. However, large-scale undersea cable deployments are inherently expensive due to specialized equipment, vessel chartering, subsea engineering, and stringent security protocols. For a critical military installation like Guantanamo Bay, the cost may reflect unique security requirements and the strategic importance of reliable connectivity. Comparing this to other government procurements for similar specialized telecommunications infrastructure would be necessary for a robust value assessment.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Primary risks for this contract include potential technical challenges during installation (e.g., unforeseen seabed conditions, weather disruptions), contractor performance issues, cybersecurity threats to the network, and the long-term maintenance of the fiber optic cable. Mitigation strategies likely involve detailed site surveys, robust project management by DISA, adherence to strict security protocols outlined in the contract, and performance-based metrics. The firm fixed-price nature shifts some financial risk to the contractor, incentivizing timely and cost-effective completion. Contingency plans for cable damage or outages would also be critical.

How effective is the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' approach in ensuring both capability and cost-effectiveness for specialized projects like this?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' approach aims to balance the need for specialized capabilities with competitive pricing. By excluding certain sources, the agency (DISA) likely targeted vendors with proven expertise in submarine fiber optics, ensuring a higher likelihood of successful project execution. However, this exclusion inherently narrows the competitive pool. If the excluded sources represented significant competition, the final price might be higher than if a broader competition were held. The effectiveness hinges on whether the exclusions were justified by genuine capability gaps in other potential bidders and whether the remaining pool still offered sufficient price competition.

What is the historical spending pattern for submarine fiber optic cable and related DODIN support services by the Defense Information Systems Agency?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for submarine fiber optic cable and related DODIN support services by DISA would reveal trends in procurement volume, contract values, and contractor landscape. This specific contract, valued at approximately $8.5 million over four years, represents a significant but potentially isolated investment in specialized infrastructure. DISA historically spends billions on telecommunications and network infrastructure. Understanding if this is a recurring need, part of a larger modernization effort, or a unique project for GTMO would provide context. Examining past contracts for similar undersea cable projects or specialized network support would indicate whether this award aligns with previous spending levels or represents an increase/decrease in investment in this area.

What are the implications of the 'Firm Fixed Price' contract type for managing cost overruns and ensuring value for money?

The Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract type is generally favored for projects with well-defined scopes and requirements, as it places the primary responsibility for cost control on the contractor. For this submarine fiber optic cable project, FFP means Global Broadband Solutions LLC is obligated to complete the work for the agreed-upon price, regardless of unforeseen cost increases they encounter. This provides the government, and thus taxpayers, with significant cost certainty and predictability. Value for money is enhanced because the contractor is incentivized to manage their resources efficiently to maximize profit. However, if the initial scope was underestimated or unforeseen complexities arise, the contractor might cut corners, potentially impacting quality, or seek change orders, which could increase the total cost.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Information › Other Telecommunications › All Other Telecommunications

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: HC102822R0006

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 608 S KING ST STE 101, LEESBURG, VA, 20175

Business Categories: Category Business, HUBZone Firm, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $38,828,952

Exercised Options: $9,744,293

Current Obligation: $8,510,858

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline