DoD awards $15.3M for Land Mobile Radio (LMR) Distributed Antenna System (DAS) to 3LINKS TECHNOLOGIES, INC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,328,547 ($15.3M)

Contractor: 3links Technologies, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-03-05

End Date: 2026-05-04

Contract Duration: 790 days

Daily Burn Rate: $19.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: LAND MOBILE RADIO (LMR) DISTRIBUTED ANTENNA SYSTEM (DAS)

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20301

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $15.3 million to 3LINKS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: LAND MOBILE RADIO (LMR) DISTRIBUTED ANTENNA SYSTEM (DAS) Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the scope of a distributed antenna system for critical communication infrastructure. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, with a fixed-price contract type mitigating some cost overrun risks. 4. Performance context is crucial for a system supporting defense communications, requiring high reliability. 5. This contract fits within the broader IT infrastructure and communication services sector for the Department of Defense.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $15.3 million for a Distributed Antenna System (DAS) for Land Mobile Radio (LMR) is within a reasonable range for specialized communication infrastructure. Benchmarking against similar large-scale DAS deployments for government or large enterprise clients would provide a more precise value assessment. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to control costs, but the ultimate value will depend on the system's performance, reliability, and longevity in supporting critical defense communications.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of two bidders suggests a degree of competition, though the specific number of bids received is not detailed. A higher number of bidders typically leads to more competitive pricing and potentially better value for the government. The limited number of bidders here might suggest a specialized market or specific technical requirements that narrowed the field.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages multiple companies to vie for the contract, driving down prices and improving the quality of services offered.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense personnel who rely on robust and reliable Land Mobile Radio (LMR) communications. The contract will deliver a Distributed Antenna System (DAS) to enhance radio coverage and signal strength. The geographic impact is focused on the District of Columbia, where the system will be deployed. Workforce implications may include the need for specialized technicians for installation, maintenance, and support of the DAS.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if the system requires proprietary components or specialized maintenance.
Ensuring long-term system reliability and performance to meet critical communication needs.
Adequacy of competition given only two bidders for a significant contract value.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, promoting a fair marketplace.
Firm-fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty.
The system is intended to improve critical communication infrastructure for national security.

Sector Analysis

The Land Mobile Radio (LMR) Distributed Antenna System (DAS) falls within the broader Information Technology (IT) and Communications Services sector. This sector is characterized by rapid technological advancements and significant government investment in secure and reliable communication networks. The market for DAS solutions is driven by the need for enhanced wireless coverage in complex environments, such as large buildings, tunnels, and urban areas, which is critical for public safety and defense agencies. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-scale DAS deployments for federal agencies or major metropolitan areas.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a set-aside requirement. However, the prime contractor, 3LINKS TECHNOLOGIES, INC., may choose to subcontract portions of the work to small businesses as part of their overall business strategy, which could indirectly benefit the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), which is responsible for providing IT and communication services to the DoD. Accountability measures will be tied to the performance metrics outlined in the contract, ensuring the DAS meets specified coverage and reliability standards. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases and public reporting, though detailed operational performance data may be restricted due to security considerations. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Communication Systems
Land Mobile Radio Systems
Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS)
Network Infrastructure Modernization
Critical Infrastructure Protection

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Potential Performance Risks
Long-term System Viability

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $15.3 million to 3LINKS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. LAND MOBILE RADIO (LMR) DISTRIBUTED ANTENNA SYSTEM (DAS)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is 3LINKS TECHNOLOGIES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $15.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-03-05. End: 2026-05-04.

What is the track record of 3LINKS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. in delivering similar Land Mobile Radio (LMR) Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) for federal agencies?

Assessing the track record of 3LINKS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. requires a review of their past performance on federal contracts, specifically those involving LMR and DAS deployments. Information on previous projects, client satisfaction, and adherence to schedule and budget would be crucial. A search of federal contract databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) for past awards to 3LINKS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. in similar service categories (e.g., telecommunications, network installation, IT infrastructure) would provide insights. Examining past performance evaluations, if publicly available, would offer a more direct assessment of their capabilities and reliability in executing complex communication system projects.

How does the awarded price of $15.3 million compare to market rates for similar DAS deployments in the District of Columbia?

Benchmarking the $15.3 million award against market rates for similar DAS deployments in the District of Columbia is essential for evaluating value for money. This comparison would involve researching the costs of comparable DAS installations in large commercial or government facilities within the same geographic area. Factors influencing cost include system complexity, coverage area, technology used (e.g., specific LMR frequencies supported), integration with existing infrastructure, and the level of service and maintenance included. Without specific details on the system's scope and the number of antennas or coverage zones, a precise comparison is difficult, but general industry cost data for DAS projects can provide a baseline for assessment.

What are the primary risks associated with the performance and reliability of this LMR DAS contract for the Department of Defense?

The primary risks associated with this LMR DAS contract for the Department of Defense revolve around ensuring consistent and reliable performance critical for secure communications. Potential risks include technical failures of the DAS components, inadequate signal coverage in all intended areas, interference with other communication systems, and vulnerabilities to cyber threats. Given the mission-critical nature of LMR for defense operations, any system downtime or degradation could have severe operational consequences. Furthermore, the long-term maintenance and support of the system present risks related to vendor responsiveness, availability of spare parts, and the need for ongoing technical expertise to keep the system operational and secure against evolving threats.

What is the historical spending pattern for LMR and DAS solutions by the Department of Defense or DISA?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for LMR and DAS solutions by the Department of Defense (DoD) or its agencies like DISA provides context for the current $15.3 million award. This involves examining contract data over several fiscal years to identify trends in spending on communication infrastructure, radio systems, and antenna technologies. Understanding the typical contract values, durations, and the number of vendors engaged in these types of procurements can help determine if this award is an outlier or consistent with past investments. Significant fluctuations or a steady increase in spending might indicate evolving needs, technological shifts, or a strategic focus on enhancing communication capabilities across the DoD.

What are the implications of awarding this contract under 'full and open competition' with only two bidders?

Awarding this contract under 'full and open competition' with only two bidders has several implications. While the process itself adheres to best practices by allowing all eligible sources to compete, the limited number of bidders (two) suggests that the market for this specific LMR DAS solution might be specialized or concentrated. This could mean fewer companies possess the required technical expertise, certifications, or capacity to undertake such a project. For taxpayers, fewer bidders generally translate to less price pressure compared to a scenario with numerous competitors. It raises questions about whether the competition was robust enough to secure the best possible price and value, or if specific requirements inadvertently limited the pool of potential offerors.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Facilities Management Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8701 GEORGIA AVE, SILVER SPRING, MD, 20910

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $28,242,565

Exercised Options: $16,421,470

Current Obligation: $15,328,547

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F0336V

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline