DHS TSA Awards AT&T $28.9M for Wireless Communications Contract Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $28,951,900 ($29.0M)
Contractor: AT&T Mobility National Accounts LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2009-06-15
End Date: 2009-07-16
Contract Duration: 31 days
Daily Burn Rate: $933.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: PR TO PROVIDE FUNDING TO THE BASE PERIOD ORDERING. CLINS 00001A THROUGH 00022 WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS CONTRACT. POC: JOHN MUTH
Place of Performance
Location: HANOVER, ANNE ARUNDEL County, MARYLAND, 21076
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $29.0 million to AT&T MOBILITY NATIONAL ACCOUNTS LLC for work described as: PR TO PROVIDE FUNDING TO THE BASE PERIOD ORDERING. CLINS 00001A THROUGH 00022 WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS CONTRACT. POC: JOHN MUTH Key points: 1. Contract Value: $28.9 million for a 31-day period. 2. Competition: Awarded under full and open competition. 3. Risk: Firm fixed price contract type mitigates cost overrun risk. 4. Sector: Telecommunications services for transportation security.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $28.9 million for a 31-day period appears high. However, without specific details on the scope of services and user base, a direct comparison is difficult. The benchmark for similar wireless contracts would be needed for a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing as multiple vendors have the opportunity to bid.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally beneficial for taxpayers, as it promotes market competition and can lead to cost savings.
Public Impact
Ensures critical wireless communication infrastructure for the Transportation Security Administration. Supports national security and transportation safety operations. Provides essential connectivity for TSA personnel and operations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Short contract duration (31 days) may indicate a bridge contract or a specific, limited need.
- High total value for a short period warrants scrutiny of the services provided.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Firm fixed price contract type.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the telecommunications sector, specifically wireless services. Spending benchmarks for government wireless contracts vary widely based on the scope, number of users, and data requirements. The value here is significant for a short duration.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this procurement. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration. Oversight would typically involve contract management by the agency to ensure service delivery and adherence to terms.
Related Government Programs
- Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite)
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- Transportation Security Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- High cost for a short duration
- Lack of specific service details
- Potential for a bridge contract requiring further scrutiny
- Need for comparison against similar wireless service contracts
Tags
wireless-telecommunications-carriers-exc, department-of-homeland-security, md, do, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $29.0 million to AT&T MOBILITY NATIONAL ACCOUNTS LLC. PR TO PROVIDE FUNDING TO THE BASE PERIOD ORDERING. CLINS 00001A THROUGH 00022 WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS CONTRACT. POC: JOHN MUTH
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AT&T MOBILITY NATIONAL ACCOUNTS LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $29.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2009-06-15. End: 2009-07-16.
What specific wireless services were procured for the $28.9 million?
The provided data indicates 'WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS CONTRACT' but lacks specifics on the exact services. This could include cellular voice, data, mobile hotspot, or specialized communication solutions. Understanding the service details is crucial for evaluating the value and necessity of the expenditure, especially given the high cost for a short period.
What is the justification for the high cost in such a short period?
The significant cost of $28.9 million for a 31-day wireless contract raises questions about the scope of services or potential urgency. It could represent a large-scale deployment, emergency communication needs, or a bridge to a longer-term solution. Further details on the service requirements and user base are needed to assess the cost-effectiveness.
How does this contract align with TSA's long-term wireless strategy?
The short duration of this contract (31 days) suggests it might be a temporary measure, such as a bridge contract to cover a gap before a new, longer-term contract is awarded. Understanding TSA's broader wireless telecommunications strategy and procurement pipeline is essential to determine if this award represents a strategic investment or a short-term necessity.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Information › Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite) › Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite)
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: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: AT&T Inc. (UEI: 108024050)
Address: 7229 PARKWAY DRIVE, HANOVER, MD, 03
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $28,951,900
Exercised Options: $28,951,900
Current Obligation: $28,951,900
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HSTS0709D00154
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2009-06-15
Current End Date: 2009-07-16
Potential End Date: 2009-07-16 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2014-04-24
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