DoD's $24.6M contract for navigation systems awarded to TCOM, L.P. with no competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $24,602,717 ($24.6M)
Contractor: Tcom, L.P.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2014-06-06
End Date: 2018-12-05
Contract Duration: 1,643 days
Daily Burn Rate: $15.0K/day
Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: CONTRACTOR ENGINEERING TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: COLUMBIA, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 21046
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $24.6 million to TCOM, L.P. for work described as: CONTRACTOR ENGINEERING TECHNICAL SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to TCOM, L.P. for $24.6M. 2. Focuses on Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, and Nautical Systems. 3. Awarded by the Department of the Navy. 4. Contract type is Firm Fixed Price. 5. No small business participation noted.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $24.6M for navigation systems is significant. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this price represents fair market value compared to similar systems or potential alternatives.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was not available for competition, indicating a limited source selection. This lack of competition may have led to a higher price than could have been achieved through a competitive process.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds may have been spent at a non-competitive rate, potentially reducing the overall value for money.
Public Impact
Ensures critical navigation and guidance systems for naval operations. Supports advanced technology in maritime search and detection. Potential for increased costs due to lack of competitive pricing.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- No small business participation
Positive Signals
- Definitive contract awarded
- Firm Fixed Price contract type
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the defense sector, specifically focusing on advanced navigation and guidance systems. Spending in this area is crucial for military readiness, but competitive procurement is vital to ensure cost-effectiveness.
Small Business Impact
The contract data indicates no small business participation (sb: false). This suggests that opportunities for small businesses to contribute to this defense contract were either not sought or not realized.
Oversight & Accountability
The 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' status warrants further oversight to understand the justification for sole-sourcing and ensure accountability in the procurement process.
Related Government Programs
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for inflated pricing
- Limited innovation due to sole-source
- No small business involvement
Tags
search-detection-navigation-guidance-aer, department-of-defense, md, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $24.6 million to TCOM, L.P.. CONTRACTOR ENGINEERING TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TCOM, L.P..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $24.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2014-06-06. End: 2018-12-05.
What was the specific justification for awarding this contract on a non-competitive basis?
The justification for awarding this contract on a non-competitive basis is not provided in the data. Typically, such justifications might include unique capabilities, urgent needs, or the unavailability of other sources. Further investigation into the contract file would be required to ascertain the precise reasoning and ensure it aligns with federal procurement regulations.
How does the unit cost of these navigation systems compare to industry benchmarks, given the lack of competition?
Without competitive bids, a direct comparison to industry benchmarks for unit cost is challenging. The absence of competition means the price may not reflect the most cost-effective option available. An independent cost analysis or benchmarking against similar, competitively procured systems would be necessary to assess value for money.
What is the long-term strategic impact of relying on a single, non-competitively sourced provider for critical navigation systems?
Relying on a single, non-competitively sourced provider for critical systems can create long-term strategic risks, including potential price escalation, vendor lock-in, and reduced innovation. It may also limit the government's flexibility to adapt to new technologies or market changes. Diversifying the supplier base or ensuring robust contract oversight is crucial.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 7115 THOMAS EDISON DR STE A, COLUMBIA, MD, 21046
Business Categories: Category Business, Manufacturer of Goods, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $24,602,717
Exercised Options: $24,602,717
Current Obligation: $24,602,717
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2014-06-06
Current End Date: 2018-12-05
Potential End Date: 2018-12-05 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2018-10-16
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