DoD Awards $31.9M for BU2 Retrofits to Data Link Solutions LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,905,568 ($31.9M)

Contractor: Data Link Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2019-07-24

End Date: 2022-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,256 days

Daily Burn Rate: $25.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: BU2 RETROFITS

Place of Performance

Location: CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN County, IOWA, 52498

State: Iowa Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $31.9 million to DATA LINK SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: BU2 RETROFITS Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $31.9 million awarded. 2. Data Link Solutions LLC is the sole awardee. 3. Contract duration spans over 3 years. 4. The award falls under the Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $31.9 million for BU2 retrofits appears substantial. Without specific unit details or historical pricing for similar retrofits, a precise value assessment is difficult. Benchmarking against industry standards for similar equipment upgrades would be necessary for a more definitive evaluation.

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 is generally expected to yield fair market prices. However, the specific price discovery mechanisms and the number of bids received are not detailed here.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment for contract awards.

Public Impact

Enhances operational readiness for naval assets through equipment retrofits. Supports the defense industrial base by contracting with a specialized manufacturer. Potential for follow-on work or similar contracts in the future.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Lack of detailed cost breakdown for the retrofits.
  • Limited information on the specific technical improvements or necessity of the retrofits.
  • Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen issues arise during retrofitting.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded through full and open competition, indicating potential for competitive pricing.
  • Contract duration provides stability for the awarded vendor.
  • Supports critical naval communication and data systems.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing sector, specifically related to defense applications. Spending in this sector for specialized equipment and retrofits can vary significantly based on technological advancements and military modernization needs.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the award went to Data Link Solutions LLC, a specific company. There is no explicit information provided regarding the extent of small business participation in this contract, either as the prime contractor or through subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by the Department of the Navy, ensuring that the retrofits are completed according to specifications and within budget. The contract type (Firm Fixed Price) suggests a degree of cost control, but performance monitoring remains crucial.

Related Government Programs

  • Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

  • Lack of detailed cost breakdown.
  • Limited information on specific technical requirements.
  • Potential for scope creep over the contract duration.
  • No indication of small business subcontracting.

Tags

radio-and-television-broadcasting-and-wi, department-of-defense, ia, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $31.9 million to DATA LINK SOLUTIONS LLC. BU2 RETROFITS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DATA LINK SOLUTIONS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $31.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-07-24. End: 2022-12-31.

What is the specific nature of the 'BU2 Retrofits' and what are the expected performance improvements?

The 'BU2 Retrofits' likely refer to upgrades or modifications to a specific system or component designated as 'BU2' within naval assets, possibly related to data links or communication systems. The expected improvements would typically involve enhanced functionality, increased reliability, cybersecurity enhancements, or compliance with updated technical standards. Detailed specifications are usually found in the contract's statement of work.

How does the awarded price compare to independent cost estimates or previous similar retrofits?

Without access to independent cost estimates or data on prior, comparable retrofit contracts, it is challenging to definitively assess the price competitiveness. The 'full and open competition' suggests an attempt at fair pricing, but the actual value for money hinges on the specifics of the retrofits and the bids received. Further analysis would require benchmarking against similar DoD contracts or industry pricing.

What are the potential risks associated with the long contract duration and the firm-fixed-price structure?

A long duration (1256 days) with a firm-fixed-price contract carries risks of scope creep if not managed tightly, and potential for the contractor to face cost increases due to inflation or unforeseen technical challenges, impacting their profit margin or potentially leading to disputes. Conversely, it offers budget certainty for the government, assuming the initial scope is well-defined and achievable.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingCommunications Equipment ManufacturingRadio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: N0003915R0222

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Rockwell Collins Australia PTY Limited

Address: 350 COLLINS RD NE, CEDAR RAPIDS, IA, 52498

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $31,905,568

Exercised Options: $31,905,568

Current Obligation: $31,905,568

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0003915D0042

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2019-07-24

Current End Date: 2022-12-31

Potential End Date: 2022-12-31 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2024-08-27

More Contracts from Data Link Solutions LLC

View all Data Link Solutions LLC federal contracts →

Other Department of Defense Contracts

View all Department of Defense contracts →

Explore Related Government Spending