DoD's $33M JTRS SE&I Contract Awarded to Data Link Solutions LLC Under Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $33,091,773 ($33.1M)

Contractor: Data Link Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-04-17

End Date: 2022-04-16

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $45.4K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: MIDS JTRS SE&I

Place of Performance

Location: CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN County, IOWA, 52498

State: Iowa Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $33.1 million to DATA LINK SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: MIDS JTRS SE&I Key points: 1. The contract value is $33,091,772.65. 2. The awardee is DATA LINK SOLUTIONS LLC. 3. The contract falls under 'Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing'. 4. This is a Delivery Order under an existing contract. 5. The contract duration is 729 days.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The lack of competition raises concerns about whether the fixed fee represents a fair price.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was 'NOT COMPETED', indicating a limited competition approach. This method may not yield the best price for the government as it restricts the pool of potential offerors.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competitive bidding could result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for the MIDS JTRS SE&I services.

Public Impact

The Department of the Navy is procuring essential communication equipment services. The contract supports the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) program. This award impacts the defense sector's communication capabilities. The duration of the contract suggests a significant, ongoing need.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Lack of competition
  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
  • Potential for cost overruns

Positive Signals

  • Supports critical defense communication systems
  • Awarded to a specific company for specialized services

Sector Analysis

The 'Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing' sector involves the production of various communication devices. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on defense needs and technological advancements. Benchmarks are difficult without more specific product details.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, as 'sb' is false. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award.

Oversight & Accountability

The 'NOT COMPETED' status suggests that oversight may have been limited during the initial award phase. Further review of the justification for other than full and open competition is warranted.

Related Government Programs

  • Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

  • Lack of competition
  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
  • Potential for cost overruns
  • Limited transparency on justification for award

Tags

other-communications-equipment-manufactu, department-of-defense, ia, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $33.1 million to DATA LINK SOLUTIONS LLC. MIDS JTRS SE&I

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 $33.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-04-17. End: 2022-04-16.

What was the specific justification for not competing this contract, and what steps were taken to ensure fair pricing?

The justification for not competing this contract is not provided in the data. Typically, 'not competed' awards require a formal justification, such as a sole-source provider or urgent need. Without this justification, it's difficult to assess if fair pricing was achieved through alternative means, such as market research or negotiation.

What are the potential risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for this type of equipment?

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts carry risks of cost overruns if the contractor's estimated costs are inaccurate or if unforeseen issues arise. The government pays the actual costs plus a fixed fee, meaning the contractor has less incentive to control costs compared to fixed-price contracts. This can lead to higher overall spending for the government.

How does this award align with the overall goals and modernization efforts of the JTRS program?

The award supports the JTRS program, which aims to provide secure, interoperable tactical communications for the U.S. military. The specific services provided by Data Link Solutions LLC are crucial for the system's effectiveness. However, without details on the specific SE&I tasks, it's hard to gauge the precise alignment with modernization goals.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingCommunications Equipment ManufacturingOther Communications Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: N0003914R0021

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

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: $38,119,369

Exercised Options: $38,119,369

Current Obligation: $33,091,773

Actual Outlays: $7,941,452

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0003915D0007

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2020-04-17

Current End Date: 2022-04-16

Potential End Date: 2022-04-16 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2024-05-01

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