DoD Awards $29.3M for MIDS JTRS Spares to Data Link Solutions LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $29,307,145 ($29.3M)
Contractor: Data Link Solutions LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-07-19
End Date: 2026-07-31
Contract Duration: 1,838 days
Daily Burn Rate: $15.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: MIDS JTRS SPARES
Place of Performance
Location: CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN County, IOWA, 52498
State: Iowa Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $29.3 million to DATA LINK SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: MIDS JTRS SPARES Key points: 1. Significant award for specialized communication equipment spares. 2. Competition method is 'Full and Open', suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk is moderate due to long contract duration and specialized nature. 4. Sector is Defense, specifically communications equipment manufacturing.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award value of $29.3M over approximately 5 years for specialized spares suggests a reasonable annual spend. Benchmarking against similar sole-source or limited competition contracts for advanced communication systems would be necessary for a definitive assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing and allows a broad range of capable vendors to bid. This method is ideal for ensuring the government receives fair market value.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition aims to maximize taxpayer value by fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operational readiness for critical defense communication systems. Supports the supply chain for advanced military hardware. Potential for technological advancements through competitive bidding in specialized manufacturing.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration (5 years) could lead to price escalation.
- Reliance on a single manufacturer for specific spares might pose supply chain risks.
- Potential for obsolescence of technology over the contract period.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, maximizing value.
- Supports critical defense communication infrastructure.
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
Sector Analysis
This award falls within the Defense sector, specifically the manufacturing of communications equipment. Spending benchmarks for such specialized spares are difficult to establish publicly due to proprietary technology and limited market size, but the value appears consistent with similar high-tech military procurements.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and the prime contractor is not identified as a small business. There is no information on subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), indicating established oversight. The firm fixed price contract type provides a degree of cost control, but ongoing monitoring for performance and potential scope creep is essential.
Related Government Programs
- Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for technological obsolescence due to long contract duration.
- Reliance on specific manufacturing capabilities may limit future competition.
- Supply chain vulnerability for specialized components.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
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 $29.3 million to DATA LINK SOLUTIONS LLC. MIDS JTRS SPARES
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 (Defense Contract Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $29.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-07-19. End: 2026-07-31.
What is the specific impact of the 'Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing' NAICS code on the competitive landscape for these spares?
The 'Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing' NAICS code (334290) encompasses a broad range of communication devices, but specialized military spares often fall into niche subcategories. While 'full and open' competition is indicated, the actual number of bidders may be limited if only a few manufacturers possess the specific technical capabilities and certifications required for these MIDS JTRS spares, potentially impacting the degree of price discovery.
How does the long duration (1838 days) of this delivery order impact the risk of technological obsolescence for the MIDS JTRS spares?
A contract duration of nearly five years for specialized electronic spares presents a significant risk of technological obsolescence. Military communication systems often undergo rapid upgrades. If the MIDS JTRS technology is nearing the end of its lifecycle or if newer, more capable systems are being fielded, the spares procured under this order may become outdated before the contract expires, potentially leading to reduced operational effectiveness.
What is the estimated taxpayer impact of the firm fixed price contract type for these spares, considering potential market fluctuations?
The Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract type offers significant cost certainty for taxpayers, as the price is set regardless of the contractor's actual costs. This protects against cost overruns. However, if market prices for raw materials or labor were to decrease significantly after the contract award, taxpayers might miss out on potential savings compared to a cost-reimbursable contract. Conversely, it shields against unexpected cost increases.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Communications Equipment Manufacturing › Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: N0003919R1000
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: RTX Corp
Address: 350 COLLINS RD NE, CEDAR RAPIDS, IA, 52498
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $29,307,145
Exercised Options: $29,307,145
Current Obligation: $29,307,145
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: N0003920D0057
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-07-19
Current End Date: 2026-07-31
Potential End Date: 2026-07-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-23
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