DoD's $32M JTRS SE&I Contract Awarded to Data Link Solutions LLC Under Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,058,304 ($32.1M)

Contractor: Data Link Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2021-04-06

End Date: 2023-09-30

Contract Duration: 907 days

Daily Burn Rate: $35.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

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 $32.1 million to DATA LINK SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: MIDS JTRS SE&I Key points: 1. The contract is for the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Special Electronic Integration (SE&I). 2. Awarded to Data Link Solutions LLC, a significant player in defense communications. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract duration is substantial, spanning over 900 days. 5. The sector is primarily defense communications equipment manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $32.06 million appears reasonable for a specialized SE&I effort within the defense sector. Benchmarking against similar complex communication system integration contracts would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The use of full and open competition indicates that multiple vendors were likely considered, fostering a competitive environment that should drive favorable pricing and innovation. The award method was a delivery order against an existing contract.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests taxpayers are likely receiving fair value for the services rendered, minimizing the risk of overpayment.

Public Impact

Enhances critical military communication capabilities through specialized integration. Supports the Department of the Navy's operational readiness and technological advancement. Ensures interoperability and effectiveness of tactical radio systems in diverse environments. Contributes to the broader defense industrial base for communication equipment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Contract duration is long, potentially leading to scope creep or evolving requirements.
  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can incentivize cost overruns if not managed tightly.
  • Specific performance metrics and deliverables are not detailed in the provided data.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust market.
  • The contractor, Data Link Solutions LLC, is likely experienced in this domain.
  • The contract supports a critical defense program (JTRS).

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing sector, which is a vital component of the defense industrial base. Spending in this area is driven by the need for advanced, secure, and interoperable communication systems for military operations.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific set-aside for small businesses. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that large businesses were likely the primary participants.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by the Department of the Navy contracting officers and program managers to ensure adherence to contract terms, cost control, and timely delivery of services. The CPFF structure necessitates diligent oversight to manage costs effectively.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

  • Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
  • Long contract duration may lead to evolving requirements and scope creep.
  • Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data.
  • Dependence on a single contractor for specialized integration services.

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 $32.1 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 $32.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-04-06. End: 2023-09-30.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how is performance being measured against them?

The provided data does not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) for the MIDS JTRS SE&I contract. Effective oversight would involve defining clear, measurable KPIs related to system integration, interoperability, reliability, and adherence to technical specifications. Regular performance reviews against these KPIs are crucial for ensuring the contractor meets program objectives and for justifying the expenditure of taxpayer funds.

What is the potential for cost overruns given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type?

The CPFF contract type carries a risk of cost overruns if the fixed fee is not adequately justified or if the contractor's costs exceed initial estimates significantly without proper justification. Robust oversight, detailed cost tracking, and stringent change control processes are essential to mitigate this risk. The government must ensure that the contractor's incurred costs are reasonable, allocable, and allowable.

How does the successful integration of JTRS SE&I contribute to the overall effectiveness of military communication networks?

The successful integration of JTRS SE&I is critical for modernizing military communication networks by ensuring interoperability between different radio systems and platforms. This enhances situational awareness, command and control, and operational flexibility across various branches of the armed forces. Effective SE&I ensures that these complex systems function reliably under demanding conditions, directly impacting mission success and soldier safety.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingCommunications Equipment ManufacturingOther 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: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

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: $32,254,010

Exercised Options: $32,254,010

Current Obligation: $32,058,304

Actual Outlays: $533,371

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: 2021-04-06

Current End Date: 2023-09-30

Potential End Date: 2023-09-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-11-24

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