DoD awards $13.4M contract for MIDS JTRS GASE, with Data Link Solutions LLC as prime

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,378,730 ($13.4M)

Contractor: Data Link Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-11-18

End Date: 2027-11-21

Contract Duration: 1,829 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: MIDS JTRS GASE

Place of Performance

Location: CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN County, IOWA, 52498

State: Iowa Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $13.4 million to DATA LINK SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: MIDS JTRS GASE Key points: 1. Contract value of $13.4M over 5 years suggests a moderate annual spend. 2. The contract is for 'Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing', indicating a specific niche within the defense sector. 3. Fixed-price contract type generally shifts risk to the contractor. 4. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 5. The contract's duration of nearly 5 years allows for sustained delivery and potential for follow-on work. 6. The specific product code '334290' points to a specialized manufacturing category.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

Benchmarking the $13.4M contract value against similar procurements for MIDS JTRS GASE is challenging without more specific data on system components and quantities. However, the firm fixed-price structure is a positive indicator for cost control. The duration of the contract suggests a stable, predictable cost over its term, which can be advantageous for budgeting.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. This process typically fosters a competitive environment, encouraging multiple bidders to offer their best pricing and technical solutions. The number of bidders is not specified, but the competition type suggests a robust market for this type of equipment.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it is expected to drive down prices through market forces and encourage innovation among potential suppliers.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Navy, receiving critical communications equipment. The contract delivers essential 'Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing' components, likely for tactical data links and command and control systems. The geographic impact is primarily within the United States, where the contractor operates and the equipment is likely deployed. Workforce implications include employment opportunities within Data Link Solutions LLC and its supply chain, particularly in specialized manufacturing roles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if initial fixed-price estimates do not account for unforeseen manufacturing complexities.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical component could pose supply chain risks if not managed proactively.
The specific nature of 'Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing' might limit the pool of qualified alternative suppliers.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract structure provides cost certainty and incentivizes contractor efficiency.
Award under full and open competition suggests a competitive market, likely leading to favorable pricing.
The contract's multi-year duration allows for stable supply and potential for long-term relationship building with the supplier.

Sector Analysis

The defense communications sector is characterized by high technological sophistication and stringent performance requirements. Contracts in this area often involve complex systems integration and specialized manufacturing. The market size for such niche equipment can be substantial within the overall defense budget, with significant R&D investment often preceding procurement. This contract fits within the broader category of defense electronics and communication systems manufacturing.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions for this contract. As it was awarded under full and open competition, it is unlikely that small businesses were exclusively targeted. However, Data Link Solutions LLC may engage small businesses as subcontractors, contributing to the broader small business ecosystem within the defense industrial base.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Navy's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to deliver specified goods at an agreed-upon price. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific performance metrics may not always be publicly disclosed.

Related Government Programs

MIDS (Multifunctional Information Distribution System)
JTRS (Joint Tactical Radio System)
Defense Communications Equipment
Tactical Data Links
Navy Procurement

Risk Flags

Potential for obsolescence due to rapid technological advancements in communications.
Supply chain dependencies for specialized components.
Contract performance risks if technical specifications are not precisely met.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $13.4 million to DATA LINK SOLUTIONS LLC. MIDS JTRS GASE

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 $13.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-11-18. End: 2027-11-21.

What is the historical spending pattern for MIDS JTRS GASE procurements by the Department of Defense?

Analyzing historical spending for MIDS JTRS GASE requires accessing detailed procurement data over several fiscal years. Typically, such systems involve significant investment due to their complexity and critical role in military operations. Spending patterns can fluctuate based on modernization cycles, technological upgrades, and evolving operational requirements. Without specific historical data for this exact GASE variant, it's difficult to provide precise figures. However, similar advanced communication systems often see multi-year contracts with values in the tens to hundreds of millions of dollars, reflecting the ongoing need for reliable and secure battlefield communication.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar MIDS JTRS GASE procurements?

Direct price comparison for this $13.4M contract is challenging without access to detailed unit costs, quantities, and specific configurations of the MIDS JTRS GASE delivered. However, the fact that it was awarded under full and open competition suggests that the pricing reflects market conditions and competitive pressures. If Data Link Solutions LLC was one of multiple bidders, their proposed price was likely vetted against other competitive offers. To perform a robust benchmark, one would need to compare the per-unit cost of comparable components or systems procured by other branches of the military or allied nations, considering any differences in specifications, volume, and contract terms.

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

The specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract are not detailed in the provided summary. However, for 'Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing' contracts, typical KPIs often include on-time delivery, adherence to technical specifications, quality control metrics (e.g., defect rates), and compliance with security requirements. Contractor performance is generally measured through contract administration by the Department of the Navy, which monitors deliverables against the contract schedule and technical requirements. Performance evaluations may also be documented in Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) reports, which track a contractor's past performance on federal contracts.

What is the track record of Data Link Solutions LLC in fulfilling similar defense contracts?

Data Link Solutions LLC has a history of performing defense contracts, particularly in areas related to communication systems and data links. Their experience likely includes manufacturing, integration, and support for various military platforms. A thorough assessment of their track record would involve reviewing past performance evaluations, such as those found in the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), to identify their history of on-time delivery, quality of work, and overall responsiveness to government requirements. Their ability to secure this contract under full and open competition suggests a demonstrated capability and competitive standing in the defense market.

What are the potential risks associated with the 'Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing' classification for this contract?

The 'Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing' classification (NAICS 334290) is broad and can encompass a wide range of products. Potential risks include a lack of specificity regarding the exact nature of the equipment, which could lead to misunderstandings in requirements or performance expectations. It might also indicate a niche market with fewer suppliers, potentially increasing lead times or limiting competition in future procurements. Furthermore, the rapid pace of technological advancement in communications means that equipment classified under this broad category could become obsolete quickly, posing a risk of reduced long-term utility or the need for frequent upgrades.

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: $16,873,804

Exercised Options: $13,378,730

Current Obligation: $13,378,730

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