DoD Awards $2.35M for NTCDL/CDLS Communications Systems to Technology Unlimited Group
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,355,054 ($2.4M)
Contractor: Technology Unlimited Group
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-08-01
End Date: 2027-02-09
Contract Duration: 922 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: NETWORK TACTICAL COMMON DATA LINK (NTCDL) AND COMMUNICATIONS DATA LINK SYSTEM (CDLS)
Place of Performance
Location: SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92155
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $2.4 million to TECHNOLOGY UNLIMITED GROUP for work described as: NETWORK TACTICAL COMMON DATA LINK (NTCDL) AND COMMUNICATIONS DATA LINK SYSTEM (CDLS) Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Technology Unlimited Group for critical communication systems. 2. Full and open competition after exclusion of sources indicates a specific justification for vendor selection. 3. Potential risk associated with limited competition impacting price discovery. 4. Spending falls within the Engineering Services sector, with a benchmark of $2.55M.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $2.35M appears reasonable for specialized engineering services related to tactical communication systems. Benchmarking against similar DoD contracts for complex engineering solutions would provide further validation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' suggesting a competitive process but with specific criteria that may have limited the pool of eligible bidders. This method aims for fair pricing while ensuring specialized capabilities are met.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that, even with exclusions, seeks to secure the best value for essential defense communication technology.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operational capability for Navy tactical communications. Supports advanced data link systems crucial for military operations. Investment in technology for national defense readiness.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in due to specialized nature of systems.
- Reliance on a single awardee for critical communication infrastructure.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through a competitive process.
- Supports critical defense infrastructure.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Engineering Services (NAICS 541330), which involves providing professional services for the design, development, and testing of systems. The benchmark for this sector is $2.55M, indicating this award is within the typical range.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to assess small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Navy is responsible for oversight of this contract. The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' clause suggests a documented justification process was followed, contributing to accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition due to source exclusion.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Potential for cost overruns.
- Reliance on specific vendor capabilities.
Tags
engineering-services, department-of-defense, ca, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $2.4 million to TECHNOLOGY UNLIMITED GROUP. NETWORK TACTICAL COMMON DATA LINK (NTCDL) AND COMMUNICATIONS DATA LINK SYSTEM (CDLS)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TECHNOLOGY UNLIMITED GROUP.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $2.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-08-01. End: 2027-02-09.
What is the specific technical capability that led to the exclusion of other sources in this full and open competition?
The exclusion of sources likely stems from highly specialized technical requirements for the Network Tactical Common Data Link (NTCDL) and Communications Data Link System (CDLS). These systems may demand unique intellectual property, proprietary technology, or specific integration expertise possessed by Technology Unlimited Group, necessitating a justification for limiting the competitive pool while still adhering to open competition principles.
What are the potential risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for these communication systems?
Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts can pose risks if the fixed fee is not adequately tied to performance metrics or if the cost ceiling is too high. This structure might incentivize the contractor to incur costs to increase the fee base, potentially leading to cost overruns. Effective oversight is crucial to manage contractor expenses and ensure value for money.
How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Department of Defense's communication network?
This contract is vital for maintaining and potentially upgrading the Network Tactical Common Data Link (NTCDL) and Communications Data Link System (CDLS). These systems are fundamental for secure and reliable data exchange between military assets, directly impacting operational command and control, situational awareness, and the overall effectiveness of joint force operations in tactical environments.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: N6600120R0041
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1885 SEFTON PLACE STE 100, SAN DIEGO, CA, 92107
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $3,241,060
Exercised Options: $2,931,060
Current Obligation: $2,355,054
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: N6600121D0089
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-08-01
Current End Date: 2027-02-09
Potential End Date: 2027-02-09 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-07
Other Department of Defense Contracts
- Federal Contract — $51.3B (Humana Government Business Inc)
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- SSN 802 and 803 Long Lead Time Material — $34.7B (Electric Boat Corporation)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- KC-X Modernization Program — $32.0B (THE Boeing Company)