DoD awards $19.15M for Aerostat System, highlighting instrument manufacturing needs
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $19,151,641 ($19.2M)
Contractor: Tcom, L.P.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2012-01-17
End Date: 2013-09-30
Contract Duration: 622 days
Daily Burn Rate: $30.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: 28M AEROSTAT SYSTEM
Place of Performance
Location: ELIZABETH CITY, PASQUOTANK County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27909
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $19.2 million to TCOM, L.P. for work described as: 28M AEROSTAT SYSTEM Key points: 1. The contract focuses on specialized instrument manufacturing for electrical measurement and testing. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive market for these capabilities. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the Department of the Navy. 4. The duration of 622 days indicates a significant project timeline.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award of $19.15M for an Aerostat System appears reasonable given the specialized nature of instrument manufacturing for electrical measurement and testing. Benchmarking against similar complex systems 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, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process is expected to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for this specialized defense requirement.
Public Impact
Enhances military surveillance and communication capabilities through advanced aerostat technology. Supports the Department of the Navy's operational readiness and intelligence gathering. Drives innovation in specialized manufacturing for defense applications.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if manufacturing complexities are underestimated.
- Dependence on a single vendor for critical components or specialized expertise.
Positive Signals
- Clear contract type (firm fixed price) to manage budget.
- Full and open competition ensures market-driven pricing.
- Awarded to a capable vendor with demonstrated expertise.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the broader defense sector, specifically focusing on advanced electronics and manufacturing for surveillance systems. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining technological superiority and operational effectiveness.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this specific contract award. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Navy's procurement process, including the use of full and open competition and a firm-fixed-price contract, suggests a structured approach to oversight. Post-award monitoring would be crucial for ensuring successful delivery.
Related Government Programs
- Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Contract duration may be insufficient for complex manufacturing.
- Potential for scope creep if requirements are not clearly defined.
- Reliance on specific manufacturing technologies.
- Geopolitical factors impacting supply chain.
Tags
instrument-manufacturing-for-measuring-a, department-of-defense, nc, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $19.2 million to TCOM, L.P.. 28M AEROSTAT SYSTEM
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TCOM, L.P..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $19.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2012-01-17. End: 2013-09-30.
What is the specific operational advantage gained by the Navy from this Aerostat System?
The Aerostat System likely provides persistent surveillance and communication capabilities over a wide area, enhancing situational awareness and intelligence gathering for naval operations. This could include tracking enemy movements, monitoring maritime traffic, or providing secure communication relays in challenging environments.
What are the primary risks associated with the manufacturing and deployment of this Aerostat System?
Key risks include technical challenges in manufacturing complex electronic components, potential delays in production, and the system's vulnerability to adverse weather conditions or enemy action. Ensuring the reliability and durability of the aerostat and its payload is paramount for operational success.
How does the $19.15M investment compare to similar aerostat system procurements by other defense agencies?
Without specific comparative data, it's difficult to definitively assess. However, the price point for a specialized system like this, awarded competitively, suggests it aligns with market rates for advanced surveillance technology. A detailed cost-benefit analysis would be needed for a precise comparison.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals
Product/Service Code: AEROSPACE CRAFT AND STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 7115 THOMAS EDISON DR STE A, COLUMBIA, MD, 21046
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $44,751,641
Exercised Options: $19,151,641
Current Obligation: $19,151,641
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS07F9173S
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2012-01-17
Current End Date: 2013-09-30
Potential End Date: 2014-01-11 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2018-05-17
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