DoD awards $240M for High Power RF Amplifier Systems to Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,020,089 ($24.0M)

Contractor: Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-12-30

End Date: 2027-02-04

Contract Duration: 766 days

Daily Burn Rate: $31.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 29

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: 4566809195!HIGH POWER RF AMPLIFIER SYSTEMS EMPOWER2

Place of Performance

Location: VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA BEACH CITY County, VIRGINIA, 23452

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $24.0 million to ATLANTIC DIVING SUPPLY, INC. for work described as: 4566809195!HIGH POWER RF AMPLIFIER SYSTEMS EMPOWER2 Key points: 1. Contract awarded for critical RF amplifier systems, essential for defense operations. 2. Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc. secured the contract, indicating potential market concentration. 3. Risk of supply chain disruption exists given the specialized nature of the equipment. 4. Spending falls within the Defense sector, characterized by high-value, specialized procurements.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $240.2M over approximately 2.5 years appears substantial. Benchmarking against similar high-power RF amplifier systems is difficult without more detailed specifications, but the duration suggests a significant program requirement.

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 deliberate effort to ensure broad market participation. This method aims to achieve competitive pricing, though the specific reasons for source exclusion warrant review.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for advanced defense technology. Competitive bidding is intended to maximize value for money, but the final price relative to market value requires ongoing assessment.

Public Impact

Ensures readiness of critical defense communication and electronic warfare capabilities. Supports advanced technological infrastructure within the Department of Defense. Potential for technological advancements in RF systems driven by this contract.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited small business participation indicated.
Specialized nature of equipment may limit future competition.
Long contract duration could lead to price escalation risks.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Addresses critical defense technology needs.
Long-term contract provides supply chain stability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically for electronic equipment. Spending benchmarks for high-power RF amplifier systems are highly variable due to technological complexity and specific performance requirements, making direct comparisons challenging.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a factor in this award (ss: false, sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if opportunities were missed or if the nature of the requirement inherently favors larger, specialized contractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be crucial to ensure Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc. meets performance specifications and delivery timelines. The Defense Logistics Agency's role in contract management is key to accountability and taxpayer value.

Related Government Programs

Service Establishment Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers
Department of Defense Contracting
Defense Logistics Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to specialized technology.
Risk of supply chain disruptions for critical components.
Long contract duration may not reflect evolving technological needs.
Lack of explicit small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $24.0 million to ATLANTIC DIVING SUPPLY, INC.. 4566809195!HIGH POWER RF AMPLIFIER SYSTEMS EMPOWER2

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ATLANTIC DIVING SUPPLY, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Logistics Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $24.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-12-30. End: 2027-02-04.

What is the specific technological advantage or capability provided by these 'HIGH POWER RF AMPLIFIER SYSTEMS' that justifies the significant investment?

These systems are likely critical for advanced defense applications such as radar, electronic warfare, and secure communications. High power RF amplifiers are essential for transmitting signals over long distances or overcoming jamming attempts, providing a crucial operational advantage in contested environments. Their specific capabilities dictate the system's complexity and cost.

Given the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' clause, what were the specific reasons for excluding certain sources, and did this exclusion impact the final price?

Excluding sources typically occurs when specific technical capabilities, security clearances, or proprietary technologies are required that only a limited number of vendors possess. While intended to ensure the best fit, such exclusions can sometimes reduce competition, potentially leading to higher prices than a truly open market might yield. A thorough review of the justification for exclusion is necessary.

How does the performance and reliability of these systems compare to commercially available alternatives, and what is the long-term cost-effectiveness for the DoD?

Defense-grade RF amplifier systems often incorporate specialized features for ruggedness, extended temperature ranges, and specific frequency bands not found in commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products. While COTS might be cheaper initially, the total cost of ownership, including maintenance, lifecycle support, and performance under demanding conditions, often favors specialized systems. Assessing long-term reliability and upgradeability is key to cost-effectiveness.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Wholesale Trade › Machinery, Equipment, and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers › Service Establishment Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers

Product/Service Code: FIRE/RESCUE/SAFETY; ENVIRO PROTECT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 29

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 621 LYNNHAVEN PKWY STE 160, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, 23452

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,020,089

Exercised Options: $24,020,089

Current Obligation: $24,020,089

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SPE8EJ21D1020

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline