DoD Awards $63.7M for Manpack Radios to Rockwell Collins Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $63,690,082 ($63.7M)
Contractor: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2019-06-06
End Date: 2021-09-30
Contract Duration: 847 days
Daily Burn Rate: $75.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: PROCUREMENT OF MANPACK RADIOS AND RELATED ANCILLARIES.
Place of Performance
Location: CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN County, IOWA, 52498
State: Iowa Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $63.7 million to ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC. for work described as: PROCUREMENT OF MANPACK RADIOS AND RELATED ANCILLARIES. Key points: 1. Significant investment in tactical communication equipment for the Army. 2. Competition was robust, indicating potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk is moderate, tied to technology obsolescence and vendor performance. 4. Spending falls within the IT and Defense sectors.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $63.7 million for manpack radios appears reasonable given the duration and scope. Benchmarking against similar tactical radio procurements would provide a more precise assessment, but the firm fixed-price structure suggests a degree of cost certainty.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value. The use of a delivery order under a larger contract suggests a structured procurement process.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally leads to more efficient use of taxpayer funds by driving down prices through market forces.
Public Impact
Ensures soldiers have reliable communication capabilities in the field. Supports modernization efforts within the Department of the Army. Potential for follow-on procurements based on performance and needs.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for technology obsolescence in radio equipment.
- Dependence on a single vendor for this specific delivery order.
- Ensuring interoperability with existing communication systems.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
- Supports critical military operational needs.
Sector Analysis
This procurement falls under the Information Technology and Defense sectors, specifically focusing on wireless communications equipment. Spending benchmarks for tactical radios can vary widely based on features and quantity, but this award represents a substantial investment in soldier-level communication technology.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, as the prime contractor is Rockwell Collins, Inc. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Department of the Army, a component of the Department of Defense, which has established oversight mechanisms for procurement. The use of a delivery order under a larger contract implies adherence to pre-defined terms and conditions.
Related Government Programs
- Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for technology obsolescence.
- Dependence on vendor for sustainment and future upgrades.
- Ensuring interoperability with diverse military systems.
- Risk of performance degradation in harsh environments.
Tags
radio-and-television-broadcasting-and-wi, department-of-defense, ia, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $63.7 million to ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC.. PROCUREMENT OF MANPACK RADIOS AND RELATED ANCILLARIES.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $63.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-06-06. End: 2021-09-30.
What is the projected lifespan of these manpack radios, and what is the plan for managing technological obsolescence?
The projected lifespan of the manpack radios is crucial for assessing long-term value. Given the rapid pace of technological advancement in communications, a strategy for managing obsolescence, including potential upgrade paths or replacement cycles, is essential. Without this information, the initial investment's effectiveness over time remains uncertain.
How does the unit cost of these radios compare to similar procurements by other military branches or allied nations?
Benchmarking the unit cost against comparable manpack radios procured by other military branches or allied nations is vital for validating value for money. Variations in features, specifications, and quantities can influence price, but significant deviations from market norms warrant further investigation into the pricing structure and negotiation outcomes.
What performance metrics are being tracked for these radios, and how will their effectiveness in operational environments be measured?
Measuring the effectiveness of these manpack radios requires clearly defined performance metrics and rigorous testing in operational environments. Key indicators should include reliability, battery life, range, data throughput, and ease of use. Regular performance reviews and feedback from end-users are necessary to ensure the radios meet the intended mission requirements.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Communications Equipment Manufacturing › Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION
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
Parent Company: Rockwell Collins Australia PTY Limited
Address: 400 COLLINS RD NE, CEDAR RAPIDS, IA, 52498
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $63,827,086
Exercised Options: $63,690,082
Current Obligation: $63,690,082
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 18
Total Subaward Amount: $3,493,858
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W15P7T16D0003
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-06-06
Current End Date: 2021-09-30
Potential End Date: 2021-09-30 12:09:00
Last Modified: 2025-07-31
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