DoD awards $85M for manpack radios, with Rockwell Collins securing the contract for Generation 2 systems
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $85,058,225 ($85.1M)
Contractor: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-06-25
End Date: 2027-09-30
Contract Duration: 827 days
Daily Burn Rate: $102.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: GENERATION 2 MANPACK RADIO RECEIVER/TRANSMITTERS FULL RATE PRODUCTION (FRP) - 5 IN SUPPORT OF PROJECT MANAGER TACTICAL RADIOS/PRODUCT MANAGER HANDHELD, MANPACK AND SMALL FORM FIT.
Place of Performance
Location: CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN County, IOWA, 52498
State: Iowa Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $85.1 million to ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC. for work described as: GENERATION 2 MANPACK RADIO RECEIVER/TRANSMITTERS FULL RATE PRODUCTION (FRP) - 5 IN SUPPORT OF PROJECT MANAGER TACTICAL RADIOS/PRODUCT MANAGER HANDHELD, MANPACK AND SMALL FORM FIT. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single, established vendor, indicating potential for streamlined delivery but limited price negotiation. 2. The firm-fixed-price structure shifts cost risk to the contractor, potentially incentivizing efficiency. 3. Delivery order for production indicates a mature program phase, reducing initial development risks. 4. Focus on tactical radios suggests a critical need for battlefield communication capabilities. 5. The contract duration of over two years allows for sustained production and delivery. 6. Geographic location in Iowa may point to specific manufacturing or support infrastructure.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $85 million for manpack radios appears reasonable given the scope of full-rate production for Generation 2 systems. Benchmarking against similar tactical radio procurements is challenging without more specific technical details, but the firm-fixed-price nature suggests the government has negotiated a set price for the deliverables. The award to Rockwell Collins, a known defense contractor, implies a level of confidence in their ability to deliver at this price point. Further analysis would require comparing unit costs to previous generations or similar systems from competitors.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The fact that it resulted in a single delivery order to Rockwell Collins, Inc. could imply that while competition was open, Rockwell Collins offered the most advantageous proposal based on technical merit, price, or other factors. The number of bidders is not specified, but a single award from an open competition might indicate a highly specialized market or a strong incumbent advantage.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it encourages multiple vendors to offer competitive pricing, potentially leading to cost savings. However, the ultimate benefit depends on the number of actual bidders and the competitiveness of the proposals received.
Public Impact
Soldiers in tactical units will benefit from enhanced communication capabilities provided by the Generation 2 manpack radios. The contract supports the production and delivery of essential battlefield communication equipment. The primary geographic impact is likely within military operational theaters where these radios will be deployed. Workforce implications may include job creation or retention at Rockwell Collins' manufacturing facilities in Iowa.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in if future requirements heavily favor Rockwell Collins' proprietary technology.
- Reliance on a single contractor for a critical communication system could pose supply chain risks.
- Limited insight into the specific technological advancements of 'Generation 2' without further details.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process was initiated.
- Firm-fixed-price contract shifts cost overrun risk to the contractor.
- Rockwell Collins is an established defense contractor with a track record in radio systems.
- The contract is for full-rate production, indicating the system has likely passed initial testing and validation phases.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the broader defense electronics manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on tactical communication equipment. The market for military radios is characterized by high technical specifications, stringent reliability requirements, and long product lifecycles. Spending in this area is driven by the need for secure, interoperable, and advanced communication systems for modern warfare. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-scale procurements of manpack or tactical radio systems by various military branches.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). While there is no direct indication of small business subcontracting requirements in the provided data, large defense contracts often include provisions for small business participation. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether Rockwell Collins actively seeks out small business subcontractors for components or specialized services related to radio manufacturing and support.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of the Army'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 facilitated through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- Tactical Radio Systems
- Military Communications Equipment
- Defense Production Contracts
- Department of the Army Procurements
Risk Flags
- Potential for technology obsolescence
- Supply chain dependency on a single manufacturer
- Interoperability challenges with legacy or future systems
- Performance degradation in extreme environmental conditions
Tags
defense, department-of-defense, department-of-the-army, rockwell-collins, manpack-radio, tactical-communications, full-and-open-competition, firm-fixed-price, generation-2, iowa, radio-manufacturing, wireless-communications-equipment
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $85.1 million to ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC.. GENERATION 2 MANPACK RADIO RECEIVER/TRANSMITTERS FULL RATE PRODUCTION (FRP) - 5 IN SUPPORT OF PROJECT MANAGER TACTICAL RADIOS/PRODUCT MANAGER HANDHELD, MANPACK AND SMALL FORM FIT.
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 $85.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-06-25. End: 2027-09-30.
What is Rockwell Collins' track record with similar manpack radio systems for the Department of Defense?
Rockwell Collins, now part of Collins Aerospace (a Raytheon Technologies company), has a long history of supplying communication systems to the U.S. military. They have been a significant provider of tactical radios, including manpack and handheld variants, for decades. Their portfolio includes systems like the AN/PRC-152A and AN/PRC-160, which have seen extensive use. The company's experience suggests a strong understanding of the technical requirements, operational environments, and sustainment needs associated with such critical equipment. This established presence and prior performance likely contributed to their selection for the Generation 2 manpack radio production.
How does the $85 million value compare to previous procurements of similar radio systems?
Direct comparison of the $85 million value to previous procurements is difficult without knowing the exact quantity of radios and specific technological capabilities included in this 'Generation 2' contract. However, large-scale production runs of advanced tactical radios can easily reach tens of millions of dollars. For context, previous awards for similar systems, such as the AN/PRC-152A, have involved multi-year contracts valued in the hundreds of millions, encompassing thousands of units. The $85 million for full-rate production over approximately two years suggests a significant quantity, but the unit cost would be the key metric for a precise value comparison against historical data.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract for the Department of the Army?
The primary risks for the Department of the Army include potential delays in delivery, performance issues with the radios in challenging operational environments, and the possibility of obsolescence if the 'Generation 2' technology does not meet future communication needs. Given the firm-fixed-price nature, cost overruns are less of a risk for the government, but the contractor might face financial strain if unforeseen production issues arise. There's also a risk associated with relying on a single supplier for a critical component, potentially impacting long-term sustainment and upgrade paths. Ensuring interoperability with existing and future systems is another key consideration.
How effective are manpack radios in supporting modern military operations?
Manpack radios are crucial for modern military operations, providing essential voice and data communication capabilities for dismounted soldiers and small units operating at the tactical edge. They enable command and control, situational awareness, and coordination across various mission types, from conventional warfare to special operations. Their portability allows for flexibility and mobility on the battlefield. The effectiveness of these radios is directly tied to their range, clarity, security (encryption), resistance to jamming and interference, battery life, and integration with other soldier systems. The development of 'Generation 2' systems implies advancements aimed at enhancing these critical aspects.
What is the historical spending trend for tactical radio systems within the Department of Defense?
Historical spending on tactical radio systems within the Department of Defense has been substantial and consistent, reflecting the enduring need for reliable battlefield communications. Budgets allocated to programs like the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) and subsequent procurements of manpack, handheld, and vehicular radios have often run into billions of dollars over multiple years. Spending fluctuates based on modernization cycles, technological advancements (e.g., transition to software-defined radios, increased data throughput), and operational tempo. The DoD consistently invests in upgrading its tactical communication networks to maintain information superiority.
What does the 'full rate production' designation imply about the system's maturity and risk?
The 'full rate production' (FRP) designation signifies that the Generation 2 manpack radio system has successfully completed earlier phases of development, testing, and low-rate initial production (LRIP). This implies that the system's design has been validated, its performance characteristics have been demonstrated to meet requirements, and the manufacturing processes have been established and proven capable of producing units at the required rate and quality. Consequently, the technical and manufacturing risks associated with this contract are generally considered lower compared to contracts focused on research, development, or initial production phases.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Communications Equipment Manufacturing › Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - NETWORK
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: RTX Corp
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: $371,190,161
Exercised Options: $85,058,225
Current Obligation: $85,058,225
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: 2025-06-25
Current End Date: 2027-09-30
Potential End Date: 2031-03-20 12:03:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-23
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