DoD Awards $20M Delivery Order to Mayflower Communications for Navigation Systems

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,969,625 ($20.0M)

Contractor: Mayflower Communications Company, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-08-01

End Date: 2026-03-27

Contract Duration: 969 days

Daily Burn Rate: $20.6K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: MAGNA DELIVERY ORDER

Place of Performance

Location: BEDFORD, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01730

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $20.0 million to MAYFLOWER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY, INC. for work described as: MAGNA DELIVERY ORDER Key points: 1. Significant award value of $19.97M for navigation system manufacturing. 2. Mayflower Communications, Inc. is the sole awardee, raising competition concerns. 3. The contract spans nearly 3 years, indicating a substantial project duration. 4. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs, but competition is limited.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $19.97M is substantial. Benchmarking against similar contracts for navigation system manufacturing is difficult without more specific details on the scope of work and the exact systems being procured. The lack of available data for comparison limits a precise valuation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not available for competition, indicating a limited source selection. This approach may impact price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs compared to a fully competitive environment. The specific reasons for the limited competition are not detailed.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition raises concerns about taxpayer value. Without competitive bidding, there's a risk that the government may not be securing the best possible price for these navigation systems.

Public Impact

Impacts the Department of Defense's capabilities in search, detection, and navigation. Supports the manufacturing sector for specialized aeronautical and nautical instruments. Potential implications for military readiness and operational effectiveness.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Limited competition
  • Lack of detailed scope for value assessment
  • Potential for inflated pricing due to sole-source nature

Positive Signals

  • Firm fixed-price contract type
  • Long-term duration suggests critical need

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the System and Instrument Manufacturing sector, specifically for navigation and guidance systems. Spending in this sector is critical for defense and transportation, with benchmarks often tied to technological advancement and specific military requirements.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific delivery order. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist or if the prime contractor has a history of engaging small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The award is a delivery order under a larger contract, suggesting some level of pre-award review. However, the limited competition aspect warrants closer oversight to ensure fair pricing and necessity.

Related Government Programs

  • Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

  • Lack of competition
  • Potential for price escalation
  • Limited transparency on specific system details
  • No indication of small business participation

Tags

search-detection-navigation-guidance-aer, department-of-defense, ma, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $20.0 million to MAYFLOWER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY, INC.. MAGNA DELIVERY ORDER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MAYFLOWER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY, 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 $20.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-08-01. End: 2026-03-27.

What specific navigation systems are being procured, and how do their capabilities justify the $19.97M price tag without competition?

The specific navigation systems are not detailed in the provided data. To justify the $19.97M price without competition, the Department of Defense would need to demonstrate that Mayflower Communications possesses unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or that the systems are essential for a specific, urgent operational requirement that cannot be met by other vendors. A detailed technical assessment and cost analysis would be crucial for validating the value.

What are the risks associated with awarding a nearly $20 million contract without competition, particularly regarding potential cost overruns or suboptimal technology?

The primary risk of awarding a large contract without competition is the potential for inflated pricing and reduced incentive for innovation. Without competitive pressure, the contractor may not be motivated to offer the most cost-effective solution or the latest technological advancements. This could lead to the government paying more than necessary or receiving technology that is not cutting-edge, impacting long-term value and operational effectiveness.

How will the effectiveness of these navigation systems be measured, and what mechanisms are in place to ensure they meet the Department of the Army's operational requirements?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through stringent testing, performance metrics, and operational deployment feedback. The Department of the Army will have quality assurance representatives overseeing the contract. Mechanisms typically include acceptance testing, milestone reviews, and post-delivery performance evaluations to ensure the systems meet specified requirements and contribute to mission success.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingNavigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments ManufacturingSearch, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC EQPT COMPNTS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Mayflower Communications Company Inc.

Address: 11 OAK PARK DR STE 200, BEDFORD, MA, 01730

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,969,625

Exercised Options: $19,969,625

Current Obligation: $19,969,625

Actual Outlays: $5,653,850

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W56JSR20D0021

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2023-08-01

Current End Date: 2026-03-27

Potential End Date: 2026-03-27 12:03:00

Last Modified: 2026-02-04

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