DoD's $17.16M contract for communications equipment manufacturing awarded to Advantor Systems II LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,160,024 ($17.2M)

Contractor: Advantor Systems II LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2010-08-28

End Date: 2015-12-15

Contract Duration: 1,935 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SERVICE

Place of Performance

Location: ANDREWS AFB, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20762

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $17.2 million to ADVANTOR SYSTEMS II LLC for work described as: SERVICE Key points: 1. The contract value of $17.16 million represents a significant investment in specialized communications equipment. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust market for these goods. 3. The contract duration of 1935 days indicates a long-term need for the supplied equipment. 4. The fixed-price nature of the contract shifts performance risk to the contractor. 5. The specific product code (334290) points to a niche manufacturing sector. 6. The contract was awarded as a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger framework agreement.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this $17.16 million contract is challenging without specific details on the exact communications equipment procured and its technical specifications. However, the duration of nearly five years suggests a substantial, ongoing requirement. The firm fixed-price contract type implies that the contractor bore the risk of cost overruns, which can be a positive indicator of value if the price was competitive. Further analysis would require comparing the unit costs and performance metrics against similar procurements for comparable equipment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition,' indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This suggests a healthy competitive environment for the specified communications equipment. The fact that it was a single award delivery order implies that Advantor Systems II LLC was selected as the best value among the competing offers. The level of competition, while not quantified by the number of bidders, is generally expected to drive more favorable pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for taxpayers compared to sole-source or limited competition awards.

Public Impact

The Department of Defense is the primary beneficiary, receiving critical communications equipment. The contract supports the manufacturing sector, specifically in the realm of communications technology. The geographic impact is centered around the contractor's operations and the delivery locations for the equipment, likely within the US. The contract supports jobs in manufacturing and potentially in the supply chain for components.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the true value and effectiveness of the equipment delivered.
The broad 'Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing' category could encompass a wide range of products, making direct comparisons difficult.
The contract's end date in late 2015 means current relevance and technology obsolescence are potential concerns.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process.
Firm fixed-price contract structure places cost risk on the contractor.
Long contract duration suggests a sustained need and potential for established supply chain relationships.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader Information Technology and Defense Industrial Base sectors, specifically focusing on the manufacturing of communications equipment (NAICS code 334290). This sub-sector involves the production of apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, data, or video. The market size for such equipment is substantial, driven by both government and commercial demand for secure and reliable communication systems. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other DoD contracts for similar communication hardware, considering factors like technological sophistication and volume.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication from the provided data that this contract involved small business set-asides or specific subcontracting goals for small businesses. The award to Advantor Systems II LLC, without further information on its size, does not provide insight into its small business status. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is unclear, though large prime contracts can sometimes indirectly benefit small businesses through their supply chains.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant program management office within the Department of the Army. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, requiring delivery of specified goods. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, where basic award information is published. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Defense Communications Systems
Tactical Communications Equipment
Network Infrastructure Manufacturing
Electronic Equipment Manufacturing

Risk Flags

Potential for technology obsolescence given the contract end date.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes value assessment difficult.
Broad NAICS code limits specificity in comparison and analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $17.2 million to ADVANTOR SYSTEMS II LLC. SERVICE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ADVANTOR SYSTEMS II LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $17.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-08-28. End: 2015-12-15.

What specific types of communications equipment were procured under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract falls under NAICS code 334290, 'Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing.' This broad category encompasses a wide array of devices used for transmitting or receiving voice, data, or video. Without access to the specific contract line item details or product descriptions, it is impossible to determine the exact nature of the equipment. It could range from radio communication devices, specialized network hardware, or components for larger communication systems. Understanding the specific equipment is crucial for assessing its technological relevance, performance capabilities, and value for money.

How does the $17.16 million contract value compare to similar procurements for communications equipment by the DoD?

Comparing the $17.16 million value requires identifying contracts for similar types and quantities of communications equipment awarded around the same period (2010-2015) by the Department of Defense or other federal agencies. Given the broad NAICS code, direct comparisons are difficult without knowing the specific equipment. However, for major defense procurements, $17.16 million over nearly five years represents a moderate-sized contract. Larger programs might involve hundreds of millions or billions. Smaller, more specialized procurements could be in the low millions. The value appears reasonable for a sustained supply of specific, potentially niche, communications hardware.

What were the key performance indicators (KPIs) or quality standards expected for the communications equipment?

The provided data does not include specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or quality standards associated with this contract. For a firm fixed-price contract, the primary expectation is the delivery of goods that conform to the contract's specifications and technical requirements. These specifications would typically be detailed in the Statement of Work (SOW) or Performance Work Statement (PWS) attached to the contract. Without access to these documents, it's impossible to detail the expected performance, reliability, security features, or interoperability standards. These would be critical for assessing the contractor's adherence to requirements and the ultimate utility of the equipment.

What is the track record of Advantor Systems II LLC in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for communications equipment?

Information on Advantor Systems II LLC's specific track record for this contract is limited to the award details provided. The contract was awarded as a delivery order, suggesting it might be part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a similar vehicle. A deeper dive into federal procurement databases would be necessary to ascertain their history with the government, including past performance evaluations, any disputes or contract terminations, and the types and values of other contracts they have held. Their performance on this specific $17.16 million contract, which spanned nearly five years, would offer significant insight into their reliability and capability.

How has federal spending on 'Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing' (NAICS 334290) trended over the past decade?

Federal spending on NAICS code 334290, 'Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing,' has likely fluctuated based on evolving defense and civilian agency needs for communication technologies. Historically, significant portions of this spending have been directed towards defense applications, including tactical communications, network infrastructure, and secure communication systems. The period around this contract (2010-2015) saw continued investment in modernizing military communication capabilities. Post-2015, spending may have shifted towards more advanced technologies like software-defined networking, cybersecurity-focused equipment, and integrated communication systems. Analyzing trends requires examining aggregate spending data over time, broken down by agency and specific equipment types if possible.

What are the potential risks associated with a firm fixed-price contract for manufactured goods like communications equipment?

While firm fixed-price (FFP) contracts are generally favored for shifting risk to the contractor, potential risks remain. For the government, the primary risk is that the contractor, in an effort to maximize profit under a fixed price, might cut corners on quality, use substandard materials, or deliver equipment that does not fully meet the most demanding performance specifications if those are not rigorously defined and enforced. If the initial price was set too high due to contractor optimism or lack of competition, taxpayers may overpay. Conversely, if the contractor underestimated costs, they might face financial distress, potentially impacting delivery schedules or leading to contract disputes. Robust government oversight and clear technical specifications are essential to mitigate these risks.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Communications Equipment Manufacturing › Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: ALARM, SIGNAL, SECURITY DETECTION

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: Infrasafe, Inc.

Address: 1707 ORLANDO CENTRAL PKWY STE 350, ORLANDO, FL, 32809

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $17,776,229

Exercised Options: $17,160,024

Current Obligation: $17,160,024

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS07F8785D

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline