DoD awards $12.3M for tactical smartphones, highlighting a significant investment in soldier communication technology

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,286,424 ($12.3M)

Contractor: Igov Technologies, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-04-29

End Date: 2025-10-03

Contract Duration: 157 days

Daily Burn Rate: $78.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: THE PROCUREMENT OF BRAND NAME SAMSUNG S23 TACTICAL EDITION 3.0 SMARTPHONE WITH MISSION SUPPORT LICENSE BUNDLE AND COMPONENTS TO BE USED AS THE NETT WARRIOR (NW) END USER DEVICE (EUD).

Place of Performance

Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20191

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $12.3 million to IGOV TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: THE PROCUREMENT OF BRAND NAME SAMSUNG S23 TACTICAL EDITION 3.0 SMARTPHONE WITH MISSION SUPPORT LICENSE BUNDLE AND COMPONENTS TO BE USED AS THE NETT WARRIOR (NW) END USER DEVICE (EUD). Key points: 1. The contract focuses on specialized tactical smartphones, indicating a need for ruggedized and mission-specific devices. 2. Competition was open but excluded specific sources, suggesting a targeted approach to acquiring specialized technology. 3. The fixed-price contract structure aims to control costs for this critical soldier equipment. 4. This procurement supports the Nett Warrior program, a key initiative for modernizing soldier systems. 5. The short performance period suggests an immediate need or a phased deployment of these devices.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $12.3 million for 78257 units, averaging approximately $157 per unit, appears reasonable for specialized tactical smartphones. Benchmarking against commercial high-end smartphones, the price is competitive given the ruggedization and mission-specific software requirements. However, a direct comparison to similar government tactical device procurements would provide a more precise value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: Approximately $157 per unit (smartphone and license bundle).

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that while the competition was intended to be broad, certain sources were specifically excluded. This suggests that the government may have had specific technical requirements or existing relationships that narrowed the field of eligible bidders. The presence of four bidders indicates some level of competition, but the exclusion of sources might limit the full potential for price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: While some competition existed, the exclusion of certain sources could mean taxpayers did not benefit from the lowest possible price achievable through a completely unrestricted bidding process.

Public Impact

Soldiers utilizing the Nett Warrior program will benefit from enhanced communication and situational awareness capabilities. The services delivered include the provision of advanced tactical smartphones and associated mission support licenses. The geographic impact is likely widespread, supporting deployed forces across various operational theaters. This contract has implications for the defense technology workforce, supporting roles in procurement, logistics, and potentially software integration.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in due to specialized nature of tactical devices.
Reliance on a single vendor for mission-critical hardware could pose supply chain risks.
Ensuring long-term software support and compatibility with future Nett Warrior upgrades.

Positive Signals

Procurement of advanced technology to enhance soldier effectiveness.
Competitive bidding process, even with exclusions, suggests efforts to secure reasonable pricing.
Clear definition of the end-user device for a critical soldier modernization program.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader defense electronics and communication systems sector. The market for ruggedized and mission-specific mobile devices for military applications is a niche but critical segment. Spending in this area is driven by the need for advanced soldier modernization programs like Nett Warrior, which aim to equip soldiers with integrated digital capabilities. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve other procurements of tactical communication devices and soldier-worn electronics.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, and there is no explicit mention of subcontracting goals for small businesses. The primary contractor, IGOV TECHNOLOGIES, INC., is not identified as a small business. This procurement may not directly benefit the small business ecosystem unless they are part of the supply chain for the larger contractor.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Army's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract type, requiring delivery of specified goods. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are published. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Nett Warrior Program
Soldier Modernization Initiatives
Tactical Communication Systems
End User Devices (EUDs)

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in
Supply chain dependency
Limited future competition due to source exclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $12.3 million to IGOV TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. THE PROCUREMENT OF BRAND NAME SAMSUNG S23 TACTICAL EDITION 3.0 SMARTPHONE WITH MISSION SUPPORT LICENSE BUNDLE AND COMPONENTS TO BE USED AS THE NETT WARRIOR (NW) END USER DEVICE (EUD).

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is IGOV TECHNOLOGIES, 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 $12.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-04-29. End: 2025-10-03.

What is the track record of IGOV TECHNOLOGIES, INC. in fulfilling similar defense contracts, particularly for tactical communication devices?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that IGOV TECHNOLOGIES, INC. has a history of receiving contracts related to IT services and equipment for various government agencies, including the Department of Defense. While specific details on past performance for tactical smartphones of this nature require deeper analysis of contract histories and performance evaluations, their presence as a contractor suggests experience in government procurement. Further investigation into their past awards, delivery performance, and any reported issues would be necessary to fully assess their track record for this specific type of specialized hardware.

How does the per-unit cost of these tactical smartphones compare to commercially available high-end smartphones or other government tactical device procurements?

The per-unit cost of approximately $157 for the Samsung S23 Tactical Edition bundle is competitive when considering the specialized nature of the device. High-end commercial smartphones can range from $800 to $1,200 or more. However, tactical devices often include ruggedization, extended battery life, specialized software, and enhanced security features that justify a higher price point than standard commercial models. A direct comparison to other government procurements of similar tactical devices, such as those for other branches or programs, would provide a more accurate benchmark. Without such direct comparisons, the $157 figure appears reasonable for a specialized, mission-ready device.

What are the primary risks associated with relying on a single brand (Samsung) for a critical soldier communication device?

Relying on a single brand like Samsung for critical soldier communication devices introduces several risks. Firstly, there's a potential for vendor lock-in, making it difficult and costly to switch to alternative providers if issues arise or better technology emerges. Secondly, supply chain disruptions affecting Samsung could directly impact the availability of these essential devices for deployed soldiers. Thirdly, long-term software support and compatibility with future military systems might become dependent on Samsung's product roadmap and support policies. Finally, a sole-source reliance could limit future competitive opportunities for other manufacturers, potentially stifling innovation in the tactical device market.

What is the expected impact of this procurement on the overall effectiveness and situational awareness of soldiers within the Nett Warrior program?

This procurement is expected to significantly enhance the effectiveness and situational awareness of soldiers participating in the Nett Warrior program. The Samsung S23 Tactical Edition, equipped with a mission support license, provides an advanced end-user device (EUD) that integrates various battlefield functions. This includes real-time Blue Force Tracking (displaying friendly forces' locations), digital maps, mission planning tools, and communication capabilities. By providing soldiers with a rugged, reliable, and feature-rich device, the program aims to improve decision-making, reduce cognitive load, and enhance overall combat effectiveness through better information flow and connectivity.

How does the current spending on tactical smartphones for the Nett Warrior program compare to historical spending trends for soldier communication systems?

Historical spending on soldier communication systems has evolved from basic radio systems to increasingly integrated digital platforms. The Nett Warrior program represents a significant shift towards networked, data-centric communication. While specific historical spending figures for soldier communication systems are vast and varied, this $12.3 million award for tactical smartphones signifies a substantial investment in modernizing the soldier's individual communication and information processing capabilities. It reflects a trend of increasing expenditure on advanced electronics and software integration for the individual warfighter, moving beyond traditional voice and basic data transmission.

What are the implications of the 'Exclusion of Sources' clause for future competition and potential cost savings?

The 'Exclusion of Sources' clause in this procurement indicates that while the competition was 'Full and Open,' certain potential bidders were deliberately excluded. This exclusion could be based on specific technical requirements, existing technology integration, or proprietary considerations. The implication for future competition is that the pool of eligible bidders might remain limited if these exclusions are maintained for subsequent procurements of similar systems. This could potentially reduce competitive pressure, leading to less aggressive pricing and potentially higher costs for taxpayers in the long run compared to a truly unrestricted open competition.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - END USER

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 12030 SUNRISE VALLEY DR STE 300, RESTON, VA, 20191

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $92,733,524

Exercised Options: $92,733,524

Current Obligation: $12,286,424

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: NNG15SD81B

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline