DoD's $19M VAA Contract Awarded to Thales Defense & Security Inc. Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $19,014,000 ($19.0M)
Contractor: Thales Defense & Security Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2008-02-22
End Date: 2008-09-22
Contract Duration: 213 days
Daily Burn Rate: $89.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: VEHICLE ADAPTER/AMPLIFIER (VAA)
Place of Performance
Location: SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92152
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $19.0 million to THALES DEFENSE & SECURITY INC for work described as: VEHICLE ADAPTER/AMPLIFIER (VAA) Key points: 1. Contract awarded for Vehicle Adapter/Amplifier (VAA) to Thales Defense & Security Inc. 2. Total contract value is $19,014,000. 3. Procurement method was Full and Open Competition. 4. The contract was awarded by the Department of the Navy. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 334220.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $19,014,000 for VAA seems reasonable given the duration and the nature of specialized defense equipment. Benchmarking against similar specialized communication hardware contracts would provide a clearer picture of its value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The use of Full and Open Competition suggests a robust price discovery process, allowing multiple vendors to bid. This method is generally expected to yield competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive bidding process likely ensured a fair price for taxpayers, avoiding potential overpayment associated with less competitive methods.
Public Impact
Ensures operational readiness for naval vehicles through specialized communication equipment. Supports the defense industrial base by contracting with a major defense supplier. Potential for technological advancements in vehicle communication systems.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited contract duration (213 days) may indicate a specific project need rather than long-term sustainment.
- No specific mention of small business participation.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under Full and Open Competition, suggesting a competitive market.
- Clear product description (VAA) and defined award amount.
Sector Analysis
The contract falls within the Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing sector. Spending in this sector for defense applications is critical for maintaining communication capabilities in military vehicles.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to a small business (sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business subcontracting opportunities were pursued or mandated.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Department of the Navy, a component of the Department of Defense, which has established oversight mechanisms for procurement. The 'AW' (Awarded) status suggests the contract is active or has been completed.
Related Government Programs
- Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited contract duration.
- No explicit mention of small business participation.
- Potential for sole-source follow-on contracts if this is a specialized component.
- Need for detailed technical specifications to fully assess value.
Tags
radio-and-television-broadcasting-and-wi, department-of-defense, ca, do, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $19.0 million to THALES DEFENSE & SECURITY INC. VEHICLE ADAPTER/AMPLIFIER (VAA)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THALES DEFENSE & SECURITY INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $19.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-02-22. End: 2008-09-22.
What is the specific function and technological significance of the Vehicle Adapter/Amplifier (VAA) in naval operations?
The Vehicle Adapter/Amplifier (VAA) likely serves as a critical interface and signal booster for communication systems within naval vehicles. Its technological significance lies in ensuring reliable and clear transmission of data and voice communications, essential for command and control, situational awareness, and coordination during missions. The VAA's performance directly impacts the effectiveness of integrated communication networks in challenging operational environments.
What are the potential risks associated with a short-duration contract for specialized defense equipment like the VAA?
A short duration, like the 213 days for this VAA contract, can pose risks such as potential supply chain disruptions if production is complex or if the vendor faces unforeseen manufacturing issues. It might also indicate a limited scope, potentially requiring follow-on contracts for broader deployment or sustainment, which could lead to increased administrative overhead and potential price adjustments in subsequent awards. Furthermore, it may limit opportunities for long-term vendor relationship building and continuous improvement.
How does the $19M contract value compare to industry benchmarks for similar wireless communication equipment manufacturing for defense applications?
Without specific details on the VAA's technical specifications and capabilities, a direct comparison to industry benchmarks is challenging. However, $19 million for specialized defense communication hardware, especially considering the manufacturing and integration complexities, appears within a plausible range for a single contract award. Benchmarking would require analyzing the per-unit cost, feature set, and performance metrics against comparable systems procured by other defense agencies or international allies.
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: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: N6600107R0054
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Thales (UEI: 275250553)
Address: 22605 GATEWAY CENTER DR, CLARKSBURG, MD, 06
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $19,014,000
Exercised Options: $19,014,000
Current Obligation: $19,014,000
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: N6600107D0107
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-02-22
Current End Date: 2008-09-22
Potential End Date: 2008-09-22 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2008-03-07
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