DoD's $101.5M STRATEGIC COMMAND CENTERS contract awarded to TRIBALCO LLC for infrastructure upgrades

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $101,534,276 ($101.5M)

Contractor: Tribalco LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2017-06-29

End Date: 2024-09-23

Contract Duration: 2,643 days

Daily Burn Rate: $38.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: STRATEGIC COMMAND CENTERS (SCC) INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES

Place of Performance

Location: BETHESDA, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20814

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $101.5 million to TRIBALCO LLC for work described as: STRATEGIC COMMAND CENTERS (SCC) INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the long duration and scope of infrastructure upgrades. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, with a long performance period potentially increasing cost uncertainty. 4. Performance context shows a significant investment in critical command center infrastructure. 5. Sector positioning places this contract within the defense IT and communications infrastructure domain.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's total value of over $101 million for infrastructure upgrades to strategic command centers over a multi-year period suggests a substantial investment. Benchmarking against similar large-scale infrastructure projects within the Department of Defense is challenging without more granular cost breakdowns. However, the firm-fixed-price nature of the contract provides some cost certainty for the government, though the long duration could lead to unforeseen cost escalations if not managed effectively. The per-unit cost is not readily available due to the nature of infrastructure upgrades.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The data shows two bids were received, which is a relatively low number for a full and open competition of this magnitude. This limited number of bidders might suggest a specialized requirement or a concentrated market for such services, potentially impacting the breadth of price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: While a full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers, the low number of bids could mean that the government did not achieve the most competitive pricing possible. Further analysis would be needed to determine if the received bids adequately reflected market value.

Public Impact

Benefits the Department of Defense by enhancing the capabilities and resilience of strategic command centers. Delivers essential infrastructure upgrades, likely including modernization of facilities, power, cooling, and communication systems. Geographic impact is concentrated at the specific strategic command center locations, which are critical national security assets. Workforce implications may include specialized construction, IT, and engineering roles, potentially supporting local economies near the command centers.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration (over 6 years) increases the risk of cost overruns and scope creep.
Low number of bids in a full and open competition may indicate limited market interest or high barriers to entry.
Firm-fixed-price contract over a long period can be challenging to manage without robust change order controls.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, promoting fairness and broad market access.
Firm-fixed-price contract type shifts some cost risk to the contractor.
Focus on critical infrastructure upgrades supports national security objectives.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the defense sector, specifically related to the modernization and maintenance of critical command and control infrastructure. The market for such specialized services is often dominated by a few large defense contractors with the necessary security clearances and technical expertise. Spending benchmarks for similar large-scale, multi-year infrastructure projects within the DoD can vary significantly based on scope, location, and technological requirements.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions for this contract. Given the large dollar value and specialized nature of strategic command center infrastructure upgrades, it is likely that prime contractors would be large businesses. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist, but their extent and focus would depend on the prime contractor's strategy and the specific work packages involved.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting agency (Department of the Army) through contract officers and program managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within budget. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific project details might be sensitive due to national security implications. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Defense Infrastructure Modernization Programs
Command and Control Systems Procurement
Strategic Communications Network Upgrades
Federal IT Infrastructure Investments

Risk Flags

Long contract duration
Low number of bids for full and open competition
Potential for cost escalation in firm-fixed-price contracts over extended periods

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $101.5 million to TRIBALCO LLC. STRATEGIC COMMAND CENTERS (SCC) INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRIBALCO 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 $101.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-06-29. End: 2024-09-23.

What is the track record of TRIBALCO LLC in performing large-scale defense infrastructure contracts?

TRIBALCO LLC has a history of performing various contracts with the Department of Defense, including IT services, construction, and base operations support. Analyzing their past performance on similar-sized infrastructure projects, particularly those involving critical facilities or command centers, would be crucial. Key metrics to examine include on-time delivery, adherence to budget, quality of work, and any history of contract disputes or performance issues. Their experience with firm-fixed-price contracts of this duration and complexity is a significant factor in assessing their capability to successfully execute this award.

How does the awarded price compare to similar infrastructure upgrade contracts within the DoD?

Direct comparison of the total contract value ($101.5M) to similar contracts is difficult without detailed scope and location information. However, the value suggests a significant undertaking. Benchmarking would require identifying contracts for comparable infrastructure upgrades (e.g., data center modernization, secure facility construction) awarded around the same period, considering factors like square footage, technological complexity, and geographic cost variations. The firm-fixed-price nature provides a baseline, but the long performance period necessitates scrutiny of potential change orders and escalation clauses to ensure value for money is maintained throughout the contract lifecycle.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

The primary risks include potential cost overruns due to the long performance period (over 6 years), scope creep if requirements evolve, and contractor performance issues. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust contract management by the Army, including detailed performance monitoring, strict change control processes, and regular progress reviews. The firm-fixed-price structure inherently shifts some risk to the contractor, incentivizing them to manage costs effectively. However, the government must remain vigilant in overseeing the execution to ensure the contractor meets all obligations and that the project stays within the intended scope and budget.

What is the expected impact of these infrastructure upgrades on the operational effectiveness of the Strategic Command Centers?

These infrastructure upgrades are expected to significantly enhance the operational effectiveness of the Strategic Command Centers by modernizing aging facilities and systems. This could translate to improved reliability, increased capacity, enhanced cybersecurity posture, and better support for advanced communication and data processing needs. Modernized infrastructure is critical for ensuring the continuous and secure operation of these vital national security assets, enabling faster decision-making and more resilient command and control capabilities in dynamic threat environments.

How has spending on Strategic Command Centers infrastructure evolved over the past five years?

Analyzing historical spending trends for Strategic Command Centers (SCC) infrastructure is essential for context. While specific data for this contract's category isn't provided, broader trends in defense infrastructure spending show a consistent need for modernization due to aging facilities and evolving technological requirements. Increased focus on cybersecurity and resilient operations likely drives investment in command center upgrades. Understanding the historical budget allocations and execution rates for similar projects can reveal patterns of investment, potential underfunding, or shifts in strategic priorities that may influence current and future spending.

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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Tribalco, LLC

Address: 4915 SAINT ELMO AVE STE 501, BETHESDA, MD, 20814

Business Categories: American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, Government, Native American Tribal Government, Manufacturer of Goods, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Tribally Owned Firm, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $101,534,276

Exercised Options: $101,534,276

Current Obligation: $101,534,276

Contract Characteristics

Consolidated Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W52P1J13D0111

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline