DoD awards $13.1M for wireless communications equipment, highlighting potential value concerns
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $13,135,172 ($13.1M)
Contractor: Datapath, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2007-05-04
End Date: 2011-03-04
Contract Duration: 1,400 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: WWSS
Place of Performance
Location: DULUTH, GWINNETT County, GEORGIA, 30096
State: Georgia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $13.1 million to DATAPATH, INC. for work described as: WWSS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to DATAPATH, INC. for $13.1M. 2. Full and open competition was utilized. 3. The contract duration is 1400 days. 4. The award was for wireless communications equipment manufacturing. 5. The contract was awarded under the Georgia state contract.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $13.1M for 1400 days suggests a daily cost of approximately $9,382. Without specific unit details or comparison points, it's difficult to definitively assess value. However, the relatively high daily burn rate warrants further scrutiny.
Cost Per Unit: $9,382 per day
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing. However, the specific pricing mechanisms and the effectiveness of the competition in achieving the best value for the government are not detailed.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is intended to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently. The final value achieved through this process will determine the ultimate taxpayer impact.
Public Impact
This contract supports the Department of Defense's need for wireless communications equipment. The duration of the contract suggests a long-term requirement for these services or products. The award to DATAPATH, INC. indicates a specific vendor capability being utilized. The contract falls under the 'Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing' NAICS code.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for overpricing given the daily burn rate.
- Lack of detailed cost breakdown for value assessment.
- Limited information on specific deliverables and performance metrics.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type can provide cost certainty.
Sector Analysis
The contract is within the IT and Defense sectors, specifically focusing on wireless communications equipment manufacturing. Spending benchmarks in this area can vary widely based on technological advancements and specific requirements.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was sought or achieved.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency. Standard oversight processes would apply, but specific details on performance monitoring and accountability are not provided in the data.
Related Government Programs
- Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- High daily burn rate ($9,382/day) without clear justification.
- Lack of specific product details for value assessment.
- Limited transparency on the competitive bidding outcomes.
- Potential for cost overruns if not closely monitored.
- No explicit mention of small business participation.
Tags
radio-and-television-broadcasting-and-wi, department-of-defense, ga, do, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $13.1 million to DATAPATH, INC.. WWSS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is DATAPATH, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $13.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-05-04. End: 2011-03-04.
What specific wireless communications equipment was procured, and what are the unit costs associated with it?
The provided data does not specify the exact wireless communications equipment procured. To assess value effectively, a detailed breakdown of the items, their specifications, and corresponding unit prices is necessary. This would allow for comparison against market rates and similar government procurements to determine if the $13.1M award represents a fair and reasonable price.
How effectively did the 'full and open competition' process drive down costs for this contract?
While 'full and open competition' is a mechanism designed to foster competitive pricing, the data does not provide insights into the number of bids received or the price spread among them. To evaluate its effectiveness, one would need to examine the bidding process details and compare the awarded price against initial estimates or other competitive offers to confirm if it resulted in optimal value for the government.
What is the expected impact of this $13.1M contract on the Department of Defense's overall wireless communications capabilities?
The $13.1M contract, spanning 1400 days, suggests a significant investment in wireless communications equipment. Its impact will depend on the criticality of the equipment to DoD operations, its technological sophistication, and its integration into existing or future communication networks. A detailed understanding of the equipment's role is needed to gauge its strategic importance and operational effectiveness.
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: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Rockwell Collins, Inc. (UEI: 962960589)
Address: 400 COLLINS RD NE, CEDAR RAPIDS, IA, 02
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $13,135,172
Exercised Options: $13,135,172
Current Obligation: $13,135,172
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W15P7T06DL215
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-05-04
Current End Date: 2011-03-04
Potential End Date: 2011-03-04 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2015-01-22
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