DoD's $57M Radio/Wireless Equipment Contract Awarded to DATAPATH, INC. Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $56,993,253 ($57.0M)
Contractor: Datapath, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2007-08-02
End Date: 2011-03-25
Contract Duration: 1,331 days
Daily Burn Rate: $42.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: WWSS
Place of Performance
Location: CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN County, IOWA, 52498, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
State: Iowa Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $57.0 million to DATAPATH, INC. for work described as: WWSS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to DATAPATH, INC. for radio and wireless communications equipment. 2. Significant award value of over $56.9 million. 3. Procurement utilized full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. Contract duration was 1331 days, indicating a long-term need. 5. The sector is IT/Defense, a critical area for government operations.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The award value of $56,993,253.06 for radio and wireless communications equipment needs to be benchmarked against similar contracts. Without specific per-unit cost data or comparison to industry standards, it's difficult to definitively assess if this represents excellent value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing and allows any qualified vendor to bid. This method is generally expected to yield fair market prices.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by driving down costs through market forces.
Public Impact
Ensures the Department of Defense has necessary radio and wireless communications equipment. Supports technological advancements in military communications. Potential impact on the radio and wireless equipment manufacturing sector. Award to a specific company, DATAPATH, INC., highlights key industry players.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific per-unit cost data for value assessment.
- Need for benchmarking against similar contracts to confirm pricing efficiency.
- No explicit mention of small business participation.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Long contract duration suggests a sustained need and potential for stable supply.
- Contract supports critical defense communications infrastructure.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT and Defense sectors, specifically focusing on radio and wireless communications equipment manufacturing. Spending in this area is crucial for national security and technological superiority, with benchmarks often tied to innovation cycles and defense readiness requirements.
Small Business Impact
The provided data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation and its impact.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency, indicating established oversight mechanisms. However, detailed information on specific oversight activities, performance reviews, or audits is not provided.
Related Government Programs
- Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of detailed cost breakdown and per-unit pricing.
- Absence of specific performance metrics and quality assurance details.
- No clear indication of small business participation.
- Need for benchmarking against current market offerings and technological advancements.
Tags
radio-and-television-broadcasting-and-wi, department-of-defense, ia, do, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $57.0 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 $57.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-08-02. End: 2011-03-25.
What was the specific nature of the radio and wireless communications equipment procured, and how does its functionality compare to current market offerings?
The data specifies 'Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing' (NAICS 334220). Without detailed specifications, it's challenging to assess the equipment's exact capabilities or compare it to the latest market innovations. Understanding the specific technological requirements and the equipment's role in the DoD's communication network would be crucial for evaluating its relevance and effectiveness against evolving industry standards.
How did the pricing structure and final negotiated price compare to initial estimates or industry benchmarks for similar equipment?
The contract utilized a 'FIRM FIXED PRICE' structure under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION'. While this suggests a competitive environment aimed at achieving a fair price, the data lacks specific benchmarks or initial estimates. A detailed cost analysis comparing the final price to pre-negotiation estimates and prevailing market rates for comparable equipment would be necessary to definitively assess the value obtained for taxpayer funds.
What performance metrics or quality assurance measures were in place to ensure the effectiveness and reliability of the procured equipment?
The contract status is 'IA' (In-Awaiting) and the award type is 'DO' (Defense Order), suggesting it was part of a larger program or had specific delivery requirements. However, the provided data does not detail the specific performance metrics, quality assurance protocols, or testing procedures implemented. Understanding these aspects is vital for confirming the long-term effectiveness and reliability of the radio and wireless communications equipment purchased.
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: 4
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, 52498
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $111,172,230
Exercised Options: $57,043,478
Current Obligation: $56,993,253
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W15P7T06DL215
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-08-02
Current End Date: 2011-03-25
Potential End Date: 2011-03-25 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2015-03-13
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