DoD's $29.2M Ethernet Upgrade Contract Awarded to Iron Bow Technologies for Worldwide Installations

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $29,239,862 ($29.2M)

Contractor: Iron BOW Technologies, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2017-06-22

End Date: 2019-08-17

Contract Duration: 786 days

Daily Burn Rate: $37.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: MODERNIZE AND UPGRADE ETHERNET SWITCHING EQUIPMENT ACROSS DOD INSTALLATIONS WORLD-WIDE

Place of Performance

Location: CHANTILLY, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20151

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $29.2 million to IRON BOW TECHNOLOGIES, LLC for work described as: MODERNIZE AND UPGRADE ETHERNET SWITCHING EQUIPMENT ACROSS DOD INSTALLATIONS WORLD-WIDE Key points: 1. Contract aimed to modernize critical network infrastructure across global Department of Defense (DoD) sites. 2. The award utilized full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract's fixed-price nature provides cost certainty for the government. 4. Delivery order structure implies phased implementation and potential for flexibility. 5. The duration of the contract (786 days) indicates a substantial, multi-phase upgrade project. 6. Focus on Ethernet switching equipment highlights a foundational element of network performance.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $29.2 million for worldwide Ethernet switching equipment upgrades appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale network infrastructure projects within the federal government suggests that the pricing is competitive. The firm-fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overruns, providing good value for the taxpayer. The number of bids received (6) also indicates a healthy level of competition that likely contributed to a fair price.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. Six bids were received, indicating a robust competitive environment for this requirement. The presence of multiple bidders suggests that the market has sufficient capacity and interest in providing these types of networking solutions to the Department of Defense, which generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a market-driven price. This approach maximizes the opportunity to secure the best possible value for the government's investment in critical network infrastructure.

Public Impact

Benefits military personnel and civilian staff by providing reliable and faster network connectivity. Enhances operational efficiency and data transfer capabilities for various DoD missions worldwide. Supports secure communication networks essential for national defense operations. Impacts IT infrastructure across numerous global installations, ensuring standardized and modern equipment. Contributes to the modernization of the DoD's digital backbone, improving overall cybersecurity posture.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if specific proprietary equipment is mandated.
Risk of obsolescence if upgrade cycles are not maintained post-contract.
Dependence on contractor's ability to manage global logistics for equipment deployment.

Positive Signals

Modernization of critical network infrastructure enhances operational readiness.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides budget certainty.
Full and open competition likely secured competitive pricing.
Standardization of equipment across installations simplifies maintenance and support.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically focusing on network hardware and infrastructure. The market for enterprise networking equipment, including Ethernet switches, is large and competitive, with major players like Cisco, Juniper, and Arista. Federal spending in this area is substantial, driven by the continuous need for network upgrades to support increasing data demands, cybersecurity requirements, and the adoption of new technologies. This contract represents a significant investment in foundational IT infrastructure for a major government agency.

Small Business Impact

While this contract was awarded to Iron Bow Technologies, LLC, and the data does not explicitly state small business subcontracting goals or achievements, large IT contracts often include provisions for small business participation. Without specific details on subcontracting plans, it's difficult to assess the direct impact on the small business ecosystem. However, prime contractors are frequently encouraged or required to engage small businesses for specialized services or component supply, potentially creating opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant program management office within the Department of the Army. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of accountability by fixing the total cost. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General involvement would be triggered by allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

DoD Enterprise Software Initiative (ESI)
General Services Administration (GSA) IT Schedule Contracts
Network Infrastructure Modernization Programs
Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions affecting equipment delivery.
Risk of integration challenges with diverse legacy network systems.
Cybersecurity risks during the transition to new equipment.
Ensuring consistent performance across varied global installation environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $29.2 million to IRON BOW TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. MODERNIZE AND UPGRADE ETHERNET SWITCHING EQUIPMENT ACROSS DOD INSTALLATIONS WORLD-WIDE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is IRON BOW TECHNOLOGIES, 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 $29.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-06-22. End: 2019-08-17.

What was the specific type and quantity of Ethernet switching equipment procured under this contract?

The provided data does not specify the exact make, model, or quantity of Ethernet switching equipment. It broadly covers 'Ethernet Switching Equipment.' Federal procurement records, such as those found in the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS), would typically contain more granular details about the specific items purchased, including manufacturer part numbers and quantities, if the contract was structured to allow for such detailed reporting at the delivery order level. Further investigation into the contract line item details (CLINs) within the official contract file or FPDS might reveal this information.

How does the per-unit cost of the switches compare to commercial market rates or similar government contracts?

Without specific details on the exact models and quantities of switches procured, a precise per-unit cost comparison is not feasible. However, the contract's award under full and open competition with six bidders suggests that the pricing was likely competitive. Government contracts often leverage bulk purchasing power and negotiated discounts. To perform a detailed benchmark, one would need to identify the specific equipment purchased and compare its unit price against GSA Schedule pricing, other agency contracts for similar equipment, and commercial price lists, factoring in any volume discounts or special government pricing agreements.

What is Iron Bow Technologies' track record with similar large-scale IT infrastructure contracts for the DoD?

Iron Bow Technologies has a significant history of performing large-scale IT infrastructure and telecommunications contracts for the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. They are a frequent awardee of various IT support, network modernization, and equipment procurement contracts. Their performance on this specific $29.2 million Ethernet switching upgrade contract, awarded in 2017 and completed in 2019, would be a key indicator. Reviewing their contract history in FPDS for similar awards, including their performance ratings (if available) and the value/scope of those contracts, would provide a comprehensive view of their capabilities and reliability in executing complex, global IT deployments.

What were the primary risks identified during the solicitation or performance of this contract, and how were they mitigated?

Potential risks for a contract of this nature include logistical challenges in deploying equipment globally, integration issues with existing networks, cybersecurity vulnerabilities during the transition, and potential for schedule delays. Mitigation strategies likely involved detailed project planning, phased rollouts, robust testing protocols, strong cybersecurity measures during implementation, and clear communication channels between the contractor and DoD technical representatives. The firm-fixed-price structure also incentivizes the contractor to manage costs and timelines effectively to avoid financial penalties or reduced profit margins.

How has spending on Ethernet switching equipment for the DoD evolved since this contract was awarded?

Spending on Ethernet switching equipment for the DoD has likely continued to increase or remain substantial since 2017-2019, driven by the ongoing need for network modernization, increased bandwidth requirements for data-intensive operations (like AI and big data analytics), and the constant threat landscape necessitating advanced cybersecurity features. Agencies like DISA continuously manage network infrastructure upgrades. While this specific contract addressed a particular upgrade cycle, subsequent contracts and programs would reflect evolving technological standards (e.g., higher speeds like 400GbE), increased security mandates, and potentially shifts towards software-defined networking (SDN) solutions.

Were there any performance issues or contract disputes associated with this delivery order?

The provided summary data does not indicate any specific performance issues, disputes, or contract modifications for this delivery order. Typically, significant issues or disputes would be reflected in contract modification history, performance ratings (if publicly available), or protest filings. A thorough review of the contract file or FPDS transaction history would be necessary to confirm the absence of major performance problems or disputes during its execution from June 2017 to August 2019.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing › Electronic Computer Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT (INCLD FIRMWARE) SOFTWARE,SUPPLIES& SUPPORT EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4800 WESTFIELDS BLVD STE 300, CHANTILLY, VA, 20151

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $29,239,862

Exercised Options: $29,239,862

Current Obligation: $29,239,862

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W52P1J16D0014

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline