DoD awards $56.8M for DKET KA & KU BAND Hardware, Installation & Services to DATAPATH, INC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $56,791,797 ($56.8M)
Contractor: Datapath, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2009-06-16
End Date: 2013-08-31
Contract Duration: 1,537 days
Daily Burn Rate: $37.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: DKET KA & KU BAND(S) HARDWARE, INSTALLATION & SERVICES
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 $56.8 million to DATAPATH, INC. for work described as: DKET KA & KU BAND(S) HARDWARE, INSTALLATION & SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded to DATAPATH, INC. for hardware, installation, and services. 2. The contract value is $56.8 million over approximately 4.2 years. 3. Full and open competition was utilized for this procurement. 4. The sector is Defense, specifically related to communications equipment manufacturing.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $56.8 million for hardware, installation, and services appears to be within a reasonable range for complex communication systems. Benchmarking against similar DoD contracts for specialized hardware and integration services would be necessary for a definitive assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to competitive pricing as multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down costs.
Public Impact
Ensures critical communication capabilities for the Department of Defense. Supports the manufacturing sector for specialized wireless communications equipment. Provides services including installation and ongoing support for the hardware.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if installation or service requirements are underestimated.
- Dependence on a single vendor for critical hardware and services.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, indicating potential for good value.
- Contract duration allows for sustained support and integration.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically supporting the manufacturing of wireless communications equipment. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining military operational readiness and technological superiority. Benchmarks for similar complex hardware and service contracts can vary significantly based on technological sophistication and scope.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors or prime contractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation in this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense, through the Defense Contract Management Agency, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight procedures would apply to ensure performance and compliance with contract terms.
Related Government Programs
- Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in if specialized knowledge is required for maintenance.
- Technological obsolescence risk for communication hardware.
- Dependence on DATAPATH, INC. for critical communication infrastructure.
- Scope creep in installation or service requirements could increase costs.
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 $56.8 million to DATAPATH, INC.. DKET KA & KU BAND(S) HARDWARE, INSTALLATION & SERVICES
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 $56.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2009-06-16. End: 2013-08-31.
What specific types of hardware and services are included in the DKET KA & KU BAND contract, and how do they align with current DoD communication needs?
The contract encompasses hardware, installation, and services related to DKET KA & KU BAND communications. This likely includes satellite communication terminals, associated infrastructure, and technical support. The specific alignment with current DoD needs would depend on the operational requirements for secure, high-bandwidth, and reliable communication across various environments, including potentially remote or contested areas.
Are there any identified risks associated with the long-term performance or obsolescence of the DKET KA & KU BAND hardware provided under this contract?
Potential risks include the rapid pace of technological advancement in communications, which could lead to hardware obsolescence before the end of its expected lifecycle. Performance risks might arise from environmental factors, cyber threats, or integration challenges with existing DoD networks. The contract's duration and the firm fixed-price nature suggest a need for thorough initial technical validation and ongoing monitoring of performance metrics.
How does the $56.8 million award compare to industry benchmarks for similar communication hardware and service packages, considering the full and open competition?
While the $56.8 million award is substantial, the use of full and open competition suggests it was likely competitive. Without specific details on the hardware specifications, service levels, and contract duration, direct benchmarking is difficult. However, the competitive process implies that the pricing was vetted against multiple offers, providing a degree of assurance regarding its reasonableness relative to market conditions at the time of award.
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, 52498
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $379,339,554
Exercised Options: $56,791,797
Current Obligation: $56,791,797
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W15P7T06DL215
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2009-06-16
Current End Date: 2013-08-31
Potential End Date: 2013-08-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2015-03-13
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