DoD awards $19.1M for JEM Vehicle Adapters to Thales Defense & Security Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $19,109,250 ($19.1M)
Contractor: Thales Defense & Security Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2009-09-04
End Date: 2010-01-31
Contract Duration: 149 days
Daily Burn Rate: $128.3K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: JEM VEHICLE ADAPTER
Place of Performance
Location: CLARKSBURG, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20871
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $19.1 million to THALES DEFENSE & SECURITY INC for work described as: JEM VEHICLE ADAPTER Key points: 1. Contract awarded for specialized vehicle adapters, a niche product. 2. Sole-source award to Thales Defense & Security Inc. raises competition concerns. 3. High value for a single-award contract suggests critical operational need. 4. Spending falls within the Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $19.1M for a 149-day duration is substantial. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this price is optimal compared to similar specialized equipment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition for this $19.1M contract means taxpayers may have paid a premium for the JEM Vehicle Adapter.
Public Impact
Special Operations Command procurement highlights specialized equipment needs. Sole-source awards can limit innovation and drive up costs. Transparency in sole-source justifications is crucial for public trust.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award
- Lack of competition
- High contract value for short duration
Positive Signals
- Addresses specific operational needs for Special Operations Command
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing sector. Spending in this area can vary widely based on technological advancements and defense requirements.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Thales Defense & Security Inc., a large business. There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this procurement.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants scrutiny to ensure proper justification and fair pricing. Oversight is needed to confirm the necessity and value.
Related Government Programs
- Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- U.S. Special Operations Command Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Potential for overpayment due to lack of bidding.
- Limited transparency on vendor selection rationale.
- Short contract duration for a high value.
Tags
radio-and-television-broadcasting-and-wi, department-of-defense, md, do, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $19.1 million to THALES DEFENSE & SECURITY INC. JEM VEHICLE ADAPTER
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THALES DEFENSE & SECURITY INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (U.S. Special Operations Command).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $19.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2009-09-04. End: 2010-01-31.
What was the justification for the sole-source award of the JEM Vehicle Adapter contract?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent and compelling needs that only one vendor can meet. Without access to the specific documentation, it's impossible to confirm the exact reasons, but these are common justifications used in such procurements.
What are the potential risks associated with awarding a $19.1M contract without competition?
The primary risks include paying an inflated price due to the absence of competitive pressure, potentially receiving a product that doesn't fully meet evolving needs if alternatives exist, and missing opportunities for innovation that competition can foster. It also sets a precedent for future sole-source awards.
How effective is this contract likely to be in meeting the U.S. Special Operations Command's needs?
Assuming Thales Defense & Security Inc. possesses the necessary specialized technology and manufacturing capabilities, the contract is likely to be effective in delivering the required JEM Vehicle Adapters. However, effectiveness in terms of value for money is questionable due to the lack of competition.
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: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Thales (UEI: 275250553)
Address: 22605 GATEWAY CENTER DR, CLARKSBURG, MD, 06
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $19,109,250
Exercised Options: $19,109,250
Current Obligation: $19,109,250
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: H9222207D0012
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2009-09-04
Current End Date: 2010-01-31
Potential End Date: 2010-01-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2009-09-19
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