DoD awards $1.7B contract to Thales for wireless communications equipment, highlighting firm fixed price and full and open competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $16,955,059 ($17.0M)
Contractor: Thales Defense & Security Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2004-08-31
End Date: 2005-09-29
Contract Duration: 394 days
Daily Burn Rate: $43.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Place of Performance
Location: CLARKSBURG, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20871
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $17.0 million to THALES DEFENSE & SECURITY INC for work described as: Key points: 1. Contract Value: $1.695 billion over 394 days. 2. Competition: Awarded under full and open competition. 3. Risk: Firm Fixed Price contract type suggests moderate risk. 4. Sector: Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $1.695 billion for a 394-day duration appears substantial. Benchmarking against similar large-scale wireless equipment contracts would be necessary for a precise pricing assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The award was made under full and open competition, indicating a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests taxpayers are likely receiving fair value for the funds expended.
Public Impact
Supports U.S. Special Operations Command's communication needs. Ensures availability of critical wireless equipment for national security. Potential for technological advancements in communication systems.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Contract duration is relatively short for the value.
- Specific equipment details not provided.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition ensures best value.
- Firm fixed price contract limits cost overruns.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing sector. Spending in this sector is critical for defense and national security communications infrastructure.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was awarded to Thales Defense & Security Inc. and does not specify any small business participation. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Department of Defense to U.S. Special Operations Command. Standard DoD oversight mechanisms would apply to ensure contract performance and accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- U.S. Special Operations Command Programs
Risk Flags
- Contract duration vs. value.
- Lack of specific technology details.
- Potential for obsolescence in rapidly evolving tech sector.
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 $17.0 million to THALES DEFENSE & SECURITY INC. See the official description on USAspending.
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 $17.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2004-08-31. End: 2005-09-29.
What specific wireless communication technologies are being procured under this contract?
The provided data does not specify the exact wireless communication technologies. Further details would be required to understand the technological scope, such as the types of radios, antennas, or networking equipment being acquired. This information is crucial for assessing the contract's alignment with current and future operational requirements.
How does the unit cost of the procured equipment compare to industry benchmarks?
A precise per-unit cost benchmark is not available without detailed specifications of the equipment. However, given the firm fixed price and full and open competition, it is reasonable to assume the pricing is competitive. A detailed comparison would require itemized cost data and market research on similar systems.
What is the long-term strategic value of this contract for the U.S. Special Operations Command?
The long-term strategic value lies in ensuring the SOCOM has reliable and advanced wireless communication capabilities. This contract supports operational readiness and potentially enhances information superiority. The firm fixed price nature suggests a commitment to specific deliverables, contributing to predictable operational support.
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
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Thales (UEI: 275250553)
Address: 5 RESEARCH PL, ROCKVILLE, MD, 08
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: USZA2297D0019
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2004-08-31
Current End Date: 2005-09-29
Potential End Date: 2005-09-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2009-08-16
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