DoD Awards $14.6M Task Order to Signal Solutions for Wired Telecommunications
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $14,589,380 ($14.6M)
Contractor: Signal Solutions, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2009-09-09
End Date: 2011-12-31
Contract Duration: 843 days
Daily Burn Rate: $17.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 18
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: IT
Official Description: AWARD OF TASK ORDER 0315
Place of Performance
Location: FORT HUACHUCA, COCHISE County, ARIZONA, 85613, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
State: Arizona Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $14.6 million to SIGNAL SOLUTIONS, LLC for work described as: AWARD OF TASK ORDER 0315 Key points: 1. The award represents a significant investment in wired telecommunications infrastructure for the Department of the Army. 2. Signal Solutions, LLC, secured this contract through full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration of 843 days suggests a substantial, ongoing need for these services. 4. The Time and Materials pricing structure warrants scrutiny for potential cost overruns.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Time and Materials contract type can lead to higher costs if not closely managed. Without specific benchmarks for similar services, it's difficult to definitively assess pricing efficiency, but the duration and value suggest a need for rigorous oversight.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value offering.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for essential telecommunications services, with the competitive nature of the award aiming to ensure reasonable pricing.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operational capability for the Department of the Army through reliable wired telecommunications. Supports the telecommunications sector by providing a contract to a private sector vendor. The use of taxpayer dollars for this service is subject to public scrutiny and accountability.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Time and Materials contract type risk
- Potential for scope creep
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition
- Awarded to a specific company for a defined period
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Wired Telecommunications Carriers sector, which is crucial for government operations. Spending in this area is generally consistent with the need for robust and secure communication networks.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business (ss: false, sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was sought or achieved through subcontracting.
Oversight & Accountability
The award is subject to standard government oversight mechanisms. The Time and Materials contract type necessitates close monitoring of labor hours and material costs to ensure fiscal responsibility and prevent overspending.
Related Government Programs
- Wired Telecommunications Carriers
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Time and Materials contract type
- Lack of specific service details
- Contract awarded prior to 2012, potentially outdated technology
- No indication of small business subcontracting
Tags
wired-telecommunications-carriers, department-of-defense, az, do, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $14.6 million to SIGNAL SOLUTIONS, LLC. AWARD OF TASK ORDER 0315
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SIGNAL SOLUTIONS, 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 $14.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2009-09-09. End: 2011-12-31.
What specific telecommunications services are included in this task order, and how do they align with current technological needs?
The task order focuses on wired telecommunications carriers. While essential, the specific services are not detailed here. It's important to ensure these services are up-to-date and not becoming obsolete, especially given the contract's end date in late 2011. Future procurements should consider evolving technologies like fiber optics and advanced networking solutions.
What measures are in place to control costs under the Time and Materials contract, given its inherent risks?
Effective cost control under a Time and Materials contract relies on stringent oversight, including detailed tracking of labor hours, rates, and material costs. Establishing clear ceilings, regular performance reviews, and requiring detailed justifications for all expenditures are critical. The government contracting officer must actively manage the contract to prevent scope creep and ensure fair pricing.
How does the pricing of this task order compare to industry benchmarks for similar wired telecommunications services?
Without specific details on the services rendered and the labor categories involved, a direct pricing comparison is challenging. However, the contract's value and duration suggest a significant scope. Benchmarking would require access to detailed cost breakdowns and comparison with publicly available data or government cost-estimating tools for similar, competitively awarded contracts.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Information › Wired and Wireless Telecommunications (except Satellite) › Wired Telecommunications Carriers
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 18
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp (UEI: 001381284)
Address: 3040 WILLIAMS DRIVE, FAIRFAX, VA, 22031
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $29,265,847
Exercised Options: $14,589,380
Current Obligation: $14,589,380
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W9128Z06D0001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2009-09-09
Current End Date: 2011-12-31
Potential End Date: 2011-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2015-09-30
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