USDA adds $104K to ATT Mobility's telematics contract, extending service through April 2026

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $104,205 ($104.2K)

Contractor: ATT Mobility LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2025-04-24

End Date: 2026-04-23

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $286/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ADDING FUNDS TO TELEMATICS CONTRACT CO LATISHA HOLLMAN

Place of Performance

Location: COLUMBIA, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 21046

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $104,204.8 to ATT MOBILITY LLC for work described as: ADDING FUNDS TO TELEMATICS CONTRACT CO LATISHA HOLLMAN Key points: 1. Contract value represents a modest increase for essential wireless telecommunications services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process was utilized. 3. Fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks. 4. Service duration of one year with potential for extension is typical for such agreements. 5. Geographic coverage appears to be focused on Maryland. 6. The contract falls under the broad category of wireless telecommunications.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The added $104,204.80 to the existing contract for wireless telecommunications services appears to be a reasonable adjustment for continued service. Without specific details on the original contract value or the scope of the added funds, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the firm fixed-price nature of the contract suggests that the pricing was determined upfront and is less susceptible to fluctuations. The duration of the contract (364 days) is standard for this type of service, and the added funds likely cover an extension or expanded usage within the original scope.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This method is generally preferred as it fosters a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and service offerings for the government. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' designation implies a robust competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition through potentially lower prices and higher quality services due to the competitive bidding process.

Public Impact

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) benefits from continued access to wireless telecommunications services. These services likely support critical functions such as data transmission, tracking, and communication for APHIS operations. The primary geographic impact is within Maryland, where the service is stationed. The contract supports the operational workforce of APHIS by providing necessary communication tools.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific details on the original contract value and the precise use of the additional funds.
Limited information on the number of bidders in the full and open competition.
Geographic focus solely on Maryland might limit broader applicability or indicate a localized need.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process.
Firm fixed-price contract type helps control costs.
The contract is for essential wireless telecommunications services.
The contract has a defined period of performance with a clear end date.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically under wireless telecommunications services. The market for these services is large and highly competitive, with numerous providers offering a range of solutions. Government agencies rely heavily on such services for operational efficiency and data management. Comparable spending benchmarks for wireless telecommunications contracts vary widely based on scope, duration, and user base, but this $104K addition represents a relatively small increment for ongoing services.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract involved small business set-asides or significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. The primary contractor, ATT MOBILITY LLC, is a large telecommunications provider. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any portion of the work was subcontracted to small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to deliver specified services at an agreed-upon price. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS, where basic award information is publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Wireless Communication Services
Telecommunications Equipment and Telecommunication Services
Information Technology Services
Department of Agriculture IT Contracts
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for unstated scope changes with funding modification.
Lack of detailed service breakdown for cost benchmarking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $104,204.8 to ATT MOBILITY LLC. ADDING FUNDS TO TELEMATICS CONTRACT CO LATISHA HOLLMAN

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ATT MOBILITY LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $104,204.8.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-04-24. End: 2026-04-23.

What was the original value of the telematics contract before this $104,204.80 addition?

The provided data does not specify the original value of the telematics contract awarded to ATT MOBILITY LLC. The data only indicates an addition of $104,204.80. To determine the original value, one would need to consult the contract award details in a comprehensive federal procurement database, such as the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or USASpending.gov, using the contract number '517312' or related identifiers. Without this information, it's impossible to ascertain the total contract value or the percentage increase represented by this funding modification.

How does the per-unit cost of these telematics services compare to market rates or similar government contracts?

Benchmarking the per-unit cost for these telematics services is challenging with the provided data. The data does not specify the units of service (e.g., per device, per month, data volume) or the specific services rendered beyond 'Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite)'. To perform a comparison, one would need to identify comparable government contracts for similar telematics solutions, noting the agency, scope, and duration. Additionally, market research into commercial telematics pricing would be necessary. Given ATT MOBILITY LLC's status as a major provider, their pricing might be competitive, but without detailed service descriptions and quantities, a definitive per-unit cost comparison is not feasible.

What specific telematics functionalities does this contract cover for APHIS?

The provided data classifies the contract under 'Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite)' and identifies the contractor as ATT MOBILITY LLC. While 'telematics' suggests a broad range of services involving the transmission of data via telecommunications, the specific functionalities are not detailed. These could include GPS tracking for assets or personnel, remote diagnostics for equipment, data logging for operational efficiency, or mobile communication solutions. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) likely utilizes these services to support its field operations, monitoring, and data collection efforts across its various programs, such as disease surveillance or pest management.

What is the track record of ATT MOBILITY LLC in fulfilling government telematics contracts?

ATT MOBILITY LLC, as a subsidiary of AT&T, has a substantial track record in providing telecommunications services to the U.S. government across various agencies. Their experience typically encompasses a wide array of wireless solutions, including mobile device management, data services, and potentially specialized telematics applications. Government contract databases would reveal the extent and nature of their past awards, including performance history and any reported issues. Generally, large telecommunications providers like AT&T are considered reliable partners for government IT and communication needs, often holding numerous contracts simultaneously.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract extension or funding modification?

Potential risks associated with this contract modification include scope creep if the added funds are not clearly tied to defined additional services or an extended period for the same services. Another risk is vendor lock-in, although less likely given the competitive nature of the telecommunications market. Ensuring that the added funds represent fair market value and that the services continue to meet APHIS's evolving needs are also considerations. The firm fixed-price nature mitigates cost overrun risks, but performance risks related to service availability or quality remain inherent in any telecommunications contract.

How does this contract align with the Department of Agriculture's broader IT and operational modernization goals?

This contract for wireless telematics services likely aligns with the Department of Agriculture's (USDA) goals for modernizing its IT infrastructure and enhancing operational efficiency. Agencies like APHIS increasingly rely on mobile technologies and real-time data transmission to manage diverse programs, from agricultural research to environmental monitoring and animal health. By ensuring continued access to reliable wireless communication, the USDA supports its field personnel and data-driven decision-making processes, contributing to more effective program delivery and response capabilities.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Information › Wired and Wireless Telecommunications Carriers › Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite)

Product/Service Code: ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC EQPT COMPNTS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Tyto Athene, LLC

Address: 1025 LENOX PARK BLVD NE, ATLANTA, GA, 30319

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $104,205

Exercised Options: $104,205

Current Obligation: $104,205

Actual Outlays: $90,748

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 12639524A0002

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline