DOJ DEA Awards Verizon $52.7M for FY2026 Wireless Telecom Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $52,662 ($52.7K)
Contractor: Cellco Partnership
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2025-10-01
End Date: 2026-09-30
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $145/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: VERIZON CELLCO TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES EL PASO - FY2026 POP DATES: 10/01/2025 TO 09/30/2026
Place of Performance
Location: BASKING RIDGE, SOMERSET County, NEW JERSEY, 07920
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $52,661.9 to CELLCO PARTNERSHIP for work described as: VERIZON CELLCO TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES EL PASO - FY2026 POP DATES: 10/01/2025 TO 09/30/2026 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Cellco Partnership (Verizon) for wireless telecommunication services. 2. The contract is for the period of October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. 3. Procurement method was 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures). 4. The total award amount is $52,661.90. 5. Services are for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award amount of $52,661.90 for a one-year wireless telecommunication service contract appears reasonable given the nature of the services. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for enterprise wireless services would provide a more precise assessment, but the value seems aligned with typical market rates for such offerings.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under SAP, suggesting a limited competition environment. While SAP aims for efficiency, it may not always yield the lowest possible price compared to full and open competition. The specific details of the SAP process would determine the extent of price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is relatively small given the contract's value, but efficiency in procurement under SAP is crucial to ensure value for money.
Public Impact
Ensures critical communication infrastructure for the DEA's operations. Supports law enforcement activities through reliable wireless services. Potential for future contract renewals or expansions based on performance. Impact on the telecommunications sector through government procurement.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition under SAP
- Potential for price increases in future contract periods
Positive Signals
- Supports critical law enforcement agency
- Clear service period and award amount
- Utilizes established telecommunications provider
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the telecommunications sector, specifically wireless carriers. Government spending in this area is consistent, supporting agency operations. Benchmarks for similar services vary widely based on data volume, user count, and geographic coverage.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Cellco Partnership (Verizon), a large telecommunications provider. There is no indication that small businesses were involved as prime contractors or significant subcontractors in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Justice, through the DEA, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard government procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms apply to ensure compliance and performance.
Related Government Programs
- Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite)
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Drug Enforcement Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Potential for price creep in future renewals
- Reliance on a single vendor for critical services
Tags
wireless-telecommunications-carriers-exc, department-of-justice, nj, bpa-call, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $52,661.9 to CELLCO PARTNERSHIP. VERIZON CELLCO TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES EL PASO - FY2026 POP DATES: 10/01/2025 TO 09/30/2026
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CELLCO PARTNERSHIP.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Drug Enforcement Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $52,661.9.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2026-09-30.
What specific wireless services are included in this contract and how do they align with the DEA's operational needs?
The contract specifies 'Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite)' services. For the DEA, this likely includes mobile voice and data services, potentially mobile hotspot capabilities, and possibly specialized communication solutions for agents in the field. The exact alignment would depend on the detailed service requirements outlined in the BPA call, ensuring coverage and data capacity meet operational demands for investigations and field activities.
What are the potential risks associated with limited competition under SAP for this telecommunications service?
Limited competition under SAP can increase the risk of paying a non-competitive price, as fewer vendors are solicited. There's also a risk that the specific needs of the DEA might not be met with the most innovative or cost-effective solutions available in the broader market. Ensuring adequate justification for using SAP and performing thorough market research are key mitigations.
How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of the DEA's mission?
Reliable and secure wireless communication is fundamental to the DEA's effectiveness, enabling real-time information sharing, coordination among agents, and operational command and control. This contract ensures that the DEA has the necessary communication tools to conduct investigations, surveillance, and enforcement actions, thereby directly supporting their mission to combat drug trafficking.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Information › Wired and Wireless Telecommunications Carriers › Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite)
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - NETWORK
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Verizon Maryland LLC
Address: ONE VERIZON WAY, BASKING RIDGE, NJ, 07920
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $52,662
Exercised Options: $52,662
Current Obligation: $52,662
Actual Outlays: $14,410
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 15JPSS21A00000293
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-10-01
Current End Date: 2026-09-30
Potential End Date: 2026-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-08
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