DOJ awards $585K contract for wireless communications equipment to Persistent Systems LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $585,480 ($585.5K)

Contractor: Persistent Systems LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-01-08

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 265 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PERSISTENT SYSTEMS

Place of Performance

Location: NEW YORK, NEW YORK County, NEW YORK, 10001

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $585,479.74 to PERSISTENT SYSTEMS LLC for work described as: PERSISTENT SYSTEMS Key points: 1. Contract value represents a modest investment within the broader federal spending landscape for communications equipment. 2. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and provide budget certainty. 4. The contract duration is relatively short, indicating a specific, time-bound need. 5. The geographic location of the contractor in New York may influence local economic impact. 6. The specific equipment type is crucial for understanding its role in FBI operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $585,000 is relatively small in the context of federal procurement for specialized equipment. Benchmarking against similar contracts for wireless communications equipment is challenging without more specific details on the exact technology and quantity. However, the firm fixed-price nature suggests that the government has negotiated a set price, which is generally favorable for cost control. The value appears reasonable for a delivery order of this scope, assuming the equipment meets the FBI's technical requirements.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' While this indicates a competitive process was intended, the 'after exclusion of sources' clause suggests that certain potential bidders may have been excluded for specific reasons, which warrants further investigation. The number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation generally implies an effort to solicit bids from a wide range of qualified vendors, which can lead to better price discovery and value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process, even with exclusions, generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging multiple vendors to offer their best pricing and technical solutions, potentially leading to cost savings compared to sole-source awards.

Public Impact

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the primary beneficiary, receiving essential wireless communications equipment. The contract supports the FBI's operational capabilities by providing necessary technology. The geographic impact is primarily centered around the FBI's operational needs, potentially in New York where the contractor is located. The contract may have implications for the workforce involved in manufacturing or supplying the equipment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The 'after exclusion of sources' clause in the competition type requires clarification to understand the scope and justification for excluding potential bidders.
Lack of detailed specifications for the wireless communications equipment makes it difficult to assess if the procured technology is the most advanced or cost-effective available.
The specific use case for this equipment within the FBI is not detailed, limiting the assessment of its strategic importance and potential impact.

Positive Signals

The award was made under a full and open competition framework, indicating an attempt to leverage market competition.
The firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The contractor, Persistent Systems LLC, is a known entity in the defense and communications sector.
The contract has a defined end date, suggesting a clear project scope and timeline.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing sector (NAICS 334220). This sector is vital for national security and public safety, providing the infrastructure for communication networks. Federal spending in this area often supports law enforcement, intelligence gathering, and emergency response. Persistent Systems LLC operates within this specialized market, competing with other firms that supply advanced communication technologies to government agencies.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. Persistent Systems LLC is a private company, and its size relative to small business definitions is not provided. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is unclear from the available data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General, which is responsible for auditing and investigating federal programs to ensure efficiency and prevent fraud. The FBI's internal procurement and program management offices would also provide oversight. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, though detailed operational usage information is often sensitive.

Related Government Programs

FBI Communications Equipment Procurement
Wireless Technology for Law Enforcement
Department of Justice Technology Modernization
Federal Communications Infrastructure

Risk Flags

Competition Clause Ambiguity
Lack of Specific Equipment Details
Limited Public Performance Data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $585,479.74 to PERSISTENT SYSTEMS LLC. PERSISTENT SYSTEMS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PERSISTENT SYSTEMS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Bureau of Investigation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $585,479.74.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-01-08. End: 2026-09-30.

What specific type of wireless communications equipment is being procured, and what are its intended applications within the FBI?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing' under NAICS code 334220. However, the specific type of equipment (e.g., radios, antennas, data transmission devices, encryption hardware) and its precise applications within the FBI are not detailed in the summary. This information is crucial for understanding the contract's technical scope, its criticality to FBI operations, and for performing a meaningful value assessment against market alternatives. Without this specificity, it's difficult to determine if the procured items are standard off-the-shelf components or highly specialized, custom-developed systems.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar procurements for comparable wireless communications equipment by other federal agencies or within the private sector?

A direct price comparison is challenging without knowing the exact specifications, quantity, and model of the wireless communications equipment. The contract value is $585,479.74 for a period ending September 30, 2026. To benchmark effectively, one would need to identify contracts for identical or highly similar equipment awarded around the same time by agencies like the DEA, DHS, or even commercial entities. Factors such as volume discounts, advanced features, warranty terms, and support packages significantly influence pricing. The firm fixed-price nature suggests a negotiated price, but its competitiveness can only be assessed against detailed market data for comparable items.

What is the track record of Persistent Systems LLC in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly those related to wireless communications equipment?

Persistent Systems LLC has a history of receiving federal contracts, primarily within the defense and public safety sectors. Their expertise often lies in mobile ad hoc networking (MANET) technologies and related wireless communication solutions. A thorough review would involve examining their past performance ratings on contracts of similar size and complexity, their on-time delivery record, and any instances of contract disputes or quality issues. Information from sources like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) would be invaluable in assessing their reliability and capability to meet the FBI's requirements effectively.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract, considering the 'after exclusion of sources' clause in the competition type?

The 'after exclusion of sources' clause, while operating under a 'full and open' framework, introduces a potential risk by indicating that not all capable vendors were considered. The specific reasons for excluding sources are critical. If the exclusions were based on proprietary technology, unique capabilities, or national security concerns, the risk might be manageable. However, if exclusions were arbitrary or lacked clear justification, it could indicate a less competitive environment, potentially leading to higher prices or suboptimal solutions. This clause warrants scrutiny to ensure fair competition and the best value were achieved for the government.

How does this contract fit into the broader context of federal spending on wireless communications and broadcasting equipment?

This $585K contract is a relatively small component of the overall federal spending on wireless communications and broadcasting equipment, which can amount to billions annually across various agencies (DoD, DHS, DoJ, etc.). Such procurements are essential for maintaining and upgrading communication capabilities for law enforcement, intelligence, and national security operations. This specific award to the FBI likely supports a particular operational need or technology refresh cycle. Analyzing trends in federal spending within NAICS code 334220 can provide context on market demand, technology evolution, and the government's strategic priorities in this sector.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Communications Equipment Manufacturing › Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: CLOTHING, INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT, INSIGNA, AND JEWELRY

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 601 W 26TH ST, NEW YORK, NY, 10001

Business Categories: Category Business, Manufacturer of Goods, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $585,480

Exercised Options: $585,480

Current Obligation: $585,480

Actual Outlays: $559,571

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NOT OBTAINED - WAIVED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15F06724D0000804

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline