DOJ's $29.1M mobile device services contract awarded to Cellco Partnership, a non-competed BPA call

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $29,159 ($29.2K)

Contractor: Cellco Partnership

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-06-24

End Date: 2027-06-23

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $80/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: MOBILE DEVICE SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: TALLAHASSEE, LEON County, FLORIDA, 32301

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $29,158.64 to CELLCO PARTNERSHIP for work described as: MOBILE DEVICE SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract's value of $29.1 million over its term represents a significant investment in mobile device services. 2. Awarded under a BPA call, the procurement method suggests a pre-existing framework, potentially limiting broader market engagement. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type offers cost certainty for the government, but may reduce flexibility for evolving needs. 4. The single award to Cellco Partnership raises questions about the extent of market research and potential for competitive pricing. 5. The contract duration of approximately one year, with potential for extensions, requires ongoing monitoring of performance and value. 6. The absence of small business set-aside flags indicates this contract was not specifically targeted to boost small business participation.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific service details or comparable contract data. The $29.1 million total value, spread over roughly one year, suggests a substantial per-month expenditure. However, without knowing the exact number of devices, data allowances, or included services, a direct comparison to market rates or similar government contracts is difficult. The firm-fixed-price nature provides budget predictability but could lead to overpayment if service needs are less than anticipated or under-resourcing if needs exceed the fixed scope.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was awarded via a BPA call, indicating it was likely sourced from an existing Blanket Purchase Agreement. While BPA calls can streamline procurement, the specific competition level depends on the underlying BPA's structure and whether it was competed broadly. The data indicates it was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP,' suggesting it might have bypassed certain standard competitive procedures or was awarded under specific exceptions. A single award to Cellco Partnership implies limited direct competition for this specific call, potentially impacting price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition for this specific BPA call means taxpayers may not have benefited from the lowest possible prices that a more open bidding process could have yielded. This approach can sometimes lead to higher costs compared to fully and openly competed contracts.

Public Impact

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is the primary beneficiary, receiving mobile device services essential for its operations. Federal employees within the DOJ, particularly those in the Offices, Boards and Divisions, will utilize these mobile devices. The contract's geographic impact is noted as Florida (FL), suggesting services are primarily delivered or managed within this state. Workforce implications are indirect, focusing on enabling DOJ personnel with necessary communication and data tools rather than direct job creation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition for this BPA call could result in suboptimal pricing for taxpayers.
Lack of transparency regarding the specific services and device models makes value assessment difficult.
The contract's reliance on a single vendor may create dependency and limit future flexibility.
Potential for scope creep or unmonitored service expansion within the firm-fixed-price structure.

Positive Signals

The firm-fixed-price contract provides budget certainty for the Department of Justice.
Awarding via a BPA call can expedite the delivery of needed services.
Cellco Partnership is a known entity in the telecommunications sector, suggesting a degree of established capability.

Sector Analysis

The telecommunications sector, specifically wireless telecommunications carriers, is a mature and highly competitive market. Government spending in this area often leverages existing large-scale carrier agreements or GSA schedules to achieve economies of scale. Contracts like this, for mobile device services, are common across federal agencies to support field operations and employee mobility. The total federal spending on wireless telecommunications services is in the billions annually, with agencies like the DOJ being significant consumers.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Consequently, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from this specific award. The focus appears to be on leveraging established large-scale providers within the telecommunications industry, rather than specifically promoting small business participation through set-asides.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Justice's contracting and program management offices. As a BPA call, the underlying BPA likely has its own oversight mechanisms. Transparency is moderate, as the award is publicly visible, but detailed service level agreements and performance metrics may not be readily accessible. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

Wireless Telecommunications Services
Mobile Device Management
Government Wide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs)
General Services Administration (GSA) Schedules
Department of Justice IT Services

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Potential for Overpricing
Vendor Lock-in
Lack of Transparency on Specific Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $29,158.64 to CELLCO PARTNERSHIP. MOBILE DEVICE SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CELLCO PARTNERSHIP.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Offices, Boards and Divisions).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $29,158.64.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-06-24. End: 2027-06-23.

What specific mobile devices and services are included under this $29.1 million contract?

The provided data does not specify the exact mobile devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets) or the detailed services (e.g., voice, data, messaging, device management, security features) covered by this $29.1 million contract. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code '517312 - Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite)' indicates the general industry, but not the granular service offerings. Understanding the specific scope is crucial for assessing value for money and comparing it against market benchmarks. Without this information, it's difficult to determine if the pricing is competitive for the services rendered.

How does the $29.1 million total contract value compare to historical spending on mobile device services by the Department of Justice?

To assess this, one would need to analyze historical spending data for mobile device services within the Department of Justice over previous fiscal years. The current contract value of $29.1 million is for a period of approximately one year (ending June 2027). If historical spending was significantly lower or higher, it could indicate a change in scope, user base, or pricing trends. For instance, a sudden increase might warrant investigation into whether new services are being procured or if pricing has escalated. Conversely, a decrease might suggest consolidation or a shift to more cost-effective solutions. Without comparative historical data, it's challenging to contextualize the current expenditure.

What is the assessed risk level associated with awarding a $29.1 million contract to a single vendor without full and open competition?

Awarding a contract of this magnitude ($29.1 million) to a single vendor, especially when not fully and openly competed, generally carries a higher risk profile. Key risks include potential for inflated pricing due to lack of competitive pressure, vendor lock-in limiting future flexibility, and reduced incentive for the vendor to innovate or provide superior service. The 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' and limited competition flags suggest these risks may be present. Mitigation strategies, such as robust performance monitoring, clear service level agreements, and regular market research to identify competitive alternatives, are essential to manage these risks effectively.

What performance metrics or Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are likely being used to evaluate Cellco Partnership's service delivery under this contract?

While specific KPIs are not detailed in the provided data, typical performance metrics for mobile device services contracts include network uptime, data speeds, call clarity, device availability, response times for technical support, and adherence to security protocols. For a firm-fixed-price contract, the government would likely focus on ensuring the agreed-upon services are delivered reliably and meet defined quality standards. The Department of Justice's contracting officers and program managers would be responsible for monitoring these metrics and ensuring Cellco Partnership meets its contractual obligations throughout the performance period.

What is the potential impact of this contract on the broader wireless telecommunications market, given it's a single award to Cellco Partnership?

This contract represents a significant revenue stream for Cellco Partnership within the wireless telecommunications sector. However, as a single award from a BPA call and not fully competed, its direct impact on the broader market dynamics might be limited. It doesn't necessarily signal a shift in market share or pricing trends across the industry. Its primary effect is on the specific segment of government mobile services procurement. If Cellco Partnership is a major player, this award reinforces its position. However, the lack of open competition means other carriers did not have a direct opportunity to compete for this specific business, thus limiting the immediate competitive pressure this award exerts on the market.

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: NOT 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: $29,159

Exercised Options: $29,159

Current Obligation: $29,159

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15JPSS21A00000293

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline