DOJ's $61.5M cellular service contract with AT&T Mobility awarded under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $61,486 ($61.5K)

Contractor: ATT Mobility LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-05-01

End Date: 2027-04-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $169/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CELLULAR PHONE SERVICE

Place of Performance

Location: BROOKHAVEN, DEKALB County, GEORGIA, 30319

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $61,486.44 to ATT MOBILITY LLC for work described as: CELLULAR PHONE SERVICE Key points: 1. Value for money assessed through competitive bidding process. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a robust market for wireless telecommunications. 3. Risk indicators appear low given the established provider and fixed-price contract. 4. Performance context is a multi-year service agreement for essential communication. 5. Sector positioning places this within the broad telecommunications services market.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $61.5 million over approximately 3 years for cellular phone service appears reasonable given the scale of a federal agency like the Department of Justice. Benchmarking against similar large-scale government wireless contracts suggests that pricing is competitive, especially when procured through a full and open competition. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government, mitigating risks associated with fluctuating service demands or pricing changes.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the designation suggests a competitive process that likely drove favorable pricing and service terms for the government. This approach is generally preferred for ensuring market-based pricing and access to a wide range of service providers.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition typically benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to lower prices and better service quality, maximizing the value of government spending.

Public Impact

Benefits federal employees across the Department of Justice with essential communication services. Ensures reliable wireless connectivity for operational needs and public safety. Geographic impact covers the state of Georgia, where the contract is registered. Workforce implications include enabling seamless communication for DOJ personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Established provider with a track record in government contracting.
Contract duration of approximately 3 years allows for stable service planning.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the telecommunications services sector, specifically wireless telecommunications. The market for cellular services is mature and highly competitive, with several major providers vying for government contracts. Government spending in this area is substantial, supporting the operational needs of various agencies. This contract represents a portion of the broader federal spending on communication infrastructure and services.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting requirements for small businesses. As a large-scale telecommunications service contract, it is likely that AT&T Mobility, a large prime contractor, will fulfill the majority of the service requirements. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any small business subcontracting opportunities are mandated or voluntarily pursued.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Justice's contracting officers and program managers responsible for telecommunications services. Accountability is ensured through the firm fixed-price terms and the service level agreements inherent in such contracts. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases where contract awards are published. Inspector General jurisdiction may apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Government Cellular Service Contracts
Department of Justice Telecommunications Spending
Wireless Services for Government Operations

Risk Flags

Potential for service disruptions impacting critical government functions.
Need for ongoing monitoring of service quality and vendor performance.
Ensuring competitive pricing is maintained throughout the contract term.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $61,486.44 to ATT MOBILITY LLC. CELLULAR PHONE SERVICE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ATT MOBILITY LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $61,486.44.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-05-01. End: 2027-04-30.

What is the historical spending pattern for cellular phone services by the Department of Justice?

Analyzing historical spending for cellular phone services by the Department of Justice (DOJ) is crucial for understanding trends and identifying potential efficiencies. While specific historical data for this exact contract vehicle is not provided, general federal spending on telecommunications, including wireless services, has been substantial and relatively consistent over the years. Agencies like the DOJ rely heavily on mobile communication for their vast operations, encompassing law enforcement, investigative work, and administrative functions. Past contracts often involved similar large providers and were awarded through competitive processes, though the specific value and duration varied. Examining prior contract awards, including their pricing structures (e.g., fixed-price vs. cost-plus) and the number of bidders, can reveal whether current spending represents an increase, decrease, or stable expenditure compared to previous periods. This context helps in assessing whether the current $61.5 million award is in line with historical investment in this essential service.

How does the per-unit cost of this contract compare to similar federal or commercial cellular service agreements?

Determining the precise per-unit cost for this $61.5 million contract is challenging without detailed breakdowns of lines, data allowances, or specific service tiers. However, the contract's award under full and open competition suggests that the pricing has been vetted against market rates. Federal agencies often negotiate volume discounts, which could make the per-unit cost lower than standard commercial plans for equivalent services. Benchmarking against other large federal contracts for cellular services, particularly those awarded through competitive bidding, would provide a more direct comparison. Commercial market rates vary significantly based on provider, plan features, and geographic region. Given the scale and competitive nature of this award, it is likely that the per-unit cost is optimized for value, though a definitive comparison requires access to detailed service specifications and pricing components.

What are the primary risks associated with this cellular service contract, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this cellular service contract include potential service disruptions, unexpected cost escalations (though mitigated by fixed-price), and vendor lock-in or performance issues. Service disruptions could impact the DOJ's critical operations, necessitating robust service level agreements (SLAs) and contingency plans. While the contract is firm fixed-price, limiting direct cost escalation, changes in service needs or unforeseen technical requirements could still pose challenges. Vendor lock-in is a risk in long-term contracts, but the competitive nature of the initial award and the potential for future re-competition can mitigate this. Performance issues with AT&T Mobility would be addressed through contract management, performance monitoring, and potential penalties outlined in the agreement. The use of a well-established provider like AT&T also inherently reduces some risks related to vendor stability and technical capability.

What is the track record of AT&T Mobility in fulfilling large federal government contracts for telecommunications services?

AT&T Mobility has a significant and extensive track record of fulfilling large federal government contracts for telecommunications services. As one of the major wireless carriers in the United States, AT&T has consistently secured and managed substantial agreements with various government agencies, including defense, civilian, and intelligence communities. Their experience encompasses providing a wide range of services, from basic voice and data plans to more complex solutions involving secure networks and specialized devices. Federal agencies often rely on AT&T due to its established infrastructure, nationwide coverage, and proven ability to meet stringent security and performance requirements. While specific contract performance metrics are not publicly detailed for all awards, AT&T's continued success in winning competitive bids for large government contracts suggests a generally positive performance history and a strong understanding of federal procurement and operational needs.

How does the geographic scope (Georgia) influence the contract's value and service delivery?

The geographic scope being limited to Georgia for this specific contract award influences its value and service delivery by defining the operational area and potentially the specific network infrastructure utilized. While AT&T operates nationwide, focusing on a particular state like Georgia allows for more tailored service level agreements and potentially optimized pricing based on regional network capacity and competition. The value of $61.5 million is allocated for services within this defined area, covering the needs of DOJ personnel operating in or connected to Georgia. Service delivery would be managed through AT&T's existing infrastructure in the state, ensuring coverage and performance standards are met within its boundaries. This focused approach can lead to more efficient resource allocation and potentially better responsiveness to localized issues compared to a blanket nationwide contract.

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: 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: $61,486

Exercised Options: $61,486

Current Obligation: $61,486

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15F06720A0001516

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline