State Department awards $2.3M for satellite telecommunications, with Delta Bridge Inc. securing the contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,338,815 ($2.3M)

Contractor: Delta Bridge, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2025-08-01

End Date: 2026-09-27

Contract Duration: 422 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: INTERNET SERVICES

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $2.3 million to DELTA BRIDGE, INC. for work described as: INTERNET SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract value of $2.3 million appears reasonable for satellite telecommunications services over the specified period. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract is a delivery order, indicating it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. 4. The fixed-price nature of the contract shifts performance risk to the contractor. 5. The duration of 422 days (approximately 1.15 years) provides a clear timeframe for service delivery. 6. The specific services under this delivery order are not detailed, requiring further investigation for precise value assessment.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.3 million for satellite telecommunications services over approximately 1.15 years appears to be within a reasonable range for this type of specialized service. Without specific details on the scope of services (e.g., bandwidth, data volume, geographic coverage), a precise benchmark is difficult. However, compared to general IT infrastructure costs, specialized satellite services often command higher prices due to the complexity and infrastructure involved. The firm fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor has priced the services to cover all anticipated costs and profit, and the government is protected from cost overruns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. This method generally fosters a competitive environment, encouraging multiple bidders to offer their best pricing and technical solutions. The number of bidders is not specified, but the use of this procurement method suggests a robust competition was intended and likely achieved, which is beneficial for price discovery and obtaining value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is the most advantageous for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for competitive pricing and ensures that the government is not limited to a single provider, thereby driving down costs.

Public Impact

The Department of State is the primary beneficiary, likely utilizing these services for critical communication needs. The services provided are satellite telecommunications, essential for maintaining connectivity in various operational environments. The geographic impact is likely global, given the nature of satellite communications and the State Department's mission. The contract supports jobs within the telecommunications sector, specifically those involved in satellite technology and service provision.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific service details within the provided data makes it difficult to fully assess the value and performance.
The reliance on a single delivery order under a potentially larger IDIQ contract could obscure the overall spending trend and value for this specific service.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process.
Firm fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government.
The contract has a defined period of performance, allowing for clear tracking of service delivery.

Sector Analysis

The satellite telecommunications market is a specialized segment within the broader telecommunications industry, characterized by high infrastructure costs and complex technological requirements. This contract fits within the government's need for reliable and often remote communication solutions, particularly for agencies like the Department of State that operate globally. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult without knowing the exact service parameters, but government spending on telecommunications, including satellite services, is substantial and driven by national security and operational requirements.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any small business set-aside provisions for this contract, nor does it specify subcontracting plans related to small businesses. As the contract was awarded under full and open competition, it is possible that small businesses could have participated if they met the qualifications. However, the absence of specific set-aside information suggests that small business participation was not a primary objective for this particular award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the contracting officer and the relevant program managers within the Department of State. As a delivery order under a larger contract, oversight may also be tied to the parent IDIQ contract's management structure. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS, where basic information is publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any issues of fraud, waste, or abuse arise.

Related Government Programs

Department of State Communications Infrastructure
Global Telecommunications Services
Satellite Communication Contracts
Federal IT and Communications Spending

Risk Flags

Lack of detailed service scope
Potential for vendor lock-in if part of a larger sole-source IDIQ
Cybersecurity vulnerabilities in satellite communications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $2.3 million to DELTA BRIDGE, INC.. INTERNET SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DELTA BRIDGE, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-08-01. End: 2026-09-27.

What specific satellite telecommunications services are being procured under this delivery order?

The provided data indicates the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 517410 for Satellite Telecommunications. However, the specific services procured under this delivery order are not detailed. This could include services such as broadband internet access, voice communication, data transmission, or specialized secure communication links. Understanding the precise nature of these services is crucial for a comprehensive assessment of the contract's value and performance, as different services have vastly different cost structures and performance metrics. Further review of the contract's statement of work (SOW) or performance work statement (PWS) would be necessary to ascertain the exact deliverables.

How does the $2.3 million contract value compare to similar satellite telecommunications contracts awarded by the government?

Benchmarking this $2.3 million contract requires comparing it to similar satellite telecommunications contracts, considering factors like duration, bandwidth, data volume, geographic coverage, and service level agreements (SLAs). Without these specifics, a direct comparison is challenging. However, government spending on satellite services can range from tens of thousands for niche applications to hundreds of millions for large-scale, long-term programs. For a contract spanning approximately 1.15 years, $2.3 million suggests a moderate scope, potentially supporting a specific regional need or a set of users rather than a broad, high-capacity network. A deeper analysis would involve querying contract databases for awards with similar NAICS codes and service descriptions.

What is the track record of Delta Bridge, Inc. in performing government contracts, particularly in satellite telecommunications?

Assessing Delta Bridge, Inc.'s track record requires examining their past performance on federal contracts. This includes reviewing contract تاريخ (history), any reported performance issues, contract modifications, and past performance evaluations. Information available through the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or other government contract databases can provide insights into their experience, the types of contracts they have held, and their success in fulfilling them. A positive track record with similar telecommunications contracts would indicate a lower performance risk for this current award. Conversely, a history of issues could raise concerns about the contractor's ability to meet the requirements.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract, and how are they being managed?

Potential risks for this satellite telecommunications contract could include technical failures, service disruptions, cybersecurity threats, and contractor performance issues. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract helps mitigate financial risks for the government related to cost overruns. Performance risks are managed through the contract's defined period, oversight by the contracting officer, and potentially through performance metrics outlined in the statement of work. Cybersecurity risks are critical for telecommunications and would be addressed through specific security requirements and clauses within the contract. The government's ability to monitor performance and enforce contract terms is key to managing these risks.

How does this contract align with the Department of State's overall telecommunications strategy and spending patterns?

This $2.3 million contract for satellite telecommunications likely supports the Department of State's mission-critical operations, which often require robust and reliable communication capabilities in diverse global locations. Understanding how this fits into their broader telecommunications strategy involves examining their total spending on communication services, the mix of terrestrial versus satellite solutions, and their long-term technology adoption plans. Analyzing historical spending patterns for similar services can reveal whether this award represents a consistent investment, an increase, or a decrease in this area. Such context helps determine if the contract is strategically aligned and represents efficient use of resources.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Information › Satellite Telecommunications › Satellite Telecommunications

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - NETWORK

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 19GE5022R0057

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Pae-Parsons Global Logistics Services, LLC

Address: 1400-A DUKE ST, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22314

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,338,815

Exercised Options: $2,338,815

Current Obligation: $2,338,815

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 19GE5022D0043

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline