Treasury's IRS awards $8,745 antenna site renewal to Mission Broadcasting Inc. for one year

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,745 ($8.7K)

Contractor: Mission Broadcasting Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Treasury

Start Date: 2025-10-01

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $24/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ANTENNA SITE RENEWAL FOR MISSION BROADCASTING 6 MONTH BASE, 6 MONTH OPTION FOR PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE 10/01/2025 - 09/30/2026

Place of Performance

Location: MOUNTAIN TOP, LUZERNE County, PENNSYLVANIA, 18707

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Treasury obligated $8,744.76 to MISSION BROADCASTING INC for work described as: ANTENNA SITE RENEWAL FOR MISSION BROADCASTING 6 MONTH BASE, 6 MONTH OPTION FOR PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE 10/01/2025 - 09/30/2026 Key points: 1. The contract value appears reasonable for a one-year antenna site renewal, though specific service details are limited. 2. The procurement was not competed under the simplified acquisition procedures, raising questions about potential cost savings. 3. Limited competition suggests a risk of higher pricing than a fully competed contract. 4. The contract duration is one year, with a base period and an option, allowing for flexibility. 5. This contract falls within the broadcasting and wireless communications equipment manufacturing sector. 6. The firm fixed-price contract type shifts cost risk to the contractor.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $8,744.76 for a one-year antenna site renewal is difficult to benchmark without more specific details on the services provided. However, for a single site, this amount is not inherently excessive. Comparisons to similar contracts for antenna site maintenance and leasing would be necessary for a more definitive value assessment. The firm fixed-price nature of the award helps control costs for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was not competed under the simplified acquisition procedures, indicating a limited competition approach. The specific reasons for this approach are not detailed, but it suggests that the IRS may have relied on existing relationships or specific requirements that precluded a broader solicitation. The lack of multiple bidders means that the government did not benefit from a competitive bidding process to drive down prices.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition can lead to higher costs for taxpayers as the government may not secure the most favorable pricing available in the market.

Public Impact

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) benefits from the continued operation of essential broadcasting infrastructure. This contract ensures the functionality of communication systems critical for IRS operations. The services are geographically focused within Pennsylvania, where the antenna site is located. The contract supports the telecommunications sector workforce involved in maintaining broadcasting equipment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of full and open competition may have resulted in a higher price than could have been achieved through a competitive process.
Limited transparency regarding the justification for not competing the contract under SAP.
Potential for vendor lock-in if this is a specialized or critical site.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The contract duration is relatively short (one year), allowing for re-evaluation of needs.
The contractor, Mission Broadcasting Inc., is likely experienced in providing such services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology and Telecommunications sector, specifically related to broadcasting and wireless communications infrastructure. The NAICS code 334220 covers establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing radio and television broadcasting and wireless communications equipment. While this contract is for services (site renewal), it supports the underlying infrastructure for such communications. Market size for antenna site leasing and maintenance is substantial, driven by media, public safety, and commercial wireless providers.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Mission Broadcasting Inc. and there is no indication of a small business set-aside. Given the nature of the service and the contractor, it is unlikely that significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses would arise from this specific award, unless Mission Broadcasting Inc. voluntarily engages them.

Oversight & Accountability

As a purchase order, oversight would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the IRS's procurement department. Transparency is limited due to the non-competitive nature of the award. There is no explicit mention of specific oversight mechanisms beyond standard contract administration. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if fraud or waste were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Spectrum Management
IRS IT Infrastructure Support Contracts
Government Telecommunications Services

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Lack of detailed service description
Potential for non-competitive pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Treasury awarded $8,744.76 to MISSION BROADCASTING INC. ANTENNA SITE RENEWAL FOR MISSION BROADCASTING 6 MONTH BASE, 6 MONTH OPTION FOR PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE 10/01/2025 - 09/30/2026

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MISSION BROADCASTING INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Treasury (Internal Revenue Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $8,744.76.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2026-09-30.

What specific services are included in the 'antenna site renewal' and what is the justification for the $8,744.76 cost?

The provided data does not detail the specific services included in the 'antenna site renewal.' Typically, such renewals cover site lease, maintenance, power, and basic security for an antenna installation. The cost of $8,744.76 for a one-year period suggests a relatively standard service agreement for a single site. Without a detailed statement of work, it is difficult to provide a precise breakdown or justification. However, for a single antenna site, this cost is within a plausible range for rental and basic upkeep, especially considering potential factors like location and specific equipment housed. Further inquiry with the agency would be needed to obtain the detailed service description and cost justification.

Why was this contract not competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP)?

The data indicates the contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP.' Simplified Acquisition Procedures are typically used for purchases below a certain dollar threshold (e.g., $250,000 for commercial items). The reason for not competing under SAP could stem from several factors: the specific nature of the requirement might not fit standard SAP categories, there might be only one known source capable of fulfilling the requirement, or the agency may have specific internal policies or urgency that led to a different procurement path. Without further information from the Department of the Treasury's Internal Revenue Service, the exact justification remains unclear. This lack of competition under SAP raises concerns about whether the government obtained the best possible value.

What is the track record of Mission Broadcasting Inc. with federal contracts, particularly for similar services?

Information on Mission Broadcasting Inc.'s specific track record with federal contracts for antenna site renewal is not provided in the given data. To assess their performance, one would need to examine federal procurement databases (like FPDS or SAM.gov) for past awards, contract performance reviews, and any reported issues. Assuming Mission Broadcasting Inc. is a legitimate entity in the broadcasting sector, they likely have experience in managing antenna sites. However, without specific federal contract history, it's impossible to definitively evaluate their past performance, reliability, or pricing competitiveness in the federal space. A review of their contract history would reveal if they have a history of successful, on-time, and within-budget delivery for government clients.

How does the $8,744.76 annual cost compare to market rates for similar antenna site leases and maintenance in Pennsylvania?

Benchmarking the $8,744.76 annual cost requires detailed market research on antenna site leases and maintenance in Pennsylvania. Factors influencing market rates include geographic location (urban vs. rural), site accessibility, power availability, security measures, and the specific type and number of antennas hosted. For a single, standard antenna site, this cost might be considered moderate. However, if the site offers premium features, is in a highly desirable or difficult-to-access location, or includes extensive maintenance services, the cost could be justified. Conversely, if it's a basic site with minimal services, the cost might be on the higher end. A comprehensive market analysis by the IRS would be needed to confirm if this price is competitive.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source or limited-competition award for critical infrastructure like antenna sites?

The primary risks associated with sole-source or limited-competition awards for critical infrastructure like antenna sites include inflated pricing, reduced service quality, and a lack of innovation. When competition is absent, the contractor faces less pressure to offer competitive pricing or to improve their services. This can lead to the government paying more than necessary and receiving substandard support. Furthermore, reliance on a single provider can create vulnerabilities; if the contractor fails to perform or goes out of business, finding a replacement quickly for critical infrastructure can be challenging and costly. For the IRS, ensuring the reliability and cost-effectiveness of its communication infrastructure is paramount, making competitive sourcing a preferred strategy.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: LEASE/RENT FACILITIES › LEASE/RENTAL OF BUILDINGS

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

Address: 4822 KEMP BLVD STE 300, WICHITA FALLS, TX, 76308

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $8,745

Exercised Options: $8,745

Current Obligation: $8,745

Actual Outlays: $2,915

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline