SEC Awards $3.48M for Metropolitan Area Network Optical Wavelength Service to Lumen Technologies

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,479,050 ($3.5M)

Contractor: Lumen Technologies Government Solutions, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Securities and Exchange Commission

Start Date: 2020-09-30

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 2,191 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: EIS- METROPOLITAN AREA NETWORK- OPTICAL WAVELENGTH SERVICE

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20549

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Securities and Exchange Commission obligated $3.5 million to LUMEN TECHNOLOGIES GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS, INC. for work described as: EIS- METROPOLITAN AREA NETWORK- OPTICAL WAVELENGTH SERVICE Key points: 1. The contract is for a metropolitan area network optical wavelength service, a critical component for secure and high-speed data transmission. 2. Lumen Technologies Government Solutions, Inc. is the sole awardee, indicating a specific capability or existing relationship. 3. The contract duration is approximately 6 years, suggesting a long-term need for these services. 4. The award was made under full and open competition, implying a competitive bidding process was utilized.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total award amount of $3.48 million over approximately 6 years suggests a reasonable annual cost for specialized telecommunications services. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for optical wavelength services would provide a more precise assessment of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically leads to competitive pricing. The specific details of the bidding process and the number of proposals received would further clarify the price discovery effectiveness.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests that taxpayers are likely receiving a fair price for the required telecommunications infrastructure and services.

Public Impact

Ensures reliable and high-speed data connectivity for the Securities and Exchange Commission's operations. Supports critical government functions requiring secure and robust network infrastructure. Facilitates efficient communication and data transfer within the District of Columbia.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
Potential for vendor lock-in if future needs are highly specialized.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical network infrastructure.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Long-term contract provides budget stability.
Specialized service likely meets specific agency requirements.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Wired Telecommunications Carriers sector, specifically for optical wavelength services. Government spending in this sector is substantial, driven by the need for secure, high-bandwidth communication networks for various agencies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that Lumen Technologies Government Solutions, Inc. received the award. There is no explicit information provided regarding small business participation or subcontracting opportunities within this specific contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), indicating internal oversight. Further details on performance monitoring and contract management would be needed to fully assess accountability.

Related Government Programs

Wired Telecommunications Carriers
Securities and Exchange Commission Contracting
Securities and Exchange Commission Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in.
Long contract duration may limit flexibility.
Lack of explicit small business participation details.
Dependence on a single provider for critical infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Securities and Exchange Commission awarded $3.5 million to LUMEN TECHNOLOGIES GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS, INC.. EIS- METROPOLITAN AREA NETWORK- OPTICAL WAVELENGTH SERVICE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LUMEN TECHNOLOGIES GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Securities and Exchange Commission (Securities and Exchange Commission).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-09-30. End: 2026-09-30.

What specific performance metrics are included in the contract to ensure service quality and reliability?

The provided data does not detail specific performance metrics. A thorough review of the contract document would be necessary to identify Service Level Agreements (SLAs), uptime guarantees, latency requirements, and penalties for non-compliance. These metrics are crucial for ensuring the agency receives the expected quality and reliability of the optical wavelength service.

What is the potential risk associated with relying on a single vendor for such critical network infrastructure over a six-year period?

Relying on a single vendor for critical network infrastructure over an extended period carries risks including potential price increases in future modifications, reduced incentive for innovation from the vendor, and vulnerability to service disruptions if the vendor faces financial or operational issues. Mitigation strategies could include robust contract management and contingency planning.

How does the pricing compare to industry benchmarks for similar optical wavelength services, considering the government's purchasing power?

Without specific pricing details beyond the total award, a direct benchmark comparison is difficult. However, the contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive price was achieved. A detailed cost analysis comparing per-unit pricing (e.g., per Gbps per mile) against GSA schedules or other government contracts would provide a clearer picture of value.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Information › Wired and Wireless Telecommunications (except Satellite) › Wired Telecommunications Carriers

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 50310220R0016

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 931 14TH STE 1000 B, DENVER, CO, 80202

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,981,350

Exercised Options: $3,479,050

Current Obligation: $3,479,050

Actual Outlays: $2,899,221

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00Q17NSD3006

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline