DHS awards $46.2M for mobile radios, with 3 bidders competing under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $46,183,604 ($46.2M)

Contractor: Tribalco LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2021-09-24

End Date: 2023-09-23

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $63.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TACCOM MOBILE RADIOS

Place of Performance

Location: BETHESDA, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20814

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $46.2 million to TRIBALCO LLC for work described as: TACCOM MOBILE RADIOS Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the competitive nature of the award. 2. The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a healthy market. 3. Risk indicators are low due to the firm fixed-price contract type and established vendor. 4. Performance context is a delivery order under a larger contract, indicating ongoing needs. 5. This contract falls within the communications equipment manufacturing sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $46.2 million over two years for mobile radios seems within a reasonable range, especially considering it was awarded through full and open competition. Benchmarking against similar contracts for tactical communication equipment would provide a more precise value assessment. The firm fixed-price structure helps control costs for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 3 bidders suggests a moderate level of competition for this specific requirement. While more bidders would ideally lead to better price discovery, three offers generally provide a reasonable basis for selecting the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition likely resulted in a fair market price for these essential communication devices, benefiting taxpayers by avoiding potential overpayment associated with less competitive solicitations.

Public Impact

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel will benefit from enhanced communication capabilities. The contract delivers critical mobile radio equipment necessary for operational effectiveness. The geographic impact is likely nationwide, supporting ICE operations across various locations. Workforce implications include ensuring field agents and support staff have reliable communication tools.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if this specific radio system becomes the sole standard without future competitive refresh.
Dependence on a single awardee for delivery orders could lead to supply chain vulnerabilities if not managed proactively.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive marketplace.
Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The contract duration of 729 days allows for planned procurement and deployment.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader Information Technology and Telecommunications sector, specifically the manufacturing of wireless communications equipment. The market for tactical radios is characterized by specialized manufacturers catering to government and public safety needs. Spending in this area is driven by the continuous requirement for secure and reliable communication systems for defense, law enforcement, and emergency response.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the prime contractor, TRIBALCO LLC, is not explicitly identified as a small business. There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are participating in the supply chain for this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Homeland Security's contracting and program management offices. The firm fixed-price nature of the award provides a degree of cost control. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of contract awards, though detailed performance metrics may not be publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Tactical Radio Systems
Mobile Communication Equipment
Department of Homeland Security Procurement
ICE Communications Technology

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain disruption
Risk of technological obsolescence
Dependence on specific vendor technology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $46.2 million to TRIBALCO LLC. TACCOM MOBILE RADIOS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRIBALCO LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $46.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-09-24. End: 2023-09-23.

What is the track record of TRIBALCO LLC in delivering similar communication equipment to federal agencies?

TRIBALCO LLC has a history of securing federal contracts, including those related to communication systems. A deeper dive into their past performance on similar contracts, particularly those involving tactical mobile radios for agencies like DHS or DoD, would reveal their reliability, on-time delivery rates, and quality of products. Analyzing past contract awards and modifications can indicate their experience in fulfilling complex requirements and managing delivery schedules effectively. Examining customer satisfaction data or past performance reviews, if available, would further illuminate their capabilities and potential risks associated with their performance on this current contract.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar mobile radio systems?

To assess the value for money, the awarded price of approximately $46.2 million for TRIBALCO's mobile radios needs to be benchmarked against market rates. This involves comparing the per-unit cost or total contract value against similar systems procured by other federal agencies or state/local governments. Factors such as technical specifications (frequency bands, encryption capabilities, ruggedness, battery life), quantity, and contract duration are crucial for a fair comparison. If comparable data shows TRIBALCO's pricing to be significantly higher or lower than market averages for equivalent systems, it would indicate potential issues with value or an exceptionally good deal, respectively. The firm fixed-price nature provides cost certainty, but the initial price point's competitiveness is key.

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

Primary risks for this contract include potential supply chain disruptions affecting timely delivery of radios, technological obsolescence if the chosen system is not future-proof, and performance issues with the equipment itself. Mitigation strategies likely involve the firm fixed-price contract type, which shifts some cost risk to the contractor. The government's oversight, including acceptance testing and monitoring delivery schedules, also plays a role. Furthermore, the competitive award process suggests a baseline level of vendor capability. However, ongoing monitoring of the contractor's financial health and production capacity, along with contingency planning for alternative suppliers or technologies, would further strengthen risk mitigation.

How effective has TRIBALCO been in meeting delivery schedules and quality standards on previous similar contracts?

Assessing TRIBALCO's effectiveness on past contracts is crucial for understanding their reliability. This involves reviewing contract performance reports, on-time delivery metrics, and any quality-related issues or disputes. If TRIBALCO has a strong history of meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality communication equipment without significant problems, it suggests a low risk for this current contract. Conversely, a pattern of delays or quality deficiencies would raise concerns about their ability to fulfill the current $46.2 million award effectively. Publicly available contract data and performance evaluations are key sources for this analysis.

What is the historical spending trend for mobile radios by the Department of Homeland Security?

Analyzing historical spending by DHS on mobile radios provides context for the current $46.2 million award. Understanding whether this represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment is important. Trends can reveal shifts in technology adoption, changes in operational requirements, or the impact of budget fluctuations. For instance, a consistent or increasing spending trend might indicate a growing reliance on mobile radio technology or the need to replace aging equipment across the department. Conversely, a declining trend could suggest a move towards alternative communication methods or successful cost-saving measures.

What are the specific technical capabilities and features of the awarded mobile radios?

The effectiveness and value of the $46.2 million award depend heavily on the technical capabilities of the mobile radios procured. Key features to examine include encryption standards for secure communication, frequency bands supported, interoperability with existing systems, ruggedness and environmental resistance (e.g., dustproof, waterproof), battery life, and data transmission capabilities. Understanding these specifications allows for an assessment of whether the radios meet the demanding operational needs of ICE and if they represent current or emerging technology. Comparing these features against requirements and competitor offerings would further clarify the value proposition.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: MUSICAL INST/PHONOGRAPH/HOME RADIO

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Tribalco, LLC

Address: 7735 OLD GEORGETOWN RD FL 12, BETHESDA, MD, 20814

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $57,580,980

Exercised Options: $46,183,604

Current Obligation: $46,183,604

Actual Outlays: $10,834,563

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70B04C19D00000021

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline