DHS awards $40.8M for 3,430 Motorola radios to Tribalco LLC, enhancing national security communications

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $40,757,827 ($40.8M)

Contractor: Tribalco LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-09-30

End Date: 2025-11-30

Contract Duration: 61 days

Daily Burn Rate: $668.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THIS AWARD PROVIDES 3,430 MOTOROLA APX NEXT PORTABLE RADIOS FOR PERSONNEL TO ENABLE UNINTERRUPTED, SECURE COMMUNICATIONS DURING OPERATIONS, SUPPORTING ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS, SAFEGUARDING NATIONAL SECURITY, AND PROTECTING PUBLIC SAFETY.

Place of Performance

Location: BETHESDA, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20814

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $40.8 million to TRIBALCO LLC for work described as: THIS AWARD PROVIDES 3,430 MOTOROLA APX NEXT PORTABLE RADIOS FOR PERSONNEL TO ENABLE UNINTERRUPTED, SECURE COMMUNICATIONS DURING OPERATIONS, SUPPORTING ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS, SAFEGUARDING NATIONAL SECURITY, AND PROTECTING PUBLIC SAFETY. Key points: 1. Value-for-money assessment pending detailed cost-benefit analysis of radio capabilities versus price. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators include reliance on a single vendor for critical communication equipment. 4. Performance context is tied to ensuring uninterrupted, secure communications for enforcement and national security. 5. Sector positioning within wireless communications equipment manufacturing, supporting public safety infrastructure.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The per-unit cost for these Motorola APX Next portable radios is approximately $12,200 ($40,757,826.7 / 3,430 units). This price point appears high when compared to commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) pricing for similar advanced portable radios, which can range from $2,000 to $5,000 depending on features and volume. However, the government may be procuring specialized configurations, extended warranties, or integrated support services that justify a higher cost. Further benchmarking against other federal awards for similar public safety radio systems is needed to definitively assess value.

Cost Per Unit: Approximately $12,200 per unit. Benchmarking against COTS pricing suggests a potential premium, but specialized government requirements may account for the difference.

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of 3 bidders suggests a moderate level of competition for this specific requirement. While full and open competition is generally preferred for ensuring fair pricing and access for a broad range of suppliers, the actual price achieved depends on the specific requirements and the competitive landscape for these advanced communication devices.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition provides taxpayers with assurance that the government sought the best possible price through a broad solicitation process, potentially leading to cost savings compared to less competitive award methods.

Public Impact

Personnel within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will benefit from enhanced communication capabilities. The contract delivers 3,430 advanced portable radios essential for secure and uninterrupted operations. Geographic impact is nationwide, supporting enforcement actions and national security across various locations. Workforce implications include equipping law enforcement and security personnel with critical tools for their duties.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in with specialized Motorola equipment.
High per-unit cost requires justification through enhanced functionality or service.
Dependence on a single awardee for critical national security communication assets.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, maximizing potential for competitive pricing.
Equipment directly supports national security and public safety enforcement actions.
Modernization of communication technology for critical personnel.

Sector Analysis

The market for public safety radio communications is a specialized segment within the broader wireless communications equipment manufacturing industry. This sector is characterized by high technical standards, stringent reliability requirements, and significant investment in research and development. Major players like Motorola Solutions dominate the market, often working with government agencies through competitive solicitations. Federal spending in this area supports the modernization of critical infrastructure for law enforcement, emergency services, and national security agencies, ensuring interoperability and advanced features.

Small Business Impact

While this contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not appear to have a specific small business set-aside, the prime contractor, Tribalco LLC, may engage small businesses for subcontracting opportunities. The nature of specialized radio equipment manufacturing and integration often involves complex supply chains. It is important to monitor subcontracting plans to ensure small businesses have a fair opportunity to participate in supporting this critical federal requirement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be managed by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within the Department of Homeland Security. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract terms, including delivery schedules and performance specifications. Transparency is facilitated through public contract award databases. The Inspector General for the Department of Homeland Security would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this procurement.

Related Government Programs

Department of Homeland Security Communications Equipment Procurements
Public Safety Radio Systems Federal Awards
Law Enforcement Technology Modernization
National Security Communications Infrastructure

Risk Flags

High per-unit cost requires further justification.
Potential for vendor lock-in.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical national security assets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $40.8 million to TRIBALCO LLC. THIS AWARD PROVIDES 3,430 MOTOROLA APX NEXT PORTABLE RADIOS FOR PERSONNEL TO ENABLE UNINTERRUPTED, SECURE COMMUNICATIONS DURING OPERATIONS, SUPPORTING ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS, SAFEGUARDING NATIONAL SECURITY, AND PROTECTING PUBLIC SAFETY.

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 $40.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-30. End: 2025-11-30.

What is the track record of Tribalco LLC in supplying similar communication equipment to federal agencies?

Tribalco LLC has a history of federal contracting, primarily within the telecommunications and IT sectors. While specific details on their track record with Motorola APX Next portable radios for agencies like ICE require deeper investigation into past awards and performance reviews, their presence as a prime contractor suggests they possess the necessary certifications and experience to handle such procurements. Further analysis would involve examining their past performance ratings, any reported issues on similar contracts, and their capacity to manage large-scale equipment deliveries and support. Benchmarking their past pricing on comparable items could also provide valuable insights into their cost competitiveness.

How does the $12,200 per-unit cost compare to other federal procurements of advanced portable radios?

The per-unit cost of approximately $12,200 for these Motorola APX Next portable radios is significantly higher than typical commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) pricing for advanced portable radios, which often falls in the $2,000-$5,000 range. However, federal procurements can include specialized configurations, enhanced security features, extended warranties, integrated software, and comprehensive support services that drive up the price. To accurately benchmark this award, it is crucial to compare it against other federal contracts for similar high-end, mission-critical radio systems procured by agencies like DHS, FBI, or DOD, looking at the specific model, included features, and contract type. Without this context, the price appears elevated.

What are the primary risks associated with relying on Motorola radios for national security communications?

The primary risks associated with relying on Motorola radios for national security communications include potential vendor lock-in, where the agency becomes dependent on a single manufacturer for hardware, software, and support, potentially limiting future flexibility and increasing long-term costs. There's also a risk related to supply chain security and potential vulnerabilities in the equipment's firmware or hardware, especially given the sensitive nature of national security operations. Furthermore, reliance on a specific technology platform could pose interoperability challenges if other agencies or partners use different systems. Ensuring robust cybersecurity measures and contingency plans for equipment failure or obsolescence are critical mitigation strategies.

How effective are these radios expected to be in supporting enforcement actions and safeguarding national security?

These Motorola APX Next portable radios are designed to provide secure, reliable, and interoperable voice and data communications, which are critical for effective enforcement actions and safeguarding national security. Features such as end-to-end encryption, robust construction for harsh environments, and advanced features like location services and broadband data capabilities are intended to enhance situational awareness and operational coordination. Their effectiveness will depend on proper deployment, user training, integration with existing command and control systems, and the overall network infrastructure supporting them. The 'uninterrupted' communication capability is a key performance indicator for mission-critical operations.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar communication equipment by the Department of Homeland Security?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) historically spends significant amounts on communication equipment to support its vast array of agencies, including ICE, CBP, and TSA. Spending patterns typically involve procurements for portable radios, mobile data terminals, and integrated communication systems. These procurements are often driven by the need to modernize aging infrastructure, enhance interoperability between different components, and incorporate new technologies like P25 standards and LTE capabilities. Annual spending can fluctuate based on major upgrade cycles, new program requirements, and the competitive landscape for these specialized systems. Analyzing DHS's budget justifications and contract databases for the past 5-10 years would reveal trends in spending on radio and communication technologies.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION

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: $40,757,827

Exercised Options: $40,757,827

Current Obligation: $40,757,827

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70B04C19D00000021

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline