DHS awards $98.8M for wired telecommunications, with Lumen Technologies securing a fixed-price delivery order

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $98,837 ($98.8K)

Contractor: Lumen Technologies Government Solutions, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2026-05-01

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 60 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: WIRELINE TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20024

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $98,836.74 to LUMEN TECHNOLOGIES GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS, INC. for work described as: WIRELINE TELECOMMUNICATIONS Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government. 3. Delivery order structure indicates a specific, time-bound need for services. 4. The contract duration of 60 days is relatively short, suggesting a focused project. 5. The primary contractor, Lumen Technologies, has a significant presence in the telecommunications sector. 6. The award falls under the Wired Telecommunications Carriers NAICS code.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $98.8 million for a 60-day period for wired telecommunications services appears substantial. Benchmarking against similar large-scale telecommunications contracts would be necessary for a precise value-for-money assessment. However, the firm fixed-price nature of the award provides cost certainty. The award amount relative to the duration suggests a high-demand or critical service requirement.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this method generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service offerings for the government. The agency's decision to use full and open competition suggests confidence in the market's ability to provide suitable solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it is expected to drive down costs through market forces and encourage innovation among bidders, ultimately leading to a more efficient use of public funds.

Public Impact

The Department of Homeland Security (FEMA) benefits from this contract by securing essential wired telecommunications infrastructure. Services delivered are critical for supporting emergency response and disaster management operations. The geographic impact is focused on the District of Columbia, where the services are likely deployed. Workforce implications are tied to the telecommunications industry, potentially involving skilled technicians and support staff.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if this becomes a recurring need without re-competition.
Short contract duration might indicate a temporary need or a bridge to a larger, future contract.
Reliance on a single large provider for critical infrastructure could pose a risk if not managed proactively.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides budget predictability.
Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust market response.
Contract supports a critical government function (emergency management).

Sector Analysis

The wired telecommunications sector is a mature industry providing essential connectivity services. This contract falls under the 'Wired Telecommunications Carriers' industry, which includes companies that provide telecommunications services through the use of wired infrastructure. The market is characterized by significant infrastructure investment and competition from various providers, including large established players like Lumen Technologies. Government spending in this area is crucial for maintaining secure and reliable communication networks for federal agencies.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. Given the substantial value and the nature of the services, it is likely that larger telecommunications providers were the primary focus of the competition. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses have opportunities within the supply chain for this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is subject to standard federal procurement oversight. As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle (implied), oversight would involve monitoring performance against the terms and conditions, ensuring timely delivery, and verifying compliance with the firm fixed-price agreement. The Department of Homeland Security's internal oversight mechanisms and potentially the Government Accountability Office (GAO) would be involved in reviewing contract performance and disputes.

Related Government Programs

Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA)
General Services Administration (GSA) Schedules
Telecommunications Services Contracts
Emergency Communications Infrastructure

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in
Performance risk if service levels are not met
Short contract duration may indicate a temporary solution

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $98,836.74 to LUMEN TECHNOLOGIES GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS, INC.. WIRELINE TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Who is the contractor on this award?

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

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Federal Emergency Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $98,836.74.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-05-01. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the historical spending pattern for wired telecommunications services by FEMA?

Analyzing FEMA's historical spending on wired telecommunications services is crucial for understanding trends and identifying potential cost efficiencies. While specific historical data for this exact contract is not provided, FEMA, as part of DHS, relies heavily on robust communication networks for its mission, particularly during emergencies. Past spending would likely show a consistent need for these services, potentially with fluctuations based on disaster declarations and increased operational tempo. Benchmarking this $98.8 million award against previous years' expenditures would reveal whether this represents an increase, decrease, or stable investment in telecommunications infrastructure. Understanding the types of services procured historically (e.g., dedicated lines, broadband, VoIP) and the contractors involved would also provide context for the current award's scope and pricing.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar telecommunications awards?

A direct comparison of the pricing for this $98.8 million, 60-day delivery order for wired telecommunications services requires access to a database of comparable federal contracts. Factors such as the specific type of telecommunications service (e.g., bandwidth, latency, dedicated circuits), geographic location, and service level agreements (SLAs) significantly influence pricing. Given the firm fixed-price nature, the government has locked in the cost, which is a positive indicator for budget predictability. However, without detailed service specifications and market rate data for similar government contracts, it is difficult to definitively assess if the price represents excellent value. A thorough benchmark analysis would involve comparing the per-unit cost (e.g., cost per Mbps, cost per circuit) against industry standards and other government awards for equivalent services.

What is Lumen Technologies' track record with federal telecommunications contracts?

Lumen Technologies Government Solutions, Inc. (formerly CenturyLink) has a substantial track record of securing and performing on federal telecommunications contracts. They are a major player in the telecommunications industry and frequently compete for and win government awards across various agencies, including defense and civilian departments. Their experience often spans a wide range of services, from basic connectivity to complex network solutions. Past performance reviews and contract databases would provide specific details on their success rates, any past performance issues, and their ability to meet stringent government requirements. Agencies typically consider a contractor's past performance as a key factor in award decisions, making Lumen's established presence a significant signal.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract?

Potential risks associated with this contract include over-reliance on a single provider for critical infrastructure, especially if this delivery order is part of a larger, ongoing relationship. While the firm fixed-price structure mitigates cost overrun risks, performance risks remain; failure to meet service level agreements could disrupt essential government operations. The short duration (60 days) might also indicate a temporary solution or a stop-gap measure, potentially leading to future contract actions and associated transition costs or uncertainties. Furthermore, the concentration of spending with one vendor could limit future competitive opportunities if not managed carefully through periodic re-competition.

How does this contract align with DHS's overall telecommunications strategy?

This contract likely aligns with the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) overarching strategy to ensure secure, reliable, and resilient communications capabilities. Specifically, for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), robust wired telecommunications are fundamental to coordinating disaster response, managing field operations, and disseminating critical information. The award supports the agency's mission by providing the necessary infrastructure. The choice of a full and open competition suggests DHS is seeking the best value from the market to meet these strategic communication needs. The specific services procured under this delivery order would offer more insight into how it fits into broader network modernization or operational support plans.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - IT MANAGEMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2900 TOWERVIEW RD STE 150, HERNDON, VA, 20171

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $98,837

Exercised Options: $98,837

Current Obligation: $98,837

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70FA3025D00000002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline