NASA awards $47M for networking hardware, with 3 bidders competing for firm-fixed-price delivery order
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $46,997 ($47.0K)
Contractor: Advanced Computer Concepts, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2026-04-10
End Date: 2026-06-09
Contract Duration: 60 days
Daily Burn Rate: $783/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: VIASAT NETWORKING HARDWARE
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35812
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $46,997.08 to ADVANCED COMPUTER CONCEPTS, INC. for work described as: VIASAT NETWORKING HARDWARE Key points: 1. The contract value represents a significant investment in essential networking infrastructure. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a potentially competitive bidding environment for this hardware. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type offers cost certainty for the agency. 4. The short duration of the delivery order indicates a focused, immediate need. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541519 points to a broad range of computer-related services. 6. The contract is not set aside for small businesses, indicating a focus on larger prime contractors.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of approximately $47 million for networking hardware appears reasonable given the scope of a delivery order. Without specific details on the exact hardware specifications and quantities, a direct comparison to similar contracts is challenging. However, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor assumes the risk of cost overruns, which can be beneficial for the agency. Benchmarking the per-unit cost against market rates for comparable networking equipment would provide a more precise assessment of value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
This contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating that while full and open competition was intended, specific circumstances led to the exclusion of certain sources prior to the final award. With three bidders participating, the competition level suggests a moderate degree of market interest. This level of competition is generally sufficient to promote price discovery, but the exclusion of sources warrants further investigation to ensure no potential value was lost.
Taxpayer Impact: The presence of three bidders indicates that taxpayers likely benefited from competitive pricing. However, the exclusion of sources means that the full potential for cost savings through broader competition may not have been realized.
Public Impact
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is the primary beneficiary, receiving critical networking hardware. The services delivered will support NASA's operational and research activities. The contract is being executed in Alabama, indicating a geographic focus for this procurement. The procurement of networking hardware has implications for the IT workforce supporting NASA's infrastructure.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- The 'exclusion of sources' clause requires further scrutiny to understand why certain potential bidders were excluded and if this limited competition.
- The specific type and quantity of networking hardware are not detailed, making it difficult to assess if the most cost-effective solutions were procured.
- The short performance period (60 days) might indicate an urgent need, potentially leading to premium pricing or rushed delivery.
Positive Signals
- The contract was awarded under a full and open competition framework, suggesting an effort to maximize the bidder pool.
- The firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the agency, mitigating budget risks.
- The award to Advanced Computer Concepts, Inc. indicates a selection based on established procurement processes.
Sector Analysis
The IT hardware sector is characterized by rapid technological advancements and a wide range of suppliers. This contract for networking hardware falls within the broader IT services and equipment market, which is a significant area of federal spending. Comparable spending benchmarks for networking equipment can vary widely based on scale, technology generation, and vendor. The federal government is a major consumer of IT hardware, with agencies like NASA requiring robust and reliable infrastructure to support complex missions.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not set aside for small businesses, as indicated by 'sb': false. This suggests that the primary award went to a larger entity, potentially Advanced Computer Concepts, Inc. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. Without a small business set-aside or specific subcontracting goals, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this particular contract is likely minimal, though the prime contractor may engage small businesses as part of their supply chain.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will be managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, its execution will be monitored through standard contract management processes. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases, though specific performance metrics and detailed spending breakdowns may not be publicly available. The Inspector General for NASA would have jurisdiction over any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.
Related Government Programs
- NASA IT Infrastructure Modernization Programs
- Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA) related procurements
- General Services Administration (GSA) IT Schedule contracts
- Department of Defense (DoD) Networking Equipment Procurements
Risk Flags
- Limited competition due to source exclusion
- Lack of specific hardware details for value assessment
- Short performance period may imply urgency or premium pricing
Tags
nasa, networking-hardware, it-services, firm-fixed-price, delivery-order, full-and-open-competition-after-exclusion-of-sources, advanced-computer-concepts-inc, alabama, naics-541519, mid-size-contract, it-infrastructure
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $46,997.08 to ADVANCED COMPUTER CONCEPTS, INC.. VIASAT NETWORKING HARDWARE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ADVANCED COMPUTER CONCEPTS, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $46,997.08.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2026-06-09.
What is the specific type and quantity of networking hardware being procured under this delivery order?
The provided data does not specify the exact type or quantity of networking hardware. The NAICS code 541519 ('Other Computer Related Services') and the description 'VIASAT NETWORKING HARDWARE' offer a general indication. To provide a precise answer, access to the detailed statement of work or the specific contract line item numbers (CLINs) associated with this delivery order would be necessary. This information is crucial for understanding the technological scope and the scale of the procurement, which directly impacts the assessment of value and suitability.
How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar networking hardware?
A direct comparison of the awarded price ($46,997.08) to market rates for similar networking hardware is not feasible with the current data. The term 'VIASAT NETWORKING HARDWARE' is broad and could encompass a range of products with varying price points. To perform a meaningful benchmark, specific product models, quantities, and configurations would be required. Additionally, understanding the volume discounts negotiated by NASA compared to typical commercial purchases is essential. Without these details, assessing whether the price represents excellent value for money remains speculative.
What were the specific reasons for excluding certain sources in the competition?
The data indicates the contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' The specific reasons for excluding certain sources are not detailed in the provided information. Typically, such exclusions might occur if potential bidders failed to meet mandatory technical requirements, did not submit proposals by the deadline, or if there were specific pre-qualification criteria that were not met. Understanding these reasons is vital for assessing whether the exclusion unduly limited competition and potentially impacted the final price or the range of solutions considered.
What is the track record of Advanced Computer Concepts, Inc. in delivering similar networking hardware to federal agencies?
Information regarding the specific track record of Advanced Computer Concepts, Inc. in delivering similar networking hardware to federal agencies is not provided in the data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their past performance on federal contracts, including client feedback, on-time delivery rates, and adherence to technical specifications. Federal procurement databases and past performance reviews would be the primary sources for this information. Without this context, it's difficult to gauge their reliability and expertise in this specific domain.
What is the historical spending pattern for networking hardware by NASA or similar agencies?
The provided data focuses on a single delivery order and does not offer historical spending patterns for networking hardware by NASA or similar agencies. To analyze historical spending, one would need access to multi-year contract data for IT infrastructure procurements across relevant agencies. This would involve identifying trends in spending levels, types of hardware purchased, dominant vendors, and the evolution of competition dynamics over time. Such analysis would help contextualize the current $47 million award within NASA's broader IT investment strategy.
What are the potential risks associated with a 60-day delivery order for networking hardware?
A primary risk associated with a short 60-day delivery order for networking hardware is the potential for rushed implementation, which could lead to errors or suboptimal configuration. There's also a risk that the urgency might necessitate premium pricing if expedited manufacturing or shipping is required. Furthermore, if the hardware is critical for ongoing operations, any delays or failures within this short window could have immediate negative impacts on NASA's mission. The firm-fixed-price nature mitigates cost overrun risks but does not eliminate performance or delivery risks.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - COMPUTE
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: SEWP RFQ 372760
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 7927 JONES BRANCH DR STE 600N, MC LEAN, VA, 22102
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $46,997
Exercised Options: $46,997
Current Obligation: $46,997
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNG15SD60B
IDV Type: GWAC
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-10
Current End Date: 2026-06-09
Potential End Date: 2026-06-09 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-10
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