Air Force awards $11.7M contract for ELMR sustainment to Motorola Solutions, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,736,045 ($11.7M)

Contractor: Motorola Solutions, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-07-01

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $32.2K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: REQUIREMENTS DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE ENTERPRISE LAND MOBILE RADIO (ELMR) LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINMENT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: SAN ANTONIO, AGUADILLA County, PUERTO RICO, 00690

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $11.7 million to MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC. for work described as: REQUIREMENTS DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE ENTERPRISE LAND MOBILE RADIO (ELMR) LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINMENT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a sole-source basis, limiting price competition. 2. Focus on lifecycle management and sustainment suggests a need for specialized vendor expertise. 3. Fixed-price contract type shifts performance risk to the contractor. 4. Short contract duration of one year may indicate a need for re-evaluation or potential for future competition. 5. The contract supports essential communication infrastructure for the Air Force. 6. No small business set-aside was utilized for this procurement.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $11.7 million for a one-year period for enterprise land mobile radio sustainment services appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized communication equipment maintenance. However, without specific details on the scope of services, number of units supported, or historical pricing for similar contracts, a definitive value-for-money assessment is challenging. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides some cost certainty, but the lack of competition raises concerns about whether the government is achieving the best possible price.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning that only one vendor, Motorola Solutions, Inc., was solicited. This approach is typically used when a unique capability or proprietary technology is required, or when there is insufficient time to conduct a competitive procurement. The lack of competition means that the government did not benefit from the price discovery that typically occurs in a competitive bidding process, potentially leading to higher costs.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the absence of competitive pressure to drive down prices. The sole-source nature limits the government's ability to explore alternative solutions or secure more favorable terms.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of the Air Force personnel who rely on the Enterprise Land Mobile Radio (ELMR) system for critical communications. The contract delivers essential sustainment and lifecycle management services, ensuring the operational readiness and longevity of the ELMR system. The geographic impact is primarily within Puerto Rico, where the services are being delivered. Workforce implications are likely to involve specialized technicians and support staff employed by Motorola Solutions, Inc. to maintain the ELMR infrastructure.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competitive pricing and potential for cost savings.
Lack of transparency in the justification for sole-source procurement.
Potential for vendor lock-in due to specialized nature of ELMR sustainment.
Short contract duration may lead to frequent re-procurements and associated administrative costs.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract shifts cost overrun risk to the contractor.
Contract focuses on sustainment, indicating a commitment to maintaining critical infrastructure.
Award to an established vendor like Motorola Solutions, Inc. may ensure continuity of service.

Sector Analysis

The Information Technology and Communications sector encompasses a wide range of services, including the maintenance and sustainment of specialized communication networks like the Enterprise Land Mobile Radio (ELMR) system. This contract falls within the electronic and precision equipment repair and maintenance sub-sector. The market for such specialized sustainment services is often dominated by a few key players with the necessary technical expertise and certifications. Benchmarking comparable spending is difficult without more detailed service scope, but sustainment contracts for critical communication infrastructure can represent significant long-term investments for government agencies.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses mentioned in the provided data. This means that opportunities for small businesses to participate in this specific procurement are limited. The absence of set-asides or subcontracting goals could reduce the flow of federal dollars into the small business ecosystem for this particular contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily reside with the Department of the Air Force contracting and program management offices. As a fixed-price contract, performance monitoring will focus on adherence to service level agreements and delivery schedules. Transparency regarding the sole-source justification and any subsequent performance reviews would be key accountability measures. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Air Force Enterprise Land Mobile Radio (ELMR) Program
Department of Defense Communication Systems
Radio and Wireless Communication Services
Electronic Equipment Maintenance Contracts

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
Potential for higher costs
Limited transparency on justification

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $11.7 million to MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC.. REQUIREMENTS DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE ENTERPRISE LAND MOBILE RADIO (ELMR) LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINMENT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-07-01. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the specific scope of 'lifecycle management and sustainment services' covered under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'REQUIREMENTS DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE ENTERPRISE LAND MOBILE RADIO (ELMR) LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINMENT SERVICES'. Lifecycle management typically encompasses activities such as planning, design, development, operation, maintenance, and disposal of a system. Sustainment services specifically refer to the ongoing support required to keep the ELMR system operational, which could include preventative maintenance, corrective repairs, software updates, hardware replacements, technical support, and potentially training. The exact scope would be detailed in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW), which is not provided here. Without the SOW, it's difficult to precisely quantify the services rendered beyond general maintenance and support.

What is the historical spending pattern for ELMR lifecycle management and sustainment services with Motorola Solutions, Inc. or other contractors?

Historical spending data for ELMR lifecycle management and sustainment services is not provided in the current data extract. To assess historical patterns, one would need to query federal procurement databases (like FPDS or SAM.gov) for previous contracts awarded for ELMR sustainment, noting the contractor, duration, value, and type of award (competed vs. sole-source). Analyzing this data would reveal trends in spending, identify if Motorola Solutions has been the incumbent, and determine if pricing has increased or decreased over time. Understanding past expenditures is crucial for benchmarking the current $11.7 million award and assessing whether it represents a fair price compared to previous investments in maintaining this critical communication system.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis to Motorola Solutions, Inc.?

The justification for a sole-source award is typically documented in a Justification and Approval (J&A) document, which is required by federal acquisition regulations when full and open competition is not feasible. Common reasons include the existence of unique capabilities or proprietary technology held by only one source, urgent and compelling needs where competition would cause unacceptable delays, or when a follow-on contract is awarded to the original source of an item or service under specific conditions. For this ELMR contract, the justification likely stems from Motorola Solutions, Inc. possessing the proprietary knowledge, technical data, or specialized equipment necessary to sustain the specific ELMR system used by the Air Force, making them the only responsible source capable of meeting the requirement without significant delay or cost.

How does the $11.7 million contract value compare to similar sustainment contracts for enterprise communication systems in the federal government?

Benchmarking this $11.7 million contract against similar federal sustainment contracts requires access to a broader dataset of procurements. Factors influencing comparability include the size and complexity of the communication system, the number of users or devices supported, the geographic scope of service, the specific technologies involved (e.g., radio frequency, encryption), and the duration of the contract. Sustainment contracts for large-scale enterprise communication systems can range from a few million to tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars annually, depending on these variables. Given this is a one-year contract for ELMR sustainment, the $11.7 million figure suggests a significant but not exceptionally large investment, likely reflecting the specialized nature of the equipment and the need for dedicated support services.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source award for critical communication system sustainment?

Sole-source awards for critical communication system sustainment carry several potential risks. Firstly, the absence of competition can lead to higher prices than might be achieved through a competitive process, as the contractor faces less pressure to offer the most cost-effective solution. Secondly, it can foster vendor lock-in, making it difficult and costly to switch to a different provider in the future, even if better alternatives emerge. Thirdly, there's a risk of complacency from the sole provider, potentially leading to reduced service quality or innovation over time, as they may not feel the same urgency to perform as they would in a competitive market. Finally, it limits the government's ability to explore new technologies or approaches that might be offered by other vendors.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Other Services (except Public Administration) › Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance › Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 809 PINNACLE DR STE G, LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MD, 21090

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,736,045

Exercised Options: $11,736,045

Current Obligation: $11,736,045

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA805523D3001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline