DoD's $29.7M Satellite Telecommunications Contract with BY LIGHT PROFESSIONAL IT SERVICES LLC Under Scrutiny
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $29,761,078 ($29.8M)
Contractor: BY Light Professional IT Services LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2013-06-15
End Date: 2018-05-15
Contract Duration: 1,795 days
Daily Burn Rate: $16.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF SPACE SEGMENT - USNORTHCOM
Place of Performance
Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22201
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $29.8 million to BY LIGHT PROFESSIONAL IT SERVICES LLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF SPACE SEGMENT - USNORTHCOM Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $29.7 million for satellite telecommunications. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, suggesting some market engagement. 3. Contract duration of 1795 days (approx. 5 years) indicates a long-term need. 4. The contract falls under the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) within the Department of Defense (DoD).
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's total value is $29.7 million. Benchmarking against similar satellite telecommunications contracts is difficult without more specific service details. However, the duration and scope suggest a moderate to high price point.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES'. This method implies that while the competition was intended to be broad, specific sources were initially excluded, potentially impacting the full range of price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for essential satellite telecommunications services supporting USNORTHCOM. The effectiveness of the competition method in securing optimal pricing is a key consideration for taxpayer value.
Public Impact
Ensures critical satellite communication capabilities for USNORTHCOM operations. Supports national defense and security by maintaining vital communication links. Potential impact on the broader defense contracting landscape for satellite services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for limited competition due to source exclusion.
- Lack of detailed performance metrics for value assessment.
- Long contract duration may not reflect evolving technology costs.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical national security need.
- Utilizes a full and open competition framework.
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
Sector Analysis
This contract is within the Information Technology sector, specifically focusing on satellite telecommunications. Spending in this area is crucial for defense agencies, with benchmarks varying widely based on technology, bandwidth, and service level agreements.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation or subcontracting opportunities.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically be managed by the Department of Defense and the Defense Information Systems Agency. Ensuring contract performance aligns with requirements and taxpayer value is paramount.
Related Government Programs
- Satellite Telecommunications
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Information Systems Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for limited competition due to source exclusion.
- Lack of detailed service specifications hinders value assessment.
- Long contract duration may not capture technological advancements.
- Need for clarity on the justification for excluding sources.
Tags
satellite-telecommunications, department-of-defense, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $29.8 million to BY LIGHT PROFESSIONAL IT SERVICES LLC. IGF::OT::IGF SPACE SEGMENT - USNORTHCOM
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BY LIGHT PROFESSIONAL IT SERVICES LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Information Systems Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $29.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2013-06-15. End: 2018-05-15.
What specific satellite services were procured, and how do they align with current technological capabilities and costs?
The provided data identifies the service as 'Satellite Telecommunications' (NAICS 517410) for USNORTHCOM. However, specific details regarding bandwidth, frequency, geographic coverage, and service level agreements are missing. Without this granular information, it's challenging to assess if the procured services represent current technological standards or if the pricing reflects competitive market rates for comparable advanced satellite communication solutions.
What was the rationale for excluding specific sources prior to the 'full and open competition' phase?
The contract states 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES'. Understanding the specific reasons for excluding certain sources is crucial. If the exclusion was based on unique capabilities or proprietary technology, it might justify a narrower competition. However, if the exclusion was arbitrary or based on non-essential criteria, it could have limited competition and potentially led to suboptimal pricing for the government.
How effectively did the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method ensure competitive pricing and value for the taxpayer?
While the method aimed for open competition, the initial exclusion of sources raises questions about the breadth of price discovery. A thorough review would examine the number of bids received, the price range among bidders, and whether the final negotiated price represents a fair market value. The long duration (1795 days) also necessitates ongoing monitoring to ensure continued cost-effectiveness throughout the contract lifecycle.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Information › Satellite Telecommunications › Satellite Telecommunications
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3101 WILSON BLVD STE 850, ARLINGTON, VA, 22201
Business Categories: Category Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $29,812,053
Exercised Options: $29,761,078
Current Obligation: $29,761,078
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS00Q12NSD4003
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2013-06-15
Current End Date: 2018-05-15
Potential End Date: 2018-05-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2018-02-05
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