DHS Awards AT&T $43.2M for RGV Tactical Communication Modernization
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $43,222,922 ($43.2M)
Contractor: AT&T Enterprises, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2010-09-13
End Date: 2013-11-15
Contract Duration: 1,159 days
Daily Burn Rate: $37.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: TACTICAL COMMUNICATION MODERNIZATION PROJECT EQUIPMENT AND SERVICE FOR RIO GRANDE VALLEY (RGV), TX
Place of Performance
Location: CORPUS CHRISTI, NUECES County, TEXAS, 78401
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $43.2 million to AT&T ENTERPRISES, LLC for work described as: TACTICAL COMMUNICATION MODERNIZATION PROJECT EQUIPMENT AND SERVICE FOR RIO GRANDE VALLEY (RGV), TX Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical border communication infrastructure. 2. AT&T is a major player in telecommunications, indicating strong incumbent advantage. 3. Potential risks include vendor lock-in and integration challenges with existing systems. 4. Spending falls within IT services, specifically computer systems design.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $43.2M over approximately three years appears reasonable for a large-scale tactical communication modernization project. Benchmarking against similar DHS or CBP projects would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and potentially better value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to enhance border security and operational efficiency through modern communication systems.
Public Impact
Improved communication capabilities for border patrol agents in the RGV. Potential for enhanced real-time data sharing and situational awareness. Modernization could lead to more efficient inter-agency coordination.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited public information on specific performance metrics.
- Potential for scope creep in complex modernization projects.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Addresses a critical operational need for border security.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under IT services, specifically computer systems design. The spending aligns with government efforts to modernize technology for operational effectiveness, particularly in security-sensitive areas like border management.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, suggesting large prime contractors dominated this procurement. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically be managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection program managers, ensuring adherence to contract terms and performance standards. Publicly available reports on project milestones and spending could enhance accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Computer Systems Design Services
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in.
- Integration challenges with existing infrastructure.
- Cybersecurity risks associated with new technology.
- Dependence on a single large prime contractor.
Tags
computer-systems-design-services, department-of-homeland-security, tx, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $43.2 million to AT&T ENTERPRISES, LLC. TACTICAL COMMUNICATION MODERNIZATION PROJECT EQUIPMENT AND SERVICE FOR RIO GRANDE VALLEY (RGV), TX
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AT&T ENTERPRISES, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $43.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-09-13. End: 2013-11-15.
What specific technological advancements does this modernization project entail, and how do they directly improve operational effectiveness for CBP agents?
The project likely involves upgrading radio systems, data networks, and potentially integrating new software for enhanced communication. Improvements could include clearer voice transmission, faster data transfer for intelligence, and better interoperability between different units and agencies, leading to more informed and rapid responses to border security incidents.
What are the primary risks associated with a large-scale tactical communication modernization project, and how are they being mitigated?
Key risks include technical integration issues with legacy systems, potential cost overruns due to unforeseen complexities, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Mitigation strategies typically involve phased rollouts, rigorous testing, strong project management, and robust cybersecurity protocols throughout the development and deployment lifecycle.
How does the $43.2M investment compare to similar tactical communication modernization efforts in other federal agencies or border regions?
Without specific comparative data, it's difficult to definitively assess. However, $43.2M for a multi-year project covering a significant region like the RGV suggests a substantial but potentially commensurate investment given the complexity of modernizing communication infrastructure for a large operational area.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services
Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: HSBP1010Q0098
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: AT&T Inc. (UEI: 108024050)
Address: AT&T CORP, COLUMBIA, MD, 21046
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $43,222,922
Exercised Options: $43,222,922
Current Obligation: $43,222,922
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HSHQDC06D00040
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-09-13
Current End Date: 2013-11-15
Potential End Date: 2013-11-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2017-08-01
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