Interior Department awards $34.5M for unattended ground sensor systems to Electronic-Co Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $34,518,972 ($34.5M)

Contractor: Electronic-Co Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2005-11-17

End Date: 2007-12-31

Contract Duration: 774 days

Daily Burn Rate: $44.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 25

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: UNATTENDED GROUND SENSOR SYSTEMS.

Place of Performance

Location: TAMPA, HILLSBOROUGH County, FLORIDA, 33607

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $34.5 million to ELECTRONIC-CO INC for work described as: UNATTENDED GROUND SENSOR SYSTEMS. Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract duration of 774 days indicates a medium-term project. 3. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 4. The award was made to a single contractor, Electronic-Co Inc. 5. The contract was awarded in 2005 and completed in 2007. 6. The geographic scope appears to be Florida, based on the state code.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award amount of $34.5 million for unattended ground sensor systems over approximately two years suggests a significant investment. Without specific details on the system's capabilities, quantity, or performance metrics, a direct value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the fixed-price contract type indicates an attempt to cap government expenditure. Benchmarking against similar sensor system procurements would be necessary for a more precise evaluation of pricing and value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The presence of 25 bids indicates a healthy level of interest and competition for this requirement. A competitive process generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The robust competition suggests that taxpayer dollars were likely used efficiently, as multiple companies vied to offer the best solution at a competitive price.

Public Impact

The Department of the Interior benefits from the acquisition of unattended ground sensor systems, likely for surveillance, monitoring, or data collection purposes. These systems could enhance operational efficiency and provide critical data for environmental or security-related missions. The geographic impact is indicated to be Florida, suggesting the systems were deployed or utilized within that state. The contract may have implications for the technology and security workforce, potentially requiring specialized skills for deployment and maintenance.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness of the sensor systems.
The specific capabilities and technological sophistication of the 'unattended ground sensor systems' are not detailed, raising questions about their suitability and potential obsolescence.
Information regarding the contractor's past performance on similar contracts is not readily available, making it hard to gauge reliability.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition with 25 bids, indicating a competitive market and potential for good value.
The use of a Firm Fixed Price contract type helps to control costs and provides budget certainty for the government.
The contract was awarded to a single entity, suggesting a clear line of accountability for delivery.

Sector Analysis

The procurement of unattended ground sensor systems falls within the broader defense and security technology sector. This sector is characterized by rapid innovation and significant government investment in surveillance, reconnaissance, and data acquisition technologies. The market size for such systems can be substantial, driven by national security, border control, and environmental monitoring needs. This contract represents a specific application of technology within the Department of the Interior's operational framework.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract included specific small business set-asides. The fact that 25 bids were received suggests that both large and small businesses may have participated in the bidding process. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were available or utilized by the prime contractor to engage small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would have been managed by the Department of the Interior's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability is established through the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified goods or services. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed operational performance data may not be publicly disclosed.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense sensor procurements
Homeland Security surveillance technology contracts
Environmental monitoring systems
Remote sensing technology contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for technological obsolescence given the contract award date.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in the award data.
Contractor's past performance history is not detailed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $34.5 million to ELECTRONIC-CO INC. UNATTENDED GROUND SENSOR SYSTEMS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ELECTRONIC-CO INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $34.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-11-17. End: 2007-12-31.

What specific types of unattended ground sensor systems were procured under this contract, and what were their intended applications?

The contract description 'UNATTENDED GROUND SENSOR SYSTEMS' is broad and does not specify the exact technology or application. These systems could range from seismic sensors for detecting movement, acoustic sensors for sound detection, infrared sensors for heat signatures, or even more advanced multi-sensor platforms. Their intended applications within the Department of the Interior could include wildlife monitoring, border security, resource management, or site security. Without further documentation, the precise nature and purpose of these systems remain undefined, making it difficult to assess their technical suitability or operational impact.

How does the per-unit cost of these sensor systems compare to similar systems procured by other federal agencies or in the commercial market?

A direct per-unit cost comparison is not feasible with the provided data. The contract value is $34.5 million over an unspecified quantity of systems. To benchmark, one would need to know the number of units purchased and their specifications. If, for example, 1,000 units were purchased, the average cost per unit would be $34,500. This figure would then need to be compared against market research reports for similar unattended ground sensor systems, considering factors like sensor type, data transmission capabilities, power source, durability, and software integration. The lack of this granular data prevents a meaningful value assessment.

What was the track record of Electronic-Co Inc. in delivering similar technology solutions prior to this contract award?

The provided data does not include information on Electronic-Co Inc.'s prior track record. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or successes on previous government or commercial contracts. Without this context, it is challenging to ascertain the contractor's experience and reliability in delivering complex sensor systems. Further investigation into the contractor's performance history would be crucial for understanding potential risks associated with this award.

Given the contract was awarded in 2005 and completed in 2007, what is the current relevance and technological obsolescence of the procured sensor systems?

Technology, especially in sensor systems, evolves rapidly. Systems procured between 2005 and 2007 may be significantly outdated by current standards. Key considerations for obsolescence include processing power, data transmission methods (e.g., reliance on older cellular networks), sensor resolution, power efficiency, and integration capabilities with modern command and control systems. While the systems may have met the Department of the Interior's needs at the time, their long-term utility and effectiveness in today's environment are questionable without evidence of upgrades or continued relevance.

What specific performance metrics or key performance indicators (KPIs) were established for these unattended ground sensor systems, and how was compliance measured?

The provided data does not specify any performance metrics or KPIs for the unattended ground sensor systems. Typically, such contracts would include requirements related to detection accuracy, false alarm rates, operational lifespan, data reliability, communication range, and environmental resilience. The absence of defined KPIs makes it difficult to objectively evaluate whether the contractor fully met the government's needs or achieved the intended operational outcomes. Contract closeout documentation or performance reports would be necessary to determine how compliance was assessed.

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 25

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1921 PALOMAR OAKS WY STE 200, CARLSBAD, CA, 49

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $34,518,972

Exercised Options: $34,518,972

Current Obligation: $34,518,972

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: IND02PC60079

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline