Interior's $32M Land Mobile Radio Contract Awarded to TRIBALCO LLC for Signal Support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,045,111 ($32.0M)

Contractor: Tribalco LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2014-02-14

End Date: 2014-11-12

Contract Duration: 271 days

Daily Burn Rate: $118.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: LAND MOBILE RADIO -- TF SIGNAL SUPPORT FOR CJOA-A IGF::OT::IGF

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $32.0 million to TRIBALCO LLC for work described as: LAND MOBILE RADIO -- TF SIGNAL SUPPORT FOR CJOA-A IGF::OT::IGF Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the fixed-price nature of the contract, though specific performance metrics are not detailed. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, with a defined period of performance and a single delivery order. 4. Performance context is limited to signal support for specific operational areas. 5. Sector positioning is within the telecommunications equipment manufacturing industry, supporting federal communications infrastructure.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's total value of $32 million for signal support services is within a reasonable range for federal telecommunications contracts. As a firm-fixed-price contract, the pricing structure aims to control costs for the government. Benchmarking against similar land mobile radio support contracts is difficult without more detailed service descriptions and performance data. However, the single delivery order suggests a focused scope of work.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The presence of 3 bidders suggests a moderate level of competition for this specific requirement. A competitive process generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition likely resulted in a more competitive price for taxpayers compared to a sole-source or limited competition award.

Public Impact

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service benefits from enhanced radio communication capabilities. Services delivered include essential signal support for land mobile radio systems. Geographic impact is likely concentrated in areas where the CJOA-A IGF operates. Workforce implications are related to the technical expertise required for maintaining and supporting radio communication systems.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to fully assess value for money.
Limited public information on the specific operational areas supported by the signal.
The contract duration of less than a year for the delivery order may indicate a short-term need or a phased approach.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, ensuring a competitive bidding process.
Firm-fixed-price contract type helps control costs and provides budget certainty.
The contractor, TRIBALCO LLC, is a recognized entity in federal contracting.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader telecommunications and wireless communications equipment manufacturing sector. This sector is critical for providing reliable communication infrastructure for government operations, including public safety and resource management. Federal spending in this area supports the development, deployment, and maintenance of essential communication networks. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve other contracts for radio systems, network support, and communication equipment for federal agencies.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract included a small business set-aside. Given the nature of the services and the contractor, it is unlikely that significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses were a primary focus, though this cannot be definitively determined from the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract structure, requiring delivery of specified services. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases, though detailed operational performance data may be internal.

Related Government Programs

Federal Land Mobile Radio Systems
Department of the Interior Communications Infrastructure
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Operational Support

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep if initial requirements were underestimated.
Dependence on a single delivery order for a potentially ongoing need.
Limited public data on specific performance metrics and outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $32.0 million to TRIBALCO LLC. LAND MOBILE RADIO -- TF SIGNAL SUPPORT FOR CJOA-A IGF::OT::IGF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRIBALCO LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $32.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2014-02-14. End: 2014-11-12.

What is the specific operational context for the 'CJOA-A IGF' mentioned in the contract description?

The 'CJOA-A IGF' likely refers to a specific operational command or area within the purview of the Department of the Interior or its associated agencies, possibly related to law enforcement, environmental protection, or resource management. Without further context or declassification, the precise meaning remains specific to the agency's internal designations. The 'LAND MOBILE RADIO -- TF SIGNAL SUPPORT' indicates that the contract's purpose is to provide essential signal transmission and reception capabilities for radio communication systems used by personnel operating within this designated area. This is crucial for maintaining situational awareness, coordinating activities, and ensuring the safety of personnel in remote or challenging environments.

How does the $32 million contract value compare to typical spending on land mobile radio support for federal agencies?

The $32 million contract value for land mobile radio (LMR) signal support is substantial but not unusual for federal agencies requiring robust and reliable communication systems, especially those operating in diverse or remote terrains like those managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. LMR systems are critical for public safety and operational coordination. The cost can vary significantly based on the geographic coverage required, the complexity of the terrain, the number of users, the technology employed (e.g., analog vs. digital, encryption), and the level of service and maintenance provided. For agencies with extensive field operations, such as wildlife management or border patrol, investing in reliable LMR infrastructure and support is a necessity. Benchmarking requires comparing specific service levels, duration, and technological scope, but this figure aligns with significant federal investments in communication capabilities.

What are the potential risks associated with a single delivery order contract of this value?

A single delivery order contract, even for a substantial amount like $32 million, typically implies a defined scope of work for a specific period or project. The primary risk is that the scope might be too narrowly defined, potentially leading to follow-on contracts or a need for a new, larger contract if the requirements expand or change. If the delivery order covers a critical, long-term need, there's a risk of vendor lock-in if future competition is limited. However, for a defined project or a specific upgrade, a single delivery order can be an efficient way to procure services. The firm-fixed-price nature mitigates cost overrun risks for the government, but performance risks remain if the contractor fails to deliver adequate signal support.

What is TRIBALCO LLC's track record with federal contracts, particularly in telecommunications?

TRIBALCO LLC has a significant track record of federal contracting, particularly with agencies like the Department of the Interior and the Department of Defense. Their contract history often includes work related to IT services, telecommunications, and logistics. Information available through federal procurement databases generally shows them as an established contractor capable of handling large-value awards. Their experience in providing signal support and telecommunications equipment aligns with the nature of this contract. A deeper dive into their past performance reviews and specific project outcomes would provide a more granular assessment of their capabilities and reliability in delivering similar services.

How does the 'Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing' NAICS code relate to the 'Land Mobile Radio' service provided?

The NAICS code 334220, 'Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing,' is relevant because land mobile radio (LMR) systems rely heavily on manufactured equipment, including transmitters, receivers, antennas, and control systems. While the contract is for 'signal support,' this often involves the installation, maintenance, and optimization of the infrastructure that manufactures and transmits radio signals. Therefore, the contractor may be involved in ensuring the proper functioning of manufactured LMR equipment or providing services that are intrinsically linked to the lifecycle of such manufactured goods. It signifies that the contract is associated with the industry that produces the hardware essential for LMR communication.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Communications Equipment Manufacturing › Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: INSTALLATION OF EQUIPMENT › INSTALLATION OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4915 SAINT ELMO AVE STE 501, BETHESDA, MD, 20814

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, Government, Native American Tribal Government, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, Tribally Owned Firm, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $32,045,111

Exercised Options: $32,045,111

Current Obligation: $32,045,111

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: SERVICES PURSUANT TO FAR 12.102(G)

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: INF11PC00161

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline