TribalCo LLC awarded $31.5M contract for Land Mobile Radio services by the Department of the Interior

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,555,025 ($31.6M)

Contractor: Tribalco LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2014-11-13

End Date: 2015-11-12

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $86.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: LAND MOBILE RADIO - JNCC/A IGF::OT::IGF

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $31.6 million to TRIBALCO LLC for work described as: LAND MOBILE RADIO - JNCC/A IGF::OT::IGF Key points: 1. Contract value of $31.5 million over one year indicates significant investment in communication infrastructure. 2. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive bidding process, which can drive better pricing. 3. The contract's focus on radio and wireless communications equipment manufacturing places it within a critical technology sector. 4. A single delivery order under a larger contract structure warrants scrutiny for potential scope creep or unfulfilled requirements. 5. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs, but requires careful monitoring of performance to ensure value. 6. The relatively short duration of one year may necessitate frequent re-competition or extensions, impacting long-term stability.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $31.5 million for a one-year term for Land Mobile Radio services appears substantial. Benchmarking against similar contracts for radio communication systems is difficult without more specific service details. However, the award amount suggests a significant investment. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty for the government, assuming the scope of work is well-defined and achievable within the budget. Without comparative data on per-unit costs or service levels, a definitive value-for-money assessment is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. With three bidders participating, the competition level appears moderate. This suggests that while multiple companies were interested, the market may not be saturated with providers for this specific service. Moderate competition can lead to reasonable pricing, but the ultimate impact on price discovery depends on the aggressiveness of the bids and the government's negotiation strategy.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down prices and encourage innovation. The presence of multiple bidders suggests that taxpayer funds are likely being used more efficiently than in a sole-source scenario.

Public Impact

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service benefits from enhanced communication capabilities essential for its operations. This contract supports the delivery of critical Land Mobile Radio services, likely for field agents and operational staff. The geographic impact is likely nationwide, supporting the dispersed nature of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's mission. The contract supports jobs within the wireless communications equipment manufacturing and service sectors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if the delivered system is proprietary and difficult to integrate with other systems.
Risk of cost overruns if the fixed-price contract does not adequately account for unforeseen technical challenges or scope changes.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical communication infrastructure could pose a risk if the contractor faces financial instability or operational issues.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a potentially competitive and fair pricing structure.
Fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government, mitigating budget risks.
The contract supports a critical government function (communication) for a key agency (USFWS).

Sector Analysis

The Land Mobile Radio (LMR) market is a vital segment of the broader wireless communications industry, essential for public safety, government operations, and critical infrastructure. This sector involves the manufacturing and deployment of specialized radio systems designed for reliable, two-way voice and data communication. The Department of the Interior's spending in this area reflects the ongoing need for robust and secure communication networks for its diverse field operations. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without detailed service parameters, but LMR systems represent a significant capital and operational expenditure for government agencies.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. The award to TribalCo LLC, a company that may or may not be classified as a small business, means the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is unclear from the provided data. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was encouraged or mandated through subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the contracting officer and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's program management. The Department of the Interior's Office of Inspector General (OIG) would have jurisdiction to investigate any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, but detailed performance monitoring and reporting specifics are often internal to the agency.

Related Government Programs

Federal Land Mobile Radio Services
Department of Interior Communications Systems
Wireless Communications Equipment Procurement
Public Safety Radio Networks

Risk Flags

Potential for technical obsolescence
Security vulnerabilities in communication systems
Dependence on contractor for critical infrastructure
Adequacy of fixed-price contract for evolving technology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $31.6 million to TRIBALCO LLC. LAND MOBILE RADIO - JNCC/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 $31.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2014-11-13. End: 2015-11-12.

What is the specific nature of the Land Mobile Radio services provided under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'LAND MOBILE RADIO - JNCC/A IGF::OT::IGF' awarded to TRIBALCO LLC by the Department of the Interior's U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. While the specific service details are not fully elaborated in the summary data, Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systems typically encompass the provision, installation, maintenance, and operation of two-way radio communication networks. These systems are crucial for enabling real-time voice and sometimes data communication for personnel operating in the field, often in remote or challenging environments. For the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this could involve supporting wildlife monitoring, law enforcement, search and rescue operations, and general operational coordination across vast geographical areas. The 'JNCC/A IGF::OT::IGF' designation likely refers to specific technical requirements, project codes, or operational units within the agency that necessitate these radio services.

How does the $31.5 million contract value compare to historical spending on similar services by the Department of the Interior?

Comparing the $31.5 million contract value requires context on the scope and duration of similar Land Mobile Radio (LMR) services procured by the Department of the Interior (DOI) historically. This contract has a duration of one year. If the DOI has previously awarded multi-year contracts for LMR systems or services, this annual value might represent a portion of a larger program or a standalone service agreement. Without access to historical procurement data for LMR within the DOI, it's challenging to definitively state if $31.5 million is high, low, or average. However, LMR systems are critical infrastructure, and significant investments are common. Factors like the number of users, geographic coverage, required features (e.g., encryption, data capabilities), and maintenance levels would influence the cost. A single-year contract at this value suggests either a specific project need or a potentially recurring operational expense.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or service level agreements (SLAs) associated with this contract?

The provided summary data does not explicitly detail the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for this Land Mobile Radio contract. However, for LMR services, typical KPIs and SLAs would focus on critical aspects such as system availability (uptime percentage), network reliability (e.g., call success rate, latency), response times for maintenance and repairs, and potentially coverage metrics (ensuring signal strength in designated operational areas). For a fixed-price contract, the government would expect the contractor, TribalCo LLC, to meet predefined performance standards to ensure the communication systems are operational and effective for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's mission. The absence of explicit KPIs in the summary data means that a thorough assessment of performance expectations and potential penalties or incentives is not possible from this information alone.

What is TribalCo LLC's track record with government contracts, particularly in the communications sector?

The provided data indicates that TribalCo LLC was awarded this $31.5 million contract for Land Mobile Radio services. To assess their track record, one would need to examine their broader contract history with federal agencies. This would involve looking at past performance on similar communication system contracts, their history of meeting deadlines and quality standards, and any past performance evaluations or disputes. Information on their financial stability and experience in deploying and maintaining LMR systems would also be relevant. Without access to a comprehensive federal procurement database or specific performance reviews for TribalCo LLC, it is difficult to provide a detailed assessment of their track record beyond this single award.

Are there any identified risks associated with this contract, such as technical obsolescence or security vulnerabilities?

Potential risks associated with this Land Mobile Radio contract include technical obsolescence and security vulnerabilities. LMR technology evolves, and systems deployed today could become outdated relatively quickly, requiring future upgrades or replacements. The contract's duration (one year) might mitigate long-term obsolescence risk for the government if it allows for flexibility in future procurements. Security is paramount for government communications; therefore, the contract should stipulate robust security measures to protect against unauthorized access, interception, or disruption of communications. The specific nature of the 'JNCC/A IGF' designation might imply specific security protocols are required. Without detailed contract clauses on technology refresh cycles and cybersecurity requirements, these risks remain potential concerns.

How does the competition level (3 bidders) impact the potential for cost savings or innovation for the government?

Having three bidders for this Land Mobile Radio contract suggests a moderate level of competition. While more bidders generally lead to greater price pressure and potentially lower costs, three bidders still provide a basis for comparison and negotiation. This level of competition indicates that the market is not a monopoly or duopoly, allowing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to select from multiple viable options. It can encourage bidders to offer competitive pricing and potentially innovative solutions to win the contract. However, the ultimate impact on cost savings and innovation depends on the specific capabilities and pricing strategies of the three competing firms, as well as the government's procurement strategy and negotiation effectiveness.

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: $31,555,025

Exercised Options: $31,555,025

Current Obligation: $31,555,025

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