DoD's $13.5M contract for TCWS integration and fielding awarded to SMARTRONIX, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,522,674 ($13.5M)

Contractor: Smartronix, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2007-10-19

End Date: 2011-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,442 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: PROVIDE INTEGRATION AND FIELDING OF UPDATED TCWS

Place of Performance

Location: QUANTICO, PRINCE WILLIAM County, VIRGINIA, 22134

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $13.5 million to SMARTRONIX, LLC for work described as: PROVIDE INTEGRATION AND FIELDING OF UPDATED TCWS Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in critical defense technology. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a potentially competitive bidding process for this service. 3. Contract duration of over 3 years indicates a long-term need for these services. 4. Fixed-price contract type may offer cost certainty but could limit flexibility. 5. The contractor, SMARTRONIX, LLC, has a history of performance within the defense sector. 6. This contract falls under 'Other Computer Related Services', a broad category.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this $13.5 million contract is challenging without specific performance metrics or comparable service costs. The firm-fixed-price structure suggests an attempt to control costs, but the overall value for money depends heavily on the successful integration and fielding of the updated TCWS. Without more granular data on the scope of work and expected outcomes, a definitive assessment of value is difficult. However, the duration and total value indicate a substantial commitment by the Department of the Navy.

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 3 bidders identified, this suggests a moderate level of competition. While not a large number of bidders, it is sufficient to provide some price discovery and ensure that the government receives proposals from multiple qualified entities. The specific details of the bidding process and the nature of the competition would provide further insight into its effectiveness.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to more favorable pricing and innovative solutions, preventing potential price gouging associated with less competitive solicitations.

Public Impact

The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Navy, is the primary beneficiary, receiving updated TCWS capabilities. Services delivered include the integration and fielding of updated Tactical Combat Warning Systems (TCWS). The geographic impact is likely focused on naval operational areas and bases where these systems are deployed. Workforce implications may include the need for specialized technical personnel for integration and maintenance, potentially impacting military and civilian roles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if integration challenges are underestimated.
Risk of schedule delays impacting operational readiness.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical system updates.
Ensuring long-term sustainment and maintenance post-fielding.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
Contractor has experience in similar defense IT services.
Clear objective of updating critical combat warning systems.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader IT services sector, specifically focusing on defense-related computer services. The market for defense IT integration and fielding is substantial, driven by the continuous need for technological upgrades to maintain military superiority. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other contracts for similar system integration and deployment within the Department of Defense or other military branches, looking at contract values, durations, and scope of work to assess if this $13.5 million award is within expected ranges for such services.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a specific small business set-aside, as indicated by 'sb: false'. The prime contractor, SMARTRONIX, LLC, is likely a mid-to-large-sized business. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether SMARTRONIX engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities, which is not detailed in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program executive office within the Department of the Navy responsible for TCWS. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, requiring delivery of specified services. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific performance details may be sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Defense Information Technology Contracting
Tactical Systems Modernization
Naval Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) Systems
Military Communication Systems Integration
Combat Systems Fielding and Support

Risk Flags

Potential for integration complexity
Schedule adherence risk
Long-term sustainment planning needed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $13.5 million to SMARTRONIX, LLC. PROVIDE INTEGRATION AND FIELDING OF UPDATED TCWS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SMARTRONIX, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $13.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-10-19. End: 2011-09-30.

What is the specific nature of the 'updated TCWS' being integrated and fielded?

The 'updated TCWS' refers to the Tactical Combat Warning System, a critical component of military operations designed to alert personnel to immediate threats. The specific updates likely involve enhancements to sensor integration, data processing, communication capabilities, or user interface to improve situational awareness and response times. Without further details on the system's technical specifications or the nature of the 'updates,' it's difficult to ascertain the full scope of technological advancement. However, the context suggests improvements aimed at increasing the system's effectiveness in detecting and reporting enemy actions or environmental hazards in real-time on the battlefield.

How does the $13.5 million contract value compare to similar TCWS integration contracts within the DoD?

Comparing the $13.5 million value of this SMARTRONIX, LLC contract to similar TCWS integration contracts requires access to a broader dataset of DoD procurements. However, based on general knowledge of defense IT and systems integration, this figure appears to be within a moderate range for a multi-year project involving integration and fielding of specialized systems. Larger, more complex system-wide overhauls or the initial development of entirely new warning systems could cost significantly more, potentially hundreds of millions or billions. Conversely, smaller, localized upgrades or maintenance contracts would likely be valued in the low millions or less. The duration of this contract (approximately 4 years) also suggests a scope that justifies this investment level for a significant upgrade.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of this contract?

Specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract are not detailed in the provided data. However, typical KPIs for system integration and fielding contracts in the DoD often include metrics related to system reliability (e.g., Mean Time Between Failures - MTBF), operational availability (percentage of time the system is functional), successful integration with existing networks and platforms, adherence to schedule milestones, and user satisfaction or effectiveness ratings. For TCWS, KPIs might also focus on the accuracy and timeliness of threat detection and warning dissemination. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract implies that meeting defined technical and operational requirements within budget and schedule would be paramount for successful performance.

What is SMARTRONIX, LLC's track record with similar defense IT integration contracts?

SMARTRONIX, LLC has a documented history of performing IT and C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) services for the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. Their portfolio often includes network modernization, cybersecurity, cloud solutions, and systems integration. While specific details on their TCWS integration experience are not provided here, their general expertise in complex defense IT environments suggests they possess the foundational capabilities required for this contract. Past performance evaluations, available through government contracting databases, would offer a more detailed assessment of their success in delivering similar projects on time and within budget.

What are the potential risks associated with the 'integration and fielding' aspect of this contract?

The 'integration and fielding' aspects of this contract carry several potential risks. Integration risks include compatibility issues between the updated TCWS components and existing military hardware, software, and networks; unforeseen technical challenges requiring extensive troubleshooting; and the need for specialized technical expertise that may be scarce. Fielding risks involve logistical challenges in deploying systems to various operational locations, potential resistance or training gaps among end-users, environmental factors at deployment sites, and ensuring adequate security during the transition. Delays in either integration or fielding can impact operational readiness and potentially lead to cost overruns, even under a fixed-price contract, if scope changes or unforeseen issues necessitate contract modifications.

How has spending on 'Other Computer Related Services' by the Department of the Navy trended over the past five years?

Analyzing the spending trends for 'Other Computer Related Services' (NAICS code 541519) by the Department of the Navy over the past five years would require access to detailed historical contract databases. Generally, spending in this category within the DoD has been substantial and often increasing, driven by the continuous need for IT modernization, cybersecurity enhancements, cloud migration, and the integration of new technologies across various platforms. Contracts like this one, for specialized system integration and fielding, represent a significant portion of that spending. Without specific data, it's reasonable to assume a consistent demand for such services, reflecting the Navy's ongoing investment in maintaining and upgrading its technological capabilities to meet evolving mission requirements.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

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: 22685 THREE NOTCH RD STE E, CALIFORNIA, MD, 05

Business Categories: Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $30,403,728

Exercised Options: $13,522,674

Current Obligation: $13,522,674

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline