DoD's MIDS JTRS SE&I Contract Awarded to Data Link Solutions LLC for $77.3M
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $77,315,665 ($77.3M)
Contractor: Data Link Solutions LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2022-06-10
End Date: 2025-07-17
Contract Duration: 1,133 days
Daily Burn Rate: $68.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: IT
Official Description: MIDS JTRS SE&I
Place of Performance
Location: CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN County, IOWA, 52498
State: Iowa Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $77.3 million to DATA LINK SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: MIDS JTRS SE&I Key points: 1. The contract is for MIDS JTRS SE&I, a critical communication system. 2. Data Link Solutions LLC is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. The contract duration is over three years, indicating a significant investment. 4. The sector is primarily IT and Defense, with potential for broader communication applications.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The awarded amount of $77.3M is substantial for a single award.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
While the contract states 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION', the award to a single entity suggests potential limitations in the bidding process or a specific need met by this vendor.
Taxpayer Impact: The substantial value of the contract means taxpayers are funding a significant portion of this defense communication system.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operational capability for a vital military communication system. Supports the Department of the Navy's readiness and interoperability goals. Potential for technological advancements in secure data links for military operations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
- Single award may indicate limited competition or specialized requirements.
- Long contract duration requires ongoing oversight.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical need for the Department of Defense.
- Likely incorporates advanced communication technology.
- Supports national security objectives.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Information Technology and Defense sectors, specifically focusing on communication equipment manufacturing. Spending benchmarks for similar SE&I contracts can vary widely based on system complexity and scope.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific provisions or awards made to small businesses under this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was considered or achieved.
Oversight & Accountability
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates robust oversight from the Department of the Navy to ensure costs remain reasonable and within the fixed fee parameters. Regular performance reviews and audits are crucial.
Related Government Programs
- Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
- Limited competition despite 'Full and Open' designation.
- Long contract duration requires sustained oversight.
- Lack of transparency on small business participation.
Tags
other-communications-equipment-manufactu, department-of-defense, ia, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $77.3 million to DATA LINK SOLUTIONS LLC. MIDS JTRS SE&I
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is DATA LINK SOLUTIONS 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 $77.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-06-10. End: 2025-07-17.
What specific capabilities does the MIDS JTRS SE&I provide, and how critical are they to current and future DoD operations?
The MIDS JTRS SE&I (Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System Software Engineering and Integration) program is crucial for providing secure, jam-resistant, high-volume data and voice communication capabilities to various military platforms. Its importance lies in enabling real-time situational awareness and interoperability among different branches of the armed forces, which is vital for modern combat effectiveness and coordinated operations.
Given the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION' designation, why was the award made to a single vendor, and what was the competitive landscape?
While designated as 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION', the award to a single vendor, Data Link Solutions LLC, suggests that either only one offer was received, or the government determined that only one offer met the requirements. This could be due to highly specialized technical requirements, unique capabilities possessed by the vendor, or a flawed solicitation process. Further investigation into the bidding process and evaluation criteria is needed to fully understand the competitive dynamics.
How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type impact the government's ability to control costs and ensure value for money for this $77.3M award?
The CPFF structure allows the contractor to recover all allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee. While it facilitates the acquisition of complex services where cost estimation is difficult, it inherently shifts some cost risk to the government. Effective oversight, stringent cost controls, and clear performance metrics are essential to prevent cost overruns and ensure the government receives good value for its investment in the MIDS JTRS SE&I program.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Communications Equipment Manufacturing › Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: N0003919R1000
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: RTX Corp
Address: 350 COLLINS RD NE, CEDAR RAPIDS, IA, 52498
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $78,837,872
Exercised Options: $78,837,872
Current Obligation: $77,315,665
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: N0003920D0057
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-06-10
Current End Date: 2025-07-17
Potential End Date: 2025-07-17 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-04
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