DoD Awards $124M for MIDS JTRS Terminals to Data Link Solutions LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $124,045,448 ($124.0M)
Contractor: Data Link Solutions LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-06-30
End Date: 2025-12-31
Contract Duration: 915 days
Daily Burn Rate: $135.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: MIDS JTRS TERMINALS (WITH WARRANTY)
Place of Performance
Location: CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN County, IOWA, 52498
State: Iowa Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $124.0 million to DATA LINK SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: MIDS JTRS TERMINALS (WITH WARRANTY) Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single vendor, Data Link Solutions LLC. 2. The contract is for MIDS JTRS Terminals with warranty. 3. Spending is categorized under 'Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing'. 4. The contract duration is 915 days. 5. The award amount is $124,045,448.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $124,045,448 for MIDS JTRS Terminals appears significant. Benchmarking against similar complex communication equipment contracts is necessary to assess if the pricing is competitive, especially considering the inclusion of a warranty.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically allows for the best price discovery. However, the specific details of the competition and the number of bids received are not provided, making it difficult to fully assess price effectiveness.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical defense communication equipment. The effectiveness of the competition process will directly impact the value for money achieved.
Public Impact
Ensures operational readiness for naval forces through advanced communication systems. Supports the MIDS JTRS program, a key component of military interoperability. Potential for technological advancements in secure military communications.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of detailed competition metrics.
- Potential for vendor lock-in with specialized equipment.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Includes warranty, potentially reducing long-term maintenance costs.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically related to communications equipment manufacturing. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority and interoperability among military branches. Benchmarks for similar complex electronic systems are typically in the millions to billions of dollars.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and was awarded to Data Link Solutions LLC. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is primarily the responsibility of the Department of the Navy. The contract type (firm fixed price) and the inclusion of a warranty suggest a degree of accountability for performance and product quality.
Related Government Programs
- Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Single vendor award.
- Lack of detailed competition metrics.
- Potential for long-term vendor dependency.
- High contract value requires careful monitoring.
Tags
other-communications-equipment-manufactu, department-of-defense, ia, delivery-order, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $124.0 million to DATA LINK SOLUTIONS LLC. MIDS JTRS TERMINALS (WITH WARRANTY)
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 $124.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-06-30. End: 2025-12-31.
What was the competitive landscape during the bidding process for this contract?
While the contract was awarded under 'full and open competition,' the provided data does not specify the number of bids received or the nature of the competitive proposals. Understanding the number of qualified bidders and the range of proposed prices would offer greater insight into the effectiveness of the competition in driving down costs and ensuring the best value for the government.
What are the specific risks associated with relying on a single vendor for MIDS JTRS Terminals?
The primary risks include potential vendor lock-in, limited negotiation leverage for future contracts, and supply chain vulnerabilities if the sole vendor faces production issues. While this award is for a specific period, long-term reliance could stifle innovation and increase costs if alternative solutions are not explored.
How does the inclusion of a warranty impact the overall effectiveness and cost of this contract?
The warranty is a positive factor, as it shifts some of the long-term maintenance and repair costs to the vendor, potentially increasing the overall effectiveness of the contract by ensuring operational readiness. It also provides a baseline level of assurance regarding the quality and reliability of the MIDS JTRS terminals, contributing to better value for taxpayer money.
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: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
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: $124,045,448
Exercised Options: $124,045,448
Current Obligation: $124,045,448
Actual Outlays: $881,259
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: 2023-06-30
Current End Date: 2025-12-31
Potential End Date: 2025-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-19
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