DoD Awards $6M for Spectrum HS AMP Test Config AMP WRA, Highlighting Potential Value and Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,050,504 ($6.1M)

Contractor: W S Darley & CO

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-12-23

End Date: 2027-12-06

Contract Duration: 713 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 29

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: 4570364745!SPECTRUM HS AMP TEST CONFIG AMP WRA

Place of Performance

Location: ITASCA, DUPAGE County, ILLINOIS, 60143

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $6.1 million to W S DARLEY & CO for work described as: 4570364745!SPECTRUM HS AMP TEST CONFIG AMP WRA Key points: 1. The contract value of $6.05M for specialized equipment suggests a significant investment in testing capabilities. 2. Full and open competition after exclusion of sources indicates a structured procurement process, though the exclusion warrants scrutiny. 3. The 713-day duration points to a long-term need for these testing configurations. 4. The 'Service Establishment Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers' category suggests a focus on specialized operational readiness.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $6.05M for 29 units appears reasonable given the specialized nature of 'Service Establishment Equipment and Supplies'. Benchmarking against similar complex testing configurations would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: $208,572

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The procurement utilized 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting an initial broad solicitation followed by a specific exclusion. This method aims for competitive pricing while ensuring specialized requirements are met, but the rationale for exclusion needs to be clear.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is positive for taxpayer value, ensuring the government receives fair pricing for essential equipment.

Public Impact

Ensures readiness for critical Department of Defense operations by providing necessary testing equipment. Supports the Defense Logistics Agency's mission to equip and sustain military forces. The long-term contract duration suggests sustained operational requirements and potential for follow-on procurements.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 84 / 10

Warning Flags

Exclusion of sources in a full and open competition needs clear justification.
Lack of specific Product Service Code (PSC) makes detailed sector benchmarking difficult.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a broad market search.
Long contract duration suggests a stable and predictable need.
Firms Fixed Price contract type mitigates cost overrun risk.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the 'Service Establishment Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers' category, often associated with specialized military operational support. Spending in this niche can fluctuate based on technological advancements and geopolitical needs.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this specific procurement. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The award is managed by the Defense Logistics Agency, a key component of DoD oversight for supply chain and logistics. The 'Delivery Order' type suggests it's part of a larger contract vehicle, implying existing oversight mechanisms.

Related Government Programs

Service Establishment Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers
Department of Defense Contracting
Defense Logistics Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for reduced competition due to source exclusion.
Lack of detailed Product Service Code (PSC) hinders precise sector analysis.
Need for further justification on the exclusion of sources.
Per-unit cost requires robust benchmarking against similar advanced systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $6.1 million to W S DARLEY & CO. 4570364745!SPECTRUM HS AMP TEST CONFIG AMP WRA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is W S DARLEY & CO.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Logistics Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $6.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-12-23. End: 2027-12-06.

What was the specific reason for excluding certain sources in the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' process, and how did this impact the final price?

The exclusion of sources, even within a full and open competition framework, requires a documented justification, often related to unique capabilities, security requirements, or prior performance. Understanding this rationale is crucial to assess if it led to a narrowed field of bidders, potentially impacting price discovery and overall value for money. Without this information, it's difficult to definitively state the price impact.

How does the per-unit cost of $208,572 compare to similar advanced testing configurations within the defense sector?

Benchmarking this per-unit cost against comparable advanced testing configurations is essential for a thorough value assessment. Factors like technological sophistication, specific functionalities, and manufacturer reputation influence pricing. A detailed comparison with similar systems procured by DoD or allied nations would reveal if this price point represents a competitive market rate or suggests potential overpayment.

What is the long-term strategic importance of the 'SPECTRUM HS AMP TEST CONFIG AMP WRA' for the Department of Defense's operational effectiveness?

The 713-day duration and specialized nature of this equipment suggest it plays a critical role in maintaining or enhancing the operational effectiveness of specific defense systems. Understanding its function within testing protocols for spectrum management, amplification, or related technologies is key. This insight would clarify the necessity of the investment and its contribution to overall mission readiness and technological superiority.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Wholesale Trade › Machinery, Equipment, and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers › Service Establishment Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers

Product/Service Code: FIRE/RESCUE/SAFETY; ENVIRO PROTECT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 29

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 325 SPRING LAKE DR, ITASCA, IL, 60143

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,050,504

Exercised Options: $6,050,504

Current Obligation: $6,050,504

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SPE8EJ21D1025

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline