DoD awards $108M for Manpack radios, with Rockwell Collins as primary contractor
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $108,065,116 ($108.1M)
Contractor: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2020-04-22
End Date: 2024-03-30
Contract Duration: 1,438 days
Daily Burn Rate: $75.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: MANPACK GEN 2 PROGRAM LOW RATE INITIAL PROCUREMENT FOR MANPACK RADIOS AND ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT, DELIVERY ORDER 08.
Place of Performance
Location: CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN County, IOWA, 52498
State: Iowa Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $108.1 million to ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC. for work described as: MANPACK GEN 2 PROGRAM LOW RATE INITIAL PROCUREMENT FOR MANPACK RADIOS AND ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT, DELIVERY ORDER 08. Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract is for initial procurement of Manpack radios and ancillary equipment. 3. Delivery order duration of 1438 days indicates a long-term supply requirement. 4. The firm-fixed-price contract type shifts cost risk to the contractor. 5. This procurement falls under the 'Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing' NAICS code. 6. The contract is managed by the Department of the Army, a major component of the DoD. 7. The contract was awarded in April 2020 and is set to conclude in March 2024.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value for this specific delivery order is challenging without detailed cost breakdowns or comparisons to similar radio procurements. The total award amount of $108 million over approximately four years suggests a significant investment in communication equipment. However, without data on the number of units procured or the specific capabilities of the radios, a precise value-for-money assessment is difficult. The firm-fixed-price structure is generally favorable for the government in managing cost overruns, but the unit price relative to market rates for comparable military-grade radios would be a key factor in a deeper analysis.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the designation suggests a robust competitive environment. A competitive process is generally expected to drive down prices and encourage innovation as contractors vie for the award. The level of competition is a positive indicator for price discovery and achieving a fair market price for the required equipment.
Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining the best value and competitive pricing for essential defense equipment.
Public Impact
Soldiers in the field will benefit from updated and reliable communication equipment. The contract supports the modernization of the U.S. Army's tactical communication systems. Delivery of radios and ancillary equipment will occur over a multi-year period. The contract supports jobs within the defense manufacturing sector, specifically in wireless communications equipment.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of detailed unit cost information makes it difficult to assess true value for money.
- The duration of the contract could lead to technology obsolescence if not managed proactively.
- Reliance on a single primary contractor (Rockwell Collins) for this significant procurement warrants monitoring for potential supply chain risks.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive market.
- Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
- The contract supports a critical military capability (tactical communications).
Sector Analysis
The defense communications market is a significant segment within the broader aerospace and defense industry. This contract for Manpack radios falls under the manufacturing of wireless communications equipment. The U.S. Department of Defense is a major consumer of such technologies, constantly seeking to upgrade its tactical communication capabilities to maintain operational effectiveness. Spending in this sector is driven by the need for secure, reliable, and interoperable communication systems in diverse and challenging environments. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-scale radio system procurements by military branches.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that this contract included specific small business set-asides. The prime contractor, Rockwell Collins, is a large corporation. However, large defense contracts often involve subcontracting opportunities for small businesses, particularly in specialized areas of manufacturing or component supply. The extent to which small businesses will participate as subcontractors is not detailed in the provided data, but it is a common practice in the defense industrial base.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of the Army's contracting and program management offices. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of accountability by placing cost risk on the contractor. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.
Related Government Programs
- Manpack Radio Systems
- Tactical Communication Equipment
- Department of Defense Procurement
- Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration may lead to technology obsolescence.
- Limited public data on unit cost makes value assessment difficult.
- Reliance on a single prime contractor for a critical system.
Tags
defense, department-of-defense, department-of-the-army, rockwell-collins, manpack-radios, wireless-communications-equipment-manufacturing, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, delivery-order, tactical-communications, iowa
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $108.1 million to ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC.. MANPACK GEN 2 PROGRAM LOW RATE INITIAL PROCUREMENT FOR MANPACK RADIOS AND ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT, DELIVERY ORDER 08.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $108.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-04-22. End: 2024-03-30.
What is the historical spending trend for Manpack radios within the Department of the Army?
Analyzing historical spending on Manpack radios requires access to detailed procurement data over multiple fiscal years. Without specific databases or reports focused solely on this equipment category, it's challenging to provide precise figures. However, the Department of the Army has consistently invested in tactical communication systems, including Manpack radios, to equip its forces. Spending trends are typically influenced by modernization programs, operational tempo, and evolving threats. The "Low Rate Initial Procurement" (LRIP) designation for this contract suggests it is part of a larger, phased acquisition strategy, implying prior or subsequent procurements. A comprehensive review would likely show fluctuating but sustained investment in this critical capability.
How does the unit cost of these Manpack radios compare to similar systems procured by other military branches or allied nations?
A direct unit cost comparison is difficult without knowing the exact model, specifications, and quantity of radios procured under this specific delivery order. Military-grade radios are highly specialized, incorporating features like encryption, ruggedization, and specific frequency bands, which significantly impact cost. Furthermore, procurement quantities, contract types (e.g., firm-fixed-price vs. cost-plus), and negotiation leverage vary between different branches and nations. Generally, larger quantities and competitive bidding tend to lower unit costs. To perform a robust comparison, one would need access to detailed specifications and pricing data for comparable systems acquired by, for instance, the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Air Force, or NATO allies around the same period.
What are the key performance parameters and technological capabilities of the Manpack Gen 2 radios being procured?
The Manpack Gen 2 radios are designed to provide secure, reliable, and interoperable voice and data communication for soldiers on the battlefield. Key performance parameters typically include range, battery life, data throughput, resistance to electronic warfare, and ruggedization to withstand harsh environmental conditions. Technological capabilities often encompass features like software-defined radio (SDR) architecture for flexibility and future upgrades, advanced encryption algorithms (e.g., AES), network-centric capabilities for integration with other battlefield systems, and multi-band/multi-waveform operation. The 'Gen 2' designation implies an improvement over previous generations, likely incorporating advancements in miniaturization, power efficiency, and digital communication standards.
What is Rockwell Collins' track record with delivering complex communication systems to the Department of Defense?
Rockwell Collins (now part of Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies company) has a long and established history of providing sophisticated communication, navigation, and avionics systems to the Department of Defense and other government agencies. They have been a significant player in military communications for decades, delivering a wide range of products including tactical radios, airborne communication systems, and integrated mission solutions. Their track record generally includes successful delivery of complex systems, although like any large defense contractor, they may have faced challenges or scrutiny on specific programs. Their extensive experience suggests a strong capability to manage and execute large-scale procurements like the Manpack Gen 2 program.
What are the potential risks associated with the long duration (1438 days) of this delivery order?
The primary risks associated with a long delivery order duration of 1438 days (approximately 4 years) include technological obsolescence, potential for increased costs if not managed tightly, and contractor performance degradation over time. Technology in the communications sector evolves rapidly; by the end of the contract period, the 'current' generation radios might be nearing obsolescence, requiring upgrades or replacements sooner than anticipated. For the government, a firm-fixed-price contract mitigates direct cost escalation, but the initial price might not reflect the best value if technology advances significantly. Contractor performance can also fluctuate; maintaining consistent quality and delivery schedules over such an extended period requires diligent oversight and program management from both the contractor and the government.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Communications Equipment Manufacturing › Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: RTX Corp
Address: 400 COLLINS RD NE, CEDAR RAPIDS, IA, 52498
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $108,065,116
Exercised Options: $108,065,116
Current Obligation: $108,065,116
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 13
Total Subaward Amount: $4,796,281
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W15P7T16D0003
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-04-22
Current End Date: 2024-03-30
Potential End Date: 2024-03-30 12:03:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-06
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