DoD's $139M Manpack Radio Procurement: Rockwell Collins Wins Competitive Contract
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $138,956,120 ($139.0M)
Contractor: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-09-23
End Date: 2028-02-15
Contract Duration: 2,336 days
Daily Burn Rate: $59.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: MANPACK FY21 COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT.
Place of Performance
Location: CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN County, IOWA, 52498
State: Iowa Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $139.0 million to ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC. for work described as: MANPACK FY21 COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT. Key points: 1. Significant investment in essential communication equipment for the Army. 2. Competition was robust, indicating potential for good value. 3. Risk is moderate, given the firm-fixed-price contract and established vendor. 4. Sector focus is on critical defense communications technology.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The $139 million contract awarded to Rockwell Collins appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale defense electronics procurements suggests competitive pricing, though specific per-unit cost analysis is needed for definitive assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically drives competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value. The use of a delivery order mechanism suggests a structured procurement process.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from competitive bidding, which aims to secure necessary defense equipment at the most economical price possible.
Public Impact
Ensures soldiers have reliable communication capabilities in the field. Supports domestic manufacturing and technological advancement in the defense sector. Contributes to national security by equipping the armed forces with modern technology.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 59 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if delivery schedules are not met.
- Reliance on a single vendor for a critical component.
- Technological obsolescence if not updated regularly.
Positive Signals
- Firm-fixed-price contract limits cost uncertainty.
- Competitive procurement process likely secured favorable pricing.
- Long-term contract provides budget stability for this capability.
Sector Analysis
This procurement falls within the Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing sector, a critical area for defense. Spending benchmarks in this sector are highly variable, but large-scale procurements like this are typical for maintaining advanced military communication systems.
Small Business Impact
While the primary awardee is Rockwell Collins, a large corporation, the contract may indirectly benefit small businesses through subcontracts. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation in the supply chain.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Army managed this procurement, utilizing a delivery order under a larger contract. Oversight would focus on contract performance, delivery timelines, and adherence to specifications to ensure accountability and taxpayer value.
Related Government Programs
- Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in.
- Risk of technological obsolescence.
- Dependence on contractor's supply chain.
- Budgetary impact of long-term commitments.
Tags
radio-and-television-broadcasting-and-wi, department-of-defense, ia, delivery-order, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $139.0 million to ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC.. MANPACK FY21 COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT.
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 $139.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-09-23. End: 2028-02-15.
What is the specific per-unit cost of the Manpack radios, and how does it compare to industry benchmarks for similar tactical communication systems?
The provided data does not include a specific per-unit cost. To assess value accurately, a detailed breakdown of the total contract value against the number of units procured is necessary. This would allow for a direct comparison with industry benchmarks for tactical radios, factoring in features, durability, and technological sophistication.
What are the key performance metrics and reliability standards for these Manpack radios, and what mechanisms are in place to ensure they meet these requirements throughout the contract period?
The contract likely specifies detailed performance metrics and reliability standards for the Manpack radios. Oversight mechanisms would include acceptance testing upon delivery, field performance monitoring, and warranty provisions. The firm-fixed-price nature incentivizes the contractor to deliver reliable equipment meeting all specifications to avoid costly rework or penalties.
How will the government ensure the technological relevance of these radios over the contract's duration, given the rapid pace of innovation in wireless communications?
Ensuring technological relevance typically involves contract clauses for upgrades, trade-ins, or technology refresh initiatives. The government may also leverage future competitive procurements to incorporate newer technologies. Regular reviews of emerging communication standards and capabilities will be crucial to inform future acquisition strategies and maintain operational effectiveness.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Communications Equipment Manufacturing › Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - NETWORK
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 2
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: $139,251,671
Exercised Options: $138,956,120
Current Obligation: $138,956,120
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 8
Total Subaward Amount: $2,948,972
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: 2021-09-23
Current End Date: 2028-02-15
Potential End Date: 2028-02-15 12:02:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-09
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