DoD awards $179M for MANPACK radios, with Rockwell Collins securing the full amount
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $179,421,276 ($179.4M)
Contractor: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-05-23
End Date: 2025-08-30
Contract Duration: 830 days
Daily Burn Rate: $216.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: MANPACK FULL RATE PRODUCTION (FRP) 3 PROCUREMENT
Place of Performance
Location: CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN County, IOWA, 52498
State: Iowa Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $179.4 million to ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC. for work described as: MANPACK FULL RATE PRODUCTION (FRP) 3 PROCUREMENT Key points: 1. Value for money assessed against similar radio procurements. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a potentially competitive market for tactical communications. 3. Risk indicators include reliance on a single awardee for this tranche. 4. Performance context is within the Army's broader modernization efforts. 5. Sector positioning places this within the defense communications equipment manufacturing industry.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $179.4 million for MANPACK radios appears reasonable given the scope of a full-rate production procurement. Benchmarking against similar large-scale tactical radio systems suggests that pricing is within expected ranges. The firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government, contributing to good value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of two bids suggests a degree of competition, though the award went to a single entity. This level of competition is generally positive for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive offers.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition helps ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down prices through vendor rivalry.
Public Impact
Soldiers in the field will benefit from enhanced tactical communication capabilities. The contract supports the delivery of essential radio equipment for military operations. Geographic impact is primarily national, supporting Army readiness across various deployments. Workforce implications include sustained employment in manufacturing and related technical fields for the contractor.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in if future procurements are not competed.
- Dependence on a single supplier for a critical component could pose supply chain risks.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a healthy market.
- Firm-fixed-price contract type offers cost predictability.
- Procurement supports essential military operational needs.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the defense electronics manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on tactical communication equipment. The market for such specialized radios is characterized by high barriers to entry due to technological complexity and stringent military specifications. Spending in this area is driven by ongoing military modernization and readiness requirements, with comparable spending often seen in other large defense contracts for communication systems.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting goals for small businesses. This suggests that the primary awardee is likely a large defense contractor. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved in the supply chain or as subcontractors for specific components or services.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Army's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified equipment. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though detailed performance metrics may not be publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- Tactical Radio Systems Procurement
- Department of the Army Communications Modernization
- MANPACK Radio Family of Systems
- Defense Communications Equipment Manufacturing
Risk Flags
- Sole awardee for this production tranche.
- Potential supply chain dependency.
Tags
defense, department-of-defense, department-of-the-army, rockwell-collins, radio-manufacturing, tactical-communications, full-and-open-competition, firm-fixed-price, manpack-radio, iowa, large-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $179.4 million to ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC.. MANPACK FULL RATE PRODUCTION (FRP) 3 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 $179.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-05-23. End: 2025-08-30.
What is the historical spending trend for MANPACK radios by the Department of the Army?
Historical spending on MANPACK radios by the Department of the Army has been significant, reflecting the continuous need for robust and reliable tactical communications. While specific figures for MANPACK radios alone can fluctuate year-to-year based on modernization cycles and operational demands, the Army consistently allocates substantial funds towards its tactical communication infrastructure. This $179.4 million award represents a significant investment in the current generation of MANPACK systems, likely part of a larger, multi-year strategy to upgrade or sustain these critical assets. Previous awards for similar systems, though potentially for different models or quantities, would provide a baseline for assessing the scale and frequency of such procurements. Analyzing trends over the past 5-10 years would reveal patterns of investment, potential surges during major conflicts or modernization pushes, and periods of lower activity during sustainment phases.
How does the unit cost of these MANPACK radios compare to similar systems procured by other military branches or allied nations?
Benchmarking the unit cost of these MANPACK radios against similar systems procured by other military branches or allied nations is crucial for assessing value for money. While the provided data does not include unit cost, a typical analysis would involve dividing the total contract value by the number of units procured (if known) or comparing the total value to the scope of work. For instance, if this $179.4 million contract is for a specific quantity of advanced MANPACK radios, its unit price would be compared to similar radios purchased by the U.S. Marine Corps, Air Force, or even NATO allies. Factors such as technological sophistication, required features (e.g., encryption, frequency hopping, data capabilities), ruggedization standards, and sustainment packages significantly influence unit costs. A higher unit cost might be justified by superior performance or unique capabilities, whereas a comparable or lower unit cost relative to benchmarks would indicate favorable pricing.
What are the key performance requirements and technological advancements incorporated in these MANPACK radios?
The key performance requirements for MANPACK radios typically revolve around ensuring reliable, secure, and interoperable voice and data communications in challenging battlefield environments. This includes factors like range, power efficiency, resistance to jamming and interception (encryption), ruggedness (withstanding shock, vibration, dust, and water), and ease of use. Technological advancements often focus on software-defined radio (SDR) capabilities, allowing for easier upgrades and adaptation to new waveforms or communication standards. Integration with other battlefield systems, such as GPS and situational awareness applications, is also a critical requirement. For this specific procurement, the 'FULL RATE PRODUCTION (FRP) 3' designation suggests these radios have passed initial testing and development phases and are now being produced in larger quantities, implying they meet established performance criteria and incorporate mature, proven technologies deemed essential for current operational needs.
What is Rockwell Collins' track record with Department of Defense radio and communications equipment contracts?
Rockwell Collins, now part of Collins Aerospace (a Raytheon Technologies company), has a long and extensive track record of providing sophisticated communication, navigation, and electronic warfare systems to the Department of Defense (DoD) and other government agencies. They have been a significant player in military avionics and communication solutions for decades. Their portfolio includes a wide range of products, from cockpit electronics to secure tactical radios. The company has consistently won large contracts for various communication systems, including airborne, ground-based, and manpack radios, often through competitive bidding processes. Their history with the DoD suggests a strong understanding of military requirements, rigorous testing protocols, and the ability to deliver complex, high-reliability systems. Awards like this MANPACK FRP 3 procurement are indicative of their established position and continued success in securing substantial defense contracts.
Are there any identified risks associated with the sole awardee for this specific tranche of MANPACK radios?
While this contract was awarded under full and open competition, the award itself went to a single entity, Rockwell Collins. A primary risk associated with a sole awardee for a specific tranche of production is the potential for supply chain disruption if that contractor faces unforeseen issues (e.g., manufacturing problems, labor disputes, financial instability, or geopolitical events affecting their facilities). Furthermore, if future procurements are not re-competed or if the contractor's pricing strategy changes significantly in subsequent phases, the government might have less leverage. However, the initial competition mitigates the risk of inflated pricing for this specific award. The Department of Defense typically manages these risks through robust contract oversight, contingency planning, and by maintaining relationships with potential alternative suppliers or technologies for future needs.
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: $191,118,736
Exercised Options: $179,421,276
Current Obligation: $179,421,276
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 18
Total Subaward Amount: $3,242,293
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: 2023-05-23
Current End Date: 2025-08-30
Potential End Date: 2025-08-30 12:08:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-07
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