|
History of the PLGR Procurement
(FO4701-93-D-001) to Rockwell International, Collins Avionics & Communication
Division for the AN/PSN-11 PLGR and additional equipment.
In July 1994, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly the Soil
Conservation Service), the U.S. Forest Service, and the Agricultural Research Service,
were the first Federal Civilian Agencies to purchase PLGRs off the Air Force contract.
Modifications to the Air Force Contract were required to enable DOA to purchase
PLGRs and support equipment.
On May 7, 1996, NRCS awarded a contract (NO.54-7482-6-141) to Rockwell
International, CACD for PLGRs and accessories as provided for under the
Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Defense and authorized by the
Joint Program Office and US Space Command. The contract was for a period of one
year and then modified to include additional accessories and extended through
May 1998. All authorized FCAs were able to use the contract for procuring
PLGRs.
After May 1998, with no contract in place, Rockwell International continued to make
the PLGR and accessories available to the authorized FCAs at the same price and
delivery arrangements. FCAs were able to continue to purchase PLGRs because Rockwell
International was a sole-source; (sole-source justification is available on
request).
In April 1999, Rockwell International advised FCAs, that the availability of the
PLGRs and accessories were tentative. The Air Force Contract had been fulfilled,
and the large production of PLGR was declining. PLGRs would be added to the GSA
listing and the quantities available would be limited to a unique build of a
150 PLGRs per quarter. This would effect pricing and delivery. Rockwell International
continued to accept orders for PLGRs and accessories at the old contract price through
October 1, 1999.
In addition to the limited number of PLGRs available per quarter, the price for
the PLGR and accessories increased significantly when put on the GSA schedule.
The availability of the accessories was an additional issue since Rockwell
International doesn't make any of the accessories for the PLGR, and they, like
the FCAs are at the mercy of the sub-contractors. Availability of the
accessories could not be guaranteed, essentially eliminating the PLGR Kit as
ordered in the past. With this in mind, a new PLGR procurement strategy was
developed.
About BRD |
Science |
News & Info |
Partnerships |
Features |
Contact Us |
Search
Text-only Comments, questions or suggestions? Send email to: rspengle@usgs.gov |