Army's Software Engineering Directorate contracts over $922M for IT support services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $922,864,971 ($922.9M)
Contractor: Science Applications International Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2009-09-30
End Date: 2014-09-14
Sector: IT
Official Description: SYSTEMS AND COMPUTER RESOURCES SUPPORT (SCRS) FOR THE SOFTWARE ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE (SED), U.S. ARMY RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING COMMAND (USA RDECOM)
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $922.9 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION for work described as: SYSTEMS AND COMPUTER RESOURCES SUPPORT (SCRS) FOR THE SOFTWARE ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE (SED), U.S. ARMY RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING COMMAND (USA RDECOM) Key points: 1. Significant contract awarded to a single large business. 2. Long-term contract spanning over five years. 3. Potential for vendor lock-in due to specialized IT support. 4. Focus on R&D and engineering support for Army software.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of over $922 million for IT support is substantial, indicating a significant need for these services. The duration of the contract suggests a sustained requirement for specialized software engineering support.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This appears to be a sole-source award, meaning competition was likely limited or not pursued. Further details would be needed to confirm the justification for a sole-source procurement.
Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source contracts can sometimes lead to higher costs for taxpayers if competitive pricing is not achieved.
Public Impact
Ensures continued development and maintenance of critical Army software. Supports advanced research and engineering initiatives. Impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of Army technological capabilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may result in higher costs.
- Long-term reliance on a single vendor could pose risks.
- Potential for scope creep or unmanaged cost growth over time.
Positive Signals
- Provides essential, specialized IT support for Army R&D.
- Ensures continuity of critical software engineering services.
- Supports the Army's technological advancement goals.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT and Defense sectors, specifically supporting software engineering and research for the U.S. Army. Such contracts are crucial for maintaining and advancing military technological capabilities.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to a large business and was not set aside for small businesses. This indicates that the scope and nature of the services required were deemed best met by a larger, established contractor.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically involve contract performance reviews, milestone tracking, and financial audits to ensure the contractor meets requirements and stays within budget. The Department of the Army is responsible for this oversight.
Related Government Programs
- Systems and Computer Resources Support
- Software Engineering Directorate Support
- IT Services for RDECOM
Risk Flags
- Sole-source justification
- Potential for vendor lock-in
- Long-term contract duration
Tags
it-support, software-engineering, army, rdecom, dod, sole-source, large-business, it-services, research-and-development
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $922.9 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION. SYSTEMS AND COMPUTER RESOURCES SUPPORT (SCRS) FOR THE SOFTWARE ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE (SED), U.S. ARMY RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING COMMAND (USA RDECOM)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $922.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2009-09-30. End: 2014-09-14.
Analysis insight 1
The contract's sole-source nature warrants scrutiny regarding the justification for limited competition.
Analysis insight 2
Performance metrics and delivery outcomes are key to assessing the value received for the significant investment.
Analysis insight 3
Understanding the specific software systems supported provides context for the contract's importance.