DoD Awards $177M for DCGS-A Tech Insertion Support to Leidos, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $176,684,720 ($176.7M)

Contractor: Leidos, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2011-09-23

End Date: 2014-09-24

Contract Duration: 1,097 days

Daily Burn Rate: $161.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: DISTRIBUTED COMMON GROUND SYSTEM - ARMY (DCGS-A) TECHNOLOGY INSERTION SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, HARFORD County, MARYLAND, 21005

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $176.7 million to LEIDOS, INC. for work described as: DISTRIBUTED COMMON GROUND SYSTEM - ARMY (DCGS-A) TECHNOLOGY INSERTION SUPPORT Key points: 1. Leidos, Inc. secured a significant contract for crucial Army intelligence technology. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The use of Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing introduces potential cost overruns. 4. This spending falls within Engineering Services, a sector vital for defense modernization.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure can lead to higher final costs compared to fixed-price contracts if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar CPFF contracts for complex IT systems is necessary to assess value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

Awarded under full and open competition, this method generally promotes competitive pricing. However, the CPFF structure may limit the direct price discovery benefits typically seen in fixed-price contracts.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may face increased costs due to the CPFF pricing structure, which allows for reimbursement of costs plus a fixed fee, potentially exceeding initial estimates if costs escalate.

Public Impact

Enhances critical intelligence capabilities for the U.S. Army. Supports the modernization of battlefield information systems. Impacts soldiers' ability to access and analyze data in theater. Ensures technological relevance in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • CPFF pricing structure carries inherent cost escalation risk.
  • Contract duration is substantial, increasing exposure to changing requirements.
  • No small business participation noted.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded through full and open competition.
  • Supports a critical defense intelligence program.
  • Technology insertion ensures system modernization.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Engineering Services, specifically related to intelligence systems. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority in defense, with benchmarks varying widely based on system complexity and scope.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates no small business participation in this contract. This suggests that the prime contractor, Leidos, Inc., did not subcontract with small businesses for this specific award, potentially missing opportunities for small business engagement.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded via a delivery order under a larger contract, implying some level of pre-qualification. However, the CPFF structure necessitates robust oversight to control costs and ensure performance aligns with the fixed fee.

Related Government Programs

  • Engineering Services
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing model.
  • Long contract duration.
  • No small business participation.
  • Potential for scope creep.
  • Reliance on a single large contractor.

Tags

engineering-services, department-of-defense, md, delivery-order, 100m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $176.7 million to LEIDOS, INC.. DISTRIBUTED COMMON GROUND SYSTEM - ARMY (DCGS-A) TECHNOLOGY INSERTION SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LEIDOS, 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 $176.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2011-09-23. End: 2014-09-24.

What is the projected cost efficiency of the CPFF contract compared to alternative pricing models for similar technology insertion programs?

CPFF contracts are generally less cost-efficient for the government than fixed-price contracts, as they shift cost risk to the government. While they allow for flexibility in evolving projects, they require stringent oversight to prevent cost overruns. Benchmarking against fixed-price or cost-plus-incentive-fee contracts for comparable IT modernization efforts would reveal potential savings lost.

What are the primary risks associated with the long duration and CPFF structure of this contract for the Department of the Army?

The primary risks include potential cost overruns due to the CPFF structure, where contractor profit is fixed regardless of actual costs incurred. The long duration (nearly 3 years) increases the risk of scope creep, requirement changes, and technological obsolescence, potentially leading to a system that is outdated or over budget by completion.

How effectively does this contract support the Army's long-term intelligence technology modernization goals?

The contract's effectiveness hinges on Leidos's ability to deliver timely and relevant technological insertions within the defined scope. While supporting modernization, the CPFF structure and lack of explicit small business involvement might indicate missed opportunities for innovation or cost savings. Continuous monitoring of performance metrics and adherence to modernization roadmaps are crucial.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesArchitectural, Engineering, and Related ServicesEngineering Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT)PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Leidos Holdings, Inc.

Address: 3000 LINCOLN DR E, MARLTON, NJ, 08053

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $568,406,686

Exercised Options: $369,049,511

Current Obligation: $176,684,720

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W15P7T06DE405

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2011-09-23

Current End Date: 2014-09-24

Potential End Date: 2014-09-24 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2022-09-02

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