DoD Awards $32.3M for ICE Test Adapter Kits to Science and Engineering Services, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,266,808 ($32.3M)

Contractor: Science and Engineering Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2008-07-22

End Date: 2010-02-10

Contract Duration: 568 days

Daily Burn Rate: $56.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: ICE TEST ADAPTER KIT

Place of Performance

Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35810

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $32.3 million to SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SERVICES, LLC for work described as: ICE TEST ADAPTER KIT Key points: 1. Contract awarded for specialized electronic computer manufacturing components. 2. Significant award value for a niche product. 3. Competition method suggests potential for better pricing. 4. Sector context points to defense-specific needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $32.3 million for 568 units suggests a per-unit cost of approximately $56,868. Benchmarking this against similar specialized electronic components is difficult without more data, but it appears high.

Cost Per Unit: $56,868

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating a limited competition. This method may have restricted the pool of potential bidders, potentially impacting price discovery and overall value.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition raises concerns about whether taxpayers received the best possible price for these adapter kits.

Public Impact

Ensures operational readiness for specific Department of the Army testing equipment. Supports the development and maintenance of critical defense technology. Potential for cost overruns due to limited competition.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Limited competition may lead to higher costs.
  • Lack of clear PSC code makes benchmarking difficult.
  • High per-unit cost warrants further investigation.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded to a specific company for a specialized need.
  • Contract duration is defined.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT and Defense sectors, specifically related to electronic computer manufacturing. Spending in this area is often driven by specific military requirements and technological advancements, with costs varying widely based on complexity and volume.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Science and Engineering Services, LLC. There is no indication that small businesses were involved as subcontractors or prime contractors in this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of the Army. Oversight would typically involve contract management officials ensuring delivery and adherence to terms, with accountability resting on the contracting officer and the vendor.

Related Government Programs

  • Electronic Computer Manufacturing
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

  • Limited competition raises concerns about price.
  • High per-unit cost.
  • Lack of detailed justification for excluding sources.
  • Potential for vendor lock-in.

Tags

electronic-computer-manufacturing, department-of-defense, al, do, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $32.3 million to SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SERVICES, LLC. ICE TEST ADAPTER KIT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SERVICES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $32.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-07-22. End: 2010-02-10.

What specific testing requirements necessitate such a high per-unit cost for the ICE Test Adapter Kit?

The high per-unit cost of approximately $56,868 for the ICE Test Adapter Kit likely stems from its specialized nature, requiring advanced engineering, unique materials, and potentially low-volume production runs. The specific testing applications within the Department of the Army likely demand highly precise and robust components that are not mass-produced, driving up the cost per unit.

How did the 'exclusion of sources' in the competition impact the final price and value for the government?

The 'exclusion of sources' inherently limits the competitive landscape. While it might have been necessary due to specific technical requirements or existing relationships, it likely reduced the number of bidders, potentially leading to a higher price than if full and open competition had been feasible. This method requires careful justification to ensure value for taxpayer money.

What is the long-term effectiveness and necessity of these ICE Test Adapter Kits for the Department of the Army?

The long-term effectiveness and necessity depend on the evolving testing protocols and technological needs of the Department of the Army. If these kits are integral to maintaining critical systems or developing new capabilities, their value is high. However, ongoing review is needed to ensure they remain relevant and cost-effective compared to alternative solutions or technological upgrades.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingComputer and Peripheral Equipment ManufacturingElectronic Computer Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Science and Engineering Services LLC (UEI: 783196348)

Address: 4015 PULASKI PIKE NW, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 05

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $32,266,808

Exercised Options: $32,266,808

Current Obligation: $32,266,808

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W15P7T05DB201

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2008-07-22

Current End Date: 2010-02-10

Potential End Date: 2010-02-10 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2010-09-20

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