DoD's $26.2M Tactical Radio Communication Systems Contract Awarded to General Dynamics

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $26,249,392 ($26.2M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2007-09-17

End Date: 2008-08-29

Contract Duration: 347 days

Daily Burn Rate: $75.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: CR-1870, "PROGRAM MANAGER TACTICAL RADIO COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS JOINT NETWORK NODE-NETWORK CONTRACTOR FIELD SERVICE SUPPORT"

Place of Performance

Location: EATONTOWN, MONMOUTH County, NEW JERSEY, 07724, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: New Jersey Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $26.2 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: CR-1870, "PROGRAM MANAGER TACTICAL RADIO COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS JOINT NETWORK NODE-NETWORK CONTRACTOR FIELD SERVICE SUPPORT" Key points: 1. The contract focuses on critical tactical radio communication systems, highlighting the importance of reliable network nodes for military operations. 2. General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. secured this significant award, indicating their established presence and capabilities in defense IT services. 3. The contract's duration and value suggest a substantial need for ongoing field service support, potentially indicating complex or evolving technological requirements. 4. The engineering services sector, particularly within defense, is characterized by high stakes and specialized technical demands.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $26.2M for a 347-day period appears reasonable given the specialized nature of tactical communication systems and contractor field service support. Benchmarking against similar complex defense IT support contracts would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method allows multiple qualified vendors to bid, theoretically driving down costs and ensuring the best value is obtained.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to more cost-effective contract awards.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operational readiness for critical military communication networks. Supports advanced tactical radio systems essential for battlefield command and control. Provides specialized technical expertise for network node maintenance and support. Contributes to the Department of the Army's technological infrastructure.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns in time and materials contracts if not closely monitored.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical field service support.
Scope creep could increase the final cost beyond initial estimates.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Supports essential defense communication infrastructure.
Contractor has a history of performance in defense IT.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting advanced defense communication systems. Spending in this area is often driven by national security needs and technological advancements, with significant investment required for specialized support.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, as the prime contractor is General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Army, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Robust oversight mechanisms, including performance monitoring and financial audits, are crucial to ensure effective service delivery and prevent waste.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost uncertainty.
Lack of small business participation in prime contract.
Potential for vendor lock-in on critical systems.
Contract duration may not align with long-term technology evolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $26.2 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. CR-1870, "PROGRAM MANAGER TACTICAL RADIO COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS JOINT NETWORK NODE-NETWORK CONTRACTOR FIELD SERVICE SUPPORT"

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, 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 $26.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-09-17. End: 2008-08-29.

What is the projected cost per unit for the contractor field service support, and how does it compare to industry benchmarks?

The provided data does not specify a per-unit cost for contractor field service support, as the contract is time and materials based. A detailed cost breakdown would be required to establish a per-unit benchmark. Without this, it's difficult to assess if the pricing is competitive against similar specialized support services in the defense sector.

What are the specific risks associated with relying on General Dynamics for tactical radio communication systems support, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Key risks include potential vendor lock-in, performance issues impacting critical communication, and cost overruns due to the time and materials nature of the contract. Mitigation strategies likely involve strict performance metrics, regular progress reviews, contingency planning for alternative support, and diligent cost tracking by the contracting officer.

How effectively does this contract contribute to the Department of the Army's overall network modernization and operational readiness goals?

This contract directly supports the operational readiness of tactical radio communication systems, which are vital for command and control. Its effectiveness hinges on the contractor's ability to provide timely and high-quality field service support, ensuring network nodes function optimally and contribute to the Army's broader modernization objectives.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering 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: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Computer Sciences Corporation (UEI: 009581091)

Address: 15 CHRISTOPHER WAY, EATONTOWN, NJ, 07724

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $26,433,156

Exercised Options: $26,433,156

Current Obligation: $26,249,392

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: DAAB0703DB007

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline