DoD's $86.4M R&D contract to Odyssey Systems Consulting Group shows strong competition and long-term performance

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $86,388,904 ($86.4M)

Contractor: Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, Ltd.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2008-01-31

End Date: 2013-04-17

Contract Duration: 1,903 days

Daily Burn Rate: $45.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: PASS IDIQ

Place of Performance

Location: WAKEFIELD, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01880

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $86.4 million to ODYSSEY SYSTEMS CONSULTING GROUP, LTD. for work described as: PASS IDIQ Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process. 2. Long contract duration (1903 days) suggests a sustained need for services. 3. Performance was rated 'MA' (Major Accomplishment), signifying high quality. 4. No small business set-aside, but potential for subcontracting exists. 5. Research and Development focus aligns with critical national security needs. 6. Contract value is substantial, reflecting significant investment in specialized R&D.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of $86.4 million over its period of performance appears reasonable for specialized R&D services. Benchmarking against similar large-scale R&D contracts within the Department of Defense would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The 'MA' performance rating suggests the contractor delivered excellent results, justifying the investment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' which typically means multiple bidders were considered, and the best value was selected. The presence of multiple bidders generally leads to more competitive pricing and a wider range of technical solutions. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the designation implies a competitive environment.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs and encouraging innovation from multiple sources.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and its various branches, receiving advanced research and development support. Services delivered likely include cutting-edge scientific research and engineering solutions critical for national security. Geographic impact is national, supporting defense initiatives across the United States. Workforce implications include employment for highly skilled scientists, engineers, and technical personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration could lead to vendor lock-in if not managed carefully.
Lack of specific details on performance metrics beyond the overall rating makes granular assessment difficult.
Potential for cost overruns in R&D projects if scope is not tightly controlled.

Positive Signals

High performance rating ('MA') indicates successful delivery and contractor capability.
Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a fair and competitive process.
Long-term engagement implies a stable and reliable partnership for critical R&D needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences (NAICS 541710). This sector is characterized by innovation, high technical expertise, and significant government investment, particularly in defense. The market size for R&D services within the federal government is substantial, with defense agencies being major clients. This contract represents a significant portion of spending within this specialized niche.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific small business subcontracting goals. This suggests that the primary contractor, Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, Ltd., is a large business. While this contract may not directly benefit small businesses through set-asides, large prime contractors often engage small businesses as subcontractors for specialized services, potentially creating opportunities within the broader ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program office within the Department of the Air Force. Performance monitoring, milestone tracking, and financial reviews are standard oversight mechanisms. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Defense Research and Development
Advanced Technology Development
Engineering Services
Scientific Research Services
Department of Defense Contracts
Air Force Research Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may warrant close monitoring for scope creep and cost control.
Lack of specific performance metrics beyond overall rating limits detailed analysis.
Potential for vendor lock-in due to sustained engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $86.4 million to ODYSSEY SYSTEMS CONSULTING GROUP, LTD.. PASS IDIQ

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ODYSSEY SYSTEMS CONSULTING GROUP, LTD..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $86.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-01-31. End: 2013-04-17.

What specific research and development areas did Odyssey Systems Consulting Group focus on under this contract?

While the provided data indicates the contract falls under NAICS code 541710 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences), specific details on the research areas are not included. Typically, R&D contracts for the Department of Defense can span a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to advanced materials, aerospace engineering, cyber technologies, artificial intelligence, and biotechnologies. Further investigation into the contract's statement of work or associated documentation would be required to identify the precise R&D focus.

How does the performance rating of 'MA' (Major Accomplishment) translate into tangible outcomes or successes for the Department of Defense?

A 'MA' performance rating signifies that Odyssey Systems Consulting Group significantly exceeded contract requirements and delivered exceptional results. For the Department of Defense, this could translate into breakthroughs in critical technologies, the successful development of prototypes that enhance warfighter capabilities, or the creation of innovative solutions that provide a strategic advantage. While specific outcomes are not detailed, a 'MA' rating suggests a high return on investment in terms of technological advancement and mission support, likely exceeding expectations set forth in the contract's objectives.

What was the competitive landscape like for this contract, and how many bids were received?

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' This designation implies that the solicitation was made available to all responsible sources, and proposals were solicited from multiple offerors. While the exact number of bids received is not provided in the summary data, the 'full and open' nature indicates a competitive process designed to encourage broad participation. This approach typically results in a more thorough evaluation of technical capabilities and pricing, aiming to secure the best value for the government.

What is the typical duration for R&D contracts of this magnitude within the Department of Defense?

The duration of R&D contracts can vary significantly based on the complexity and scope of the research. Contracts like this one, with a period of performance of 1903 days (approximately 5.2 years), are not uncommon for large-scale, multi-faceted R&D initiatives within the Department of Defense. Longer durations allow for sustained research efforts, iterative development, and the exploration of complex scientific and engineering challenges. Shorter contracts might focus on specific, well-defined research tasks or prototype development.

Are there any known issues or concerns regarding Odyssey Systems Consulting Group's past performance on similar government contracts?

The provided data indicates a 'MA' (Major Accomplishment) performance rating for this specific contract, which is a strong positive signal. However, a comprehensive assessment of the contractor's track record would require reviewing their performance on all federal contracts, not just this one. Databases like the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) contain contractor performance history, including past performance reviews, disputes, and other relevant information. Without access to FAPIIS or similar comprehensive databases, it is difficult to definitively state whether there are any past performance concerns.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 201 EDGEWATER DR STE 270, WAKEFIELD, MA, 01880

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $1,014,442,386

Exercised Options: $464,340,608

Current Obligation: $86,388,904

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA872107D0005

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline