NOAA Awards $128M Task Order to General Dynamics for WCOSS Phase 1 Computer Systems Design
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $128,218,072 ($128.2M)
Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2020-02-14
End Date: 2025-02-13
Contract Duration: 1,826 days
Daily Burn Rate: $70.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: TASK ORDER 0001 FOR WCOSS PHASE 1. BBA FUNDED
Place of Performance
Location: COLLEGE PARK, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20740
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $128.2 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: TASK ORDER 0001 FOR WCOSS PHASE 1. BBA FUNDED Key points: 1. Significant award for computer systems design services, indicating substantial investment in NOAA's infrastructure. 2. General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. is the sole awardee, raising questions about broader market participation. 3. The contract is Firm Fixed Price, which can offer cost certainty but may limit flexibility. 4. The award falls under the Computer Systems Design Services NAICS code, a common area for federal IT spending.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The $128.2 million award for computer systems design services appears to be within the typical range for large-scale IT projects of this nature. Benchmarking against similar NOAA or other agency IT modernization 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. However, as a single task order to one vendor, the extent of competitive pressure on this specific task order is not fully clear.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers, aiming to secure the best value. The fixed-price nature of the contract also helps in budget predictability.
Public Impact
Enhances critical weather and climate operational support capabilities for NOAA. Supports the modernization of essential government IT infrastructure. Potential for job creation within the IT sector, particularly for General Dynamics and its subcontractors. Ensures continuity of vital weather and climate data services impacting public safety and economic planning.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 75 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in given the scale and duration.
- Reliance on a single vendor for a critical system phase.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty.
- Long-term duration suggests a strategic investment.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically computer systems design. Federal spending in this area is substantial, driven by the need for modernization and enhanced capabilities across agencies. Benchmarks for similar large-scale IT system design contracts are typically in the tens to hundreds of millions of dollars.
Small Business Impact
While awarded under full and open competition, the data indicates the prime contractor is not a small business, and there is no explicit mention of small business participation goals for this specific task order. Further review would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The task order is funded by BBA (likely meaning a specific appropriation or legislative act), and awarded by NOAA within the Department of Commerce. Oversight would involve monitoring performance against the contract requirements and ensuring adherence to the firm fixed price.
Related Government Programs
- Computer Systems Design Services
- Department of Commerce Contracting
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole awardee for a significant task order.
- Long contract duration (5 years).
- Potential for vendor lock-in.
- No explicit small business participation noted.
Tags
computer-systems-design-services, department-of-commerce, md, delivery-order, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $128.2 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. TASK ORDER 0001 FOR WCOSS PHASE 1. BBA FUNDED
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 Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $128.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-02-14. End: 2025-02-13.
What specific system functionalities does WCOSS Phase 1 encompass, and how do they align with NOAA's strategic goals for weather and climate prediction?
WCOSS Phase 1 likely focuses on foundational elements of the Weather and Climate Operational Supercomputing System, crucial for processing vast amounts of meteorological data. Its alignment with NOAA's goals would involve enhancing computational power and data assimilation techniques to improve the accuracy and timeliness of weather forecasts and climate models, directly supporting public safety and economic decision-making.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this task order, and how will General Dynamics' performance be measured to ensure effective delivery of computer systems design services?
Key performance indicators would likely include system uptime, processing speed, data accuracy, successful integration of new components, and adherence to project milestones. NOAA's contracting officers and technical representatives would monitor these KPIs through regular performance reviews, site visits, and analysis of system performance data to ensure General Dynamics meets the contract's technical and schedule requirements.
Given the $128 million value and 5-year duration, what are the potential risks associated with technological obsolescence or scope creep, and what mitigation strategies are in place?
Risks include rapid technological advancements making the designed system outdated before its lifecycle ends, and scope creep expanding the project beyond initial requirements. Mitigation strategies could involve phased development with regular reviews, incorporating flexibility for technology refreshes, and strict change control processes to manage any proposed scope adjustments, ensuring they align with budget and strategic objectives.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp
Address: 3150 FAIRVIEW PARK DR STE 100, FALLS CHURCH, VA, 22042
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $128,218,072
Exercised Options: $128,218,072
Current Obligation: $128,218,072
Actual Outlays: $19,976,900
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 4
Total Subaward Amount: $6,218,753
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 1305M420DNWWX0076
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-02-14
Current End Date: 2025-02-13
Potential End Date: 2025-02-13 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-14
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