Commerce Department Awards $128M Task Order to General Dynamics for WCOSS Phase 1
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
Sector: IT
Official Description: TASK ORDER 0001 FOR WCOSS PHASE 1. BBA FUNDED
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 investment in weather and climate operational support. 2. Competition details are limited, raising potential concerns. 3. Long-term contract duration presents execution risks. 4. Focus on modernization of critical weather systems.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award amount of $128.2 million represents a substantial investment in the Weather and Climate Operational Support System (WCOSS) Phase 1. This funding is crucial for modernizing NOAA's infrastructure.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: unknown
The contract type is a Delivery Order, indicating it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. Specifics on the competition for this task order are not readily available.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to upgrade essential weather forecasting capabilities.
Public Impact
Improved accuracy and timeliness of weather forecasts. Enhanced climate monitoring and research capabilities. Potential for more effective disaster preparedness and response.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of transparency in the competition process.
- Potential for cost overruns given the multi-year duration.
- Reliance on a single vendor for critical infrastructure.
Positive Signals
- Modernization of vital weather and climate systems.
- Long-term commitment to a critical national service.
- Experienced contractor with a track record in IT services.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT and government services sector, specifically supporting critical national infrastructure for weather and climate operations. Modernizing such systems is vital for public safety and economic stability.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this was not a small business set-aside. General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. is a large business, suggesting limited direct opportunities for small businesses on this specific task order.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) within the Department of Commerce. The multi-year nature of the contract necessitates ongoing monitoring of performance and expenditures.
Related Government Programs
- WCOSS Phase 1
- Weather and Climate Operational Support Systems
- NOAA IT Modernization
Risk Flags
- Competition
- Contract Duration
- Vendor Lock-in
Tags
weather-data, climate-data, it-modernization, government-contract, department-of-commerce, noaa, general-dynamics, weather-forecasting, climate-research, task-order
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.
Analysis insight 1
The BBA funding source suggests this contract is tied to specific legislative appropriations.
Analysis insight 2
Understanding the competitive landscape of the parent IDIQ contract would provide further insight.
Analysis insight 3
The phased approach implies subsequent task orders may follow for full system implementation.
Analysis insight 4
Assessing the specific IT services provided under this task order is key to evaluating its value.