Commerce Department awards $120M for WCOSS2 supercomputing facilities and utilities
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $119,741,831 ($119.7M)
Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2024-10-14
End Date: 2028-02-13
Sector: IT
Official Description: TO ACQUIRE THE PHASE 1 CONTINUED OPERATIONS, PART 1: FACILITIES AND UTILITIES FOR PHASE 1 MANAGED SERVICE SOLUTION FOR WEATHER AND CLIMATE OPERATIONAL SUPERCOMPUTING (WCOSS2) IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ATTACHED PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS), DATED SEP
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $119.7 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: TO ACQUIRE THE PHASE 1 CONTINUED OPERATIONS, PART 1: FACILITIES AND UTILITIES FOR PHASE 1 MANAGED SERVICE SOLUTION FOR WEATHER AND CLIMATE OPERATIONAL SUPERCOMPUTING (WCOSS2) IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ATTACHED PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS), DATED SEP Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical weather and climate supercomputing infrastructure. 2. General Dynamics Information Technology secures a large contract for managed services. 3. Long-term contract spanning over three years highlights sustained operational needs. 4. Focus on facilities and utilities suggests foundational support for advanced computing.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award of over $119 million for Phase 1 continued operations of the WCOSS2 managed service solution indicates a substantial commitment to maintaining and enhancing critical weather and climate supercomputing capabilities. This investment is crucial for ensuring the reliability and performance of systems that support vital meteorological and climate research.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: unknown
The contract type is a Delivery Order, suggesting it is part of a larger, potentially pre-existing agreement. Further details on the procurement method are not provided in the summary data.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers are funding essential infrastructure for national weather and climate services.
Public Impact
Improved accuracy and timeliness of weather forecasts. Enhanced climate modeling and research capabilities. Support for disaster preparedness and response efforts.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in long-term managed services.
- Ensuring continued technological relevance and upgrade paths for supercomputing.
Positive Signals
- Modernization of critical national infrastructure.
- Securing advanced computational resources for scientific advancement.
- Long-term operational stability for NOAA's mission.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT and scientific research sectors, specifically supporting the advanced computational needs of meteorological and climate agencies. It involves the acquisition of managed services for supercomputing facilities, which are vital for processing vast datasets and running complex simulations.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific set-aside provisions for small businesses. The awardee, General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc., is a large prime contractor.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will likely focus on the performance of the managed service solution, ensuring that the facilities and utilities meet the stringent requirements of the PWS. Regular performance reviews and adherence to delivery schedules will be key accountability measures.
Related Government Programs
- Weather and Climate Operational Supercomputing (WCOSS2)
- Managed Service Solutions
- Facilities and Utilities Acquisition
Risk Flags
- Contract duration
- Managed services complexity
Tags
weather-forecasting, climate-modeling, supercomputing, it-services, government-contracting, noaa, department-of-commerce, general-dynamics-information-technology
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $119.7 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. TO ACQUIRE THE PHASE 1 CONTINUED OPERATIONS, PART 1: FACILITIES AND UTILITIES FOR PHASE 1 MANAGED SERVICE SOLUTION FOR WEATHER AND CLIMATE OPERATIONAL SUPERCOMPUTING (WCOSS2) IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ATTACHED PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS), DATED SEP
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 $119.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-10-14. End: 2028-02-13.
Analysis insight 1
The contract's focus on 'continued operations' implies a transition or expansion from previous phases.
Analysis insight 2
The substantial value suggests a comprehensive scope for facilities and utilities management.
Analysis insight 3
The duration of the contract points to a long-term strategic investment in NOAA's computing power.