DOJ's $39.5M IT Support Services BPA Call Order to General Dynamics awarded under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $39,482,012 ($39.5M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2020-05-15

End Date: 2021-04-14

Contract Duration: 334 days

Daily Burn Rate: $118.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: IT

Official Description: IT SUPPORT SERVICES BPA CALL ORDER

Place of Performance

Location: FALLS CHURCH, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22042

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $39.5 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: IT SUPPORT SERVICES BPA CALL ORDER Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the scope of IT support services provided. 2. The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, with performance context needing further examination. 4. This contract positions General Dynamics as a key IT service provider within the Department of Justice. 5. The IT support sector is highly competitive, with numerous vendors vying for government contracts.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $39.5 million for IT support services over approximately one year appears to be within a reasonable range for a large federal agency like the Department of Justice. Benchmarking against similar IT support contracts awarded by other agencies for comparable services would provide a more precise value assessment. However, the use of a BPA Call Order suggests a pre-negotiated framework, which can often lead to more efficient pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this method of procurement generally fosters a competitive environment, which should lead to more favorable pricing and better service offerings for the government. The agency likely sought to maximize competition to ensure the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition through potentially lower prices and higher quality services due to the pressure on contractors to be competitive.

Public Impact

The Department of Justice benefits from enhanced IT support, ensuring the smooth operation of its various offices and programs. Federal employees within the DOJ will have access to reliable IT infrastructure and technical assistance. The contract supports the delivery of justice services by ensuring the underlying technology is robust and functional. The geographic impact is primarily within the operational areas of the Department of Justice, likely nationwide. The contract supports jobs within the IT sector, particularly for General Dynamics Information Technology and its potential subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if follow-on contracts are not competitively procured.
Reliance on a single large contractor could reduce flexibility in adapting to rapidly changing IT needs.
Ensuring continued cost-effectiveness throughout the contract's life requires ongoing performance monitoring.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive process.
General Dynamics Information Technology is a large, established federal contractor with a proven track record.
The use of a BPA Call Order suggests a streamlined procurement process for essential IT services.

Sector Analysis

The IT support services sector is a critical component of government operations, encompassing a wide range of activities from help desk support to complex system maintenance. The federal government is a significant consumer of these services, with spending often concentrated in areas like custom computer programming, IT infrastructure management, and cybersecurity. This contract fits within the broader category of IT services procurement, where agencies rely on specialized vendors to maintain and upgrade their technological capabilities. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other large IT support contracts awarded to major federal IT vendors.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the data indicates no small business participation (ss: false, sb: false). As a large contract awarded to a major prime contractor, there may be opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors. However, without specific subcontracting plans or reporting, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is unclear. Agencies are encouraged to ensure small business participation goals are met through subcontracting where feasible.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program office within the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs. Performance monitoring, adherence to service level agreements, and financial accountability are key oversight mechanisms. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. The Inspector General's office for the Department of Justice may also conduct audits or investigations related to contract performance and spending.

Related Government Programs

IT Services
IT Support
General Services Administration (GSA) Schedules
Department of Justice IT Modernization Efforts
Custom Computer Programming Services

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in
Scope creep risk
Performance variability
Cybersecurity vulnerabilities
Ensuring competitive follow-on procurements

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $39.5 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. IT SUPPORT SERVICES BPA CALL ORDER

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 Justice (Office of Justice Programs).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $39.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-05-15. End: 2021-04-14.

What is the track record of General Dynamics Information Technology with the Department of Justice and other federal agencies for IT support services?

General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) is a major federal contractor with extensive experience providing IT support services across numerous government agencies, including the Department of Justice. Their track record generally includes large-scale IT modernization, infrastructure management, and cybersecurity solutions. For the DOJ specifically, GDIT has held various contracts for IT services, demonstrating a capacity to meet the complex needs of law enforcement and justice administration. Performance reviews and past performance information in federal procurement databases would offer more granular detail on their specific successes and challenges with similar contracts. Their long-standing presence suggests a generally positive working relationship and capability to deliver on complex IT requirements.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar IT support services procured by other federal agencies?

Direct comparison of pricing for this specific BPA Call Order is challenging without access to detailed pricing structures and labor rates, which are often proprietary. However, the contract was awarded under 'full and open competition,' which theoretically drives competitive pricing. General Dynamics Information Technology is a large, established vendor, and their rates are likely benchmarked against market standards for similar large-scale IT support. To perform a robust comparison, one would need to analyze the labor categories, hours, and specific services rendered against similar contracts awarded by agencies like the Department of Defense or DHS. The use of a BPA Call Order suggests that pricing was likely negotiated within a pre-existing framework, potentially offering efficiencies.

What are the primary risks associated with this IT support services contract for the Department of Justice?

Key risks for this IT support services contract include potential over-reliance on a single vendor, which could lead to reduced flexibility and innovation if not managed properly. There's also a risk of scope creep, where the services required expand beyond the initial agreement, potentially increasing costs. Performance degradation or failure to meet Service Level Agreements (SLAs) is another significant risk, impacting the DOJ's operational efficiency. Furthermore, cybersecurity vulnerabilities introduced or not adequately managed by the contractor pose a substantial risk. Ensuring continuous alignment with evolving technological needs and maintaining competitive pressure through contract management are crucial mitigation strategies.

How effective has General Dynamics Information Technology been in delivering IT support services under similar federal contracts?

General Dynamics Information Technology has a broad history of delivering IT support services across the federal government. Their effectiveness is generally reflected in contract performance ratings, though specific details are often not publicly disclosed in full. As a major player, they typically manage complex projects and have established processes for service delivery. Success metrics would likely include uptime of systems, response times for support requests, successful implementation of upgrades, and overall client satisfaction as reported by the contracting agency. While specific performance data for this exact contract is limited in the provided data, GDIT's continued success in winning and performing on large federal IT contracts suggests a generally effective delivery capability.

What are the historical spending patterns for IT support services within the Department of Justice, and how does this contract fit?

The Department of Justice, like most large federal agencies, has consistently allocated significant portions of its budget to IT support services to maintain its vast and complex technological infrastructure. Historical spending patterns reveal a trend towards outsourcing these services to specialized contractors to leverage expertise and manage costs efficiently. This $39.5 million BPA Call Order represents a specific instance of this ongoing investment. It fits within the broader pattern of the DOJ procuring IT support to ensure the operational readiness of its systems, which are critical for law enforcement, judicial processes, and administrative functions. Understanding the total IT budget and other IT contracts awarded by the DOJ would provide a more complete picture of their spending landscape.

What is the potential impact of this contract on the IT labor market in Virginia, where the contract is managed?

Given that the contract is managed in Virginia (SN: VIRGINIA), this award to General Dynamics Information Technology likely has a positive impact on the local IT labor market. Large federal IT contracts often lead to job creation or the retention of existing jobs for IT professionals, including system administrators, network engineers, cybersecurity specialists, and help desk technicians. GDIT, as a major employer, may hire additional staff or utilize existing personnel based in the region to fulfill the contract requirements. The demand for skilled IT labor in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, which includes Virginia, is consistently high, and this contract contributes to that demand, potentially offering competitive employment opportunities.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Custom Computer Programming Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 15PTDD20Q00000002

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: General Dynamics Corporation

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: $39,482,012

Exercised Options: $39,482,012

Current Obligation: $39,482,012

Actual Outlays: $50,186

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15PTDD20A00000001

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline