GSA awards $474.6M IMDC2 technical support task order to Science Applications International Corporation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $474,565,650 ($474.6M)

Contractor: Science Applications International Corporation

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2020-09-18

End Date: 2026-03-17

Contract Duration: 2,006 days

Daily Burn Rate: $236.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS ACTION IS TO AWARD THIS TASK ORDER FOR INTEGRATED MULTI-DOMAIN COMMAND AND CONTROL (IMDC2) TECHNICAL SUPPORT.

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20301

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $474.6 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS ACTION IS TO AWARD THIS TASK ORDER FOR INTEGRATED MULTI-DOMAIN COMMAND AND CONTROL (IMDC2) TECHNICAL SUPPORT. Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee, which incentivizes contractor performance. 3. The duration of the task order is approximately 5.5 years, indicating a long-term need. 4. The task order is for Integrated Multi-Domain Command and Control (IMDC2) technical support, a critical defense capability. 5. The awardee, Science Applications International Corporation, is a large, established government contractor. 6. The contract is a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, implying a streamlined procurement process.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of $474.6 million over 5.5 years for specialized technical support in a critical defense area appears reasonable. While specific benchmarking data for IMDC2 technical support is not provided, the Cost Plus Award Fee structure allows for performance-based adjustments, potentially driving value. Comparing this to similar large-scale, long-term technical support contracts for complex defense systems would provide a more precise value assessment. The pricing structure will be heavily influenced by the award fee criteria, which are not detailed here.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This task order was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The specific number of bidders is not detailed, but this procurement method generally fosters price discovery and allows the government to select the best value. The competitive nature suggests that the pricing is likely to be more market-aligned than in a sole-source scenario.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically leads to more competitive pricing and a wider range of innovative solutions, ensuring the government receives the best possible value for its investment.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense agencies requiring Integrated Multi-Domain Command and Control (IMDC2) technical support. The services delivered will enhance the technical capabilities and operational effectiveness of critical command and control systems. The contract is geographically focused on the District of Columbia, indicating a concentration of support activities in the capital region. The contract supports highly skilled technical professionals, likely impacting the defense technology workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The Cost Plus Award Fee structure requires careful monitoring of award fee criteria to ensure alignment with government objectives and prevent potential cost overruns.
The long duration of the task order necessitates ongoing performance management to ensure sustained value and adapt to evolving technological needs.
The complexity of IMDC2 systems implies a high degree of technical expertise required, making contractor performance critical.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust and competitive selection process.
The Cost Plus Award Fee structure incentivizes contractor performance and alignment with government goals.
The task order addresses a critical defense capability, indicating strategic importance and potential for significant impact.
The awardee, SAIC, has a substantial track record in government contracting, suggesting experience and capability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector (NAICS 541330), specifically supporting advanced defense technology. The market for defense IT and command and control systems is substantial, driven by continuous modernization efforts and evolving geopolitical landscapes. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large technical support contracts for complex defense systems, particularly those related to C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) and multi-domain operations.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions (SS=false, SB=false). Therefore, small businesses are unlikely to be direct prime contractors. However, Science Applications International Corporation, as a large prime contractor, may engage small businesses for subcontracting opportunities to fulfill specific technical requirements or meet socio-economic goals, though this is not explicitly stated in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this task order will likely be managed by the contracting agency, the General Services Administration (GSA), through its Federal Acquisition Service, and the requiring agency (likely a component of the Department of Defense). Accountability measures will be tied to the performance metrics and award fee criteria outlined in the contract. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of contract awards, though detailed performance reports and specific award fee determinations are typically internal.

Related Government Programs

Integrated Command and Control Systems
Defense Technical Support Services
Multi-Domain Operations Support
Information Technology Services for Defense
Engineering Services for Government

Risk Flags

Contract duration exceeds 5 years
Cost-plus contract type requires careful oversight
Complex technical requirements for IMDC2 systems

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $474.6 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION. THE PURPOSE OF THIS ACTION IS TO AWARD THIS TASK ORDER FOR INTEGRATED MULTI-DOMAIN COMMAND AND CONTROL (IMDC2) TECHNICAL SUPPORT.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $474.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-09-18. End: 2026-03-17.

What is the historical spending pattern for Integrated Multi-Domain Command and Control (IMDC2) technical support by the government?

Historical spending on IMDC2 technical support is not explicitly detailed in the provided data. However, the significant value of this $474.6 million task order, awarded in 2020 and extending to 2026, suggests a substantial and ongoing government investment in this capability. Trends in defense spending indicate a growing emphasis on multi-domain operations, which require sophisticated command and control systems. Therefore, it is reasonable to infer that government spending in this area has been increasing and is likely to remain robust, driven by the need to integrate disparate military assets across land, sea, air, space, and cyber domains. Further analysis would require examining historical contract awards for similar services across relevant defense agencies.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar IMDC2 technical support contracts?

Direct comparison of pricing for this $474.6 million task order to similar IMDC2 technical support contracts is challenging without access to a broader dataset of comparable awards. The contract type, Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF), means the final cost is variable and depends on performance. Benchmarking would require analyzing contracts with similar scope, duration, complexity, and contractor capabilities. Factors such as the specific technical requirements, security clearances, geographic location of services, and the competitive landscape at the time of award all influence pricing. The fact that it was awarded under full and open competition suggests a degree of market-driven pricing, but a definitive value-for-money assessment requires more granular comparative data.

What is Science Applications International Corporation's (SAIC) track record with similar government contracts?

Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) has a well-established and extensive track record as a major government contractor, particularly within the defense sector. They frequently secure large contracts for complex technical support, IT services, engineering, and systems integration. SAIC has a history of supporting command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) systems, as well as advanced research and development initiatives for various branches of the U.S. military and intelligence agencies. Their experience in delivering technical solutions for large-scale, mission-critical programs suggests they possess the necessary expertise and capacity to execute this IMDC2 task order effectively. Reviewing their past performance on similar contracts, including any past performance evaluations or award fee outcomes, would provide further insight.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Potential risks include the complexity of integrating multi-domain command and control systems, which can lead to technical challenges and schedule delays. The CPAF contract type, while incentivizing performance, requires careful oversight to ensure award fees are justified and do not inflate costs unnecessarily. Contractor performance is also a risk; if SAIC fails to meet performance standards, the effectiveness of IMDC2 capabilities could be compromised. Mitigation strategies likely include robust program management by both GSA and the requiring agency, clearly defined performance metrics and award fee criteria, regular progress reviews, and potentially contingency planning for technical issues. The full and open competition process itself helps mitigate risks by selecting a capable contractor.

How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of the government's defense capabilities?

This contract directly contributes to the government's defense capabilities by providing essential technical support for Integrated Multi-Domain Command and Control (IMDC2). IMDC2 is crucial for enabling seamless communication, data sharing, and coordinated action across all military domains (land, sea, air, space, cyber) and with allied forces. Effective IMDC2 allows for faster decision-making, improved situational awareness, and more efficient allocation of resources in complex operational environments. By ensuring the technical integrity and operational readiness of these systems, the contract enhances the warfighter's ability to conduct joint and combined operations, thereby strengthening overall national security.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 12010, SUNSET HILLS ROAD, RESTON, VA, 20190

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $878,224,955

Exercised Options: $878,224,955

Current Obligation: $474,565,650

Actual Outlays: $-27,238

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 400

Total Subaward Amount: $295,146,060

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADU130

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline