GSA awards $83.7M for C2MS III AFSOC, with 3 bidders competing for computer systems design

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $83,697,012 ($83.7M)

Contractor: Planned Systems International Inc

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2022-07-01

End Date: 2026-07-31

Contract Duration: 1,491 days

Daily Burn Rate: $56.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: C2MS III COMMAND CONTROL MISSION SYSTEMS AFSOC

Place of Performance

Location: HURLBURT FIELD, OKALOOSA County, FLORIDA, 32544

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $83.7 million to PLANNED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL INC for work described as: C2MS III COMMAND CONTROL MISSION SYSTEMS AFSOC Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the competitive nature of the award. 2. The contract was fully competed, suggesting a healthy market for these services. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, with a long performance period and time-and-materials pricing. 4. Performance context is within computer systems design services for AFSOC. 5. Sector positioning is within IT services, specifically command and control systems.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $83.7 million over approximately four years for computer systems design services is within a reasonable range for complex IT support. Benchmarking against similar large-scale command and control system development contracts suggests this award is competitive. The use of Time and Materials pricing, while flexible, warrants close monitoring to ensure cost efficiency and prevent scope creep, which could impact overall value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, with three bidders submitting proposals. The presence of multiple bidders indicates a competitive market for these specialized IT services. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and can lead to more cost-effective solutions for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are likely being used efficiently, as multiple companies vied to offer the best value.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), which will receive enhanced command and control capabilities. Services delivered include computer systems design, development, and integration. The geographic impact is primarily within Florida, where AFSOC operations are concentrated. Workforce implications include the potential for skilled IT professionals to be engaged in supporting critical defense missions.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials (T&M) pricing can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.
The long contract duration (nearly 5 years) increases the risk of technology obsolescence or changing requirements.
Reliance on a single award for critical command and control systems could pose a risk if the contractor underperforms.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust market and potential for competitive pricing.
The contractor, PLANNED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL INC, has a track record of performing government contracts.
The contract supports a critical mission for AFSOC, ensuring operational effectiveness.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically focusing on computer systems design and integration for command and control (C2) systems. The market for C2 systems is highly specialized, involving complex software development, hardware integration, and cybersecurity. Comparable spending in this area can vary widely based on system complexity and scope, but large-scale C2 system development contracts often run into tens or hundreds of millions of dollars.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal, though the prime contractor may engage small businesses as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract is likely managed by the General Services Administration (GSA) and the contracting officers within AFSOC. Accountability measures would include performance metrics, delivery schedules, and adherence to technical specifications. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, but detailed performance data may be limited.

Related Government Programs

Command and Control Systems
Air Force Special Operations Command IT Support
Computer Systems Design Services
GSA Federal Acquisition Service Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing.
Risk of technology obsolescence over the contract's long duration.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical C2 systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $83.7 million to PLANNED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL INC. C2MS III COMMAND CONTROL MISSION SYSTEMS AFSOC

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PLANNED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $83.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-07-01. End: 2026-07-31.

What is the track record of PLANNED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL INC with government contracts, particularly in IT and defense sectors?

PLANNED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL INC has a history of performing various government contracts, including those related to IT services and defense support. While specific details on past performance for similar C2 systems are not provided in this data snippet, their presence as a bidder and awardee suggests they meet basic qualification criteria. A deeper dive into their contract history, including past performance evaluations and any reported issues, would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment. Their ability to win this competitive bid indicates a level of trust and capability recognized by the GSA and AFSOC.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar command and control system development contracts for special operations forces?

The $83.7 million award for C2MS III AFSOC is substantial but falls within the expected range for complex IT development and integration projects supporting specialized military units. Contracts for developing or modernizing command and control systems can easily reach tens to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the scope, technology involved, and duration. Factors such as the specific functionalities required, the level of customization, and the integration with existing infrastructure significantly influence cost. Without direct comparisons to AFSOC-specific C2 system contracts, it's difficult to provide a precise benchmark, but the competitive award suggests it is a fair market price for the services described.

What are the primary risks associated with the Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure for this contract?

The primary risk with Time and Materials (T&M) pricing is the potential for cost escalation if not managed rigorously. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M allows the contractor to bill for actual labor hours and material costs incurred. This can lead to higher-than-anticipated costs for the government if project scope expands, inefficiencies arise, or if the contractor's billing rates are not closely monitored. For a contract of this size and duration, effective oversight by the contracting officer is crucial to ensure that the work performed is necessary, efficient, and that the rates are fair and reasonable. This structure requires proactive management to mitigate the risk of cost overruns and ensure value for taxpayer money.

How effective are GSA's oversight mechanisms in ensuring value and performance for large IT contracts like C2MS III?

GSA employs a range of oversight mechanisms for its large IT contracts, including performance monitoring, contract administration, and dispute resolution processes. For contracts like C2MS III, GSA's Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) typically assigns contract specialists to oversee performance, ensure compliance with terms, and manage financial aspects. However, the effectiveness can vary depending on the complexity of the contract, the resources allocated for oversight, and the diligence of the contracting officer's representatives (CORs). While GSA aims for robust oversight, the long duration and technical nature of C2 systems present ongoing challenges in ensuring continuous value and optimal performance throughout the contract lifecycle.

What is the historical spending trend for command and control systems within AFSOC or similar special operations commands?

Historical spending on command and control systems within AFSOC and similar special operations commands tends to be significant and often involves modernization efforts due to the rapidly evolving threat landscape and technological advancements. These systems are critical for mission success, requiring continuous investment in upgrades, integration, and maintenance. Spending patterns often reflect a mix of new system development, sustainment of existing platforms, and integration of new technologies like AI, data analytics, and enhanced communication capabilities. While specific historical figures for AFSOC C2 systems are not detailed here, it's common for such programs to receive substantial, multi-year funding allocations reflecting their strategic importance.

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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 47QFSA21R0008

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 10632 LITTLE PATUXENT PKWY STE 200, COLUMBIA, MD, 21044

Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Minority Owned Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $100,892,342

Exercised Options: $89,479,668

Current Obligation: $83,697,012

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QTCK18D0039

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline