DHS awards $57.5M contract for operational test and evaluation support to Science Applications International Corporation
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $57,492,566 ($57.5M)
Contractor: Science Applications International Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2022-09-21
End Date: 2026-09-20
Contract Duration: 1,460 days
Daily Burn Rate: $39.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: OPERATIONAL TEST AND EVALUATION SUPPORT SERVICES (OTSS) FOR TEST AND EVALUATION DIVISION (TED)
Place of Performance
Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20190
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $57.5 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION for work described as: OPERATIONAL TEST AND EVALUATION SUPPORT SERVICES (OTSS) FOR TEST AND EVALUATION DIVISION (TED) Key points: 1. Contract awarded for critical test and evaluation services to support TSA's operational readiness. 2. The contract value represents a significant investment in ensuring the effectiveness of security technologies. 3. Competition dynamics suggest a robust bidding process for this essential service. 4. Performance context indicates a need for specialized expertise in operational testing. 5. Sector positioning highlights the importance of IT and management consulting in government security. 6. Risk indicators are moderate, given the established nature of the services and contractor. 7. The contract duration of four years allows for sustained support and development.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $57.5 million over four years for operational test and evaluation support appears reasonable when benchmarked against similar government contracts for specialized consulting services. While direct per-unit cost comparisons are difficult without detailed service breakdowns, the overall award suggests a competitive pricing strategy by Science Applications International Corporation. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty for the government, mitigating risks associated with cost overruns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation generally implies a competitive environment that should drive favorable pricing and service quality. This approach allows the government to select the best value offer based on technical merit and price.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it fosters a marketplace where contractors are incentivized to offer competitive pricing and superior services to win the contract.
Public Impact
The Department of Homeland Security, specifically the Transportation Security Administration, benefits from enhanced operational testing and evaluation capabilities. Services delivered include crucial support for testing and evaluating security technologies and processes. The geographic impact is primarily national, supporting TSA's nationwide security mission. Workforce implications may include the need for specialized personnel within SAIC to fulfill the contract requirements.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep if testing requirements are not clearly defined and managed.
- Dependence on contractor expertise could create knowledge gaps if not managed with robust government oversight.
- Ensuring continuous alignment with evolving TSA security needs requires proactive communication.
Positive Signals
- Award to a large, established contractor with a proven track record in government services.
- The firm-fixed-price contract structure provides cost predictability.
- Full and open competition suggests a competitive selection process.
- The contract duration allows for stable, long-term support.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on management consulting and administrative support. The market for these services within the federal government is substantial, driven by agencies' needs for specialized expertise in areas like operational testing, program management, and strategic planning. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large contracts awarded for similar support services across various federal agencies, particularly those focused on national security and transportation.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate a small business set-aside. Science Applications International Corporation is a large business. There is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless SAIC actively engages small businesses as subcontractors for specialized support.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) within the Transportation Security Administration. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring SAIC to deliver specified services within the agreed-upon budget. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific performance metrics may not be publicly disclosed. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Homeland Security Operational Test and Evaluation
- Transportation Security Administration Technology Development
- Federal Management Consulting Services
- Government IT Support Contracts
- National Security Technology Assessment
Risk Flags
- Contract duration is substantial, requiring ongoing monitoring.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical support services.
- Potential for evolving technological landscape to outpace testing methodologies.
Tags
dhs, tsa, operational-test-and-evaluation, management-consulting, science-applications-international-corporation, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, it-support, national-security, transportation-security, virginia, administrative-support
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $57.5 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION. OPERATIONAL TEST AND EVALUATION SUPPORT SERVICES (OTSS) FOR TEST AND EVALUATION DIVISION (TED)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $57.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-09-21. End: 2026-09-20.
What is Science Applications International Corporation's track record with similar government contracts, particularly within DHS or TSA?
Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) has a substantial and long-standing track record of performing complex technical, engineering, and support services for various U.S. government agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its components like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). SAIC frequently secures large, multi-year contracts involving research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E), as well as IT modernization and operational support. Their experience often includes providing similar operational test and evaluation (OT&E) support, systems engineering, and program management services. While specific performance details for every contract are not always public, SAIC's consistent presence and success in winning competitive bids for critical government functions suggest a generally positive performance history and established capabilities in meeting government requirements.
How does the awarded value of $57.5 million compare to historical spending on similar operational test and evaluation services?
The awarded value of $57.5 million over four years for Operational Test and Evaluation Support Services (OTSS) for the Test and Evaluation Division (TED) by the TSA represents an average annual value of approximately $14.4 million. Benchmarking this against historical spending requires access to detailed contract databases and analysis of similar service categories (e.g., NAICS 541611 - Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services, or specific RDT&E support codes). However, for a critical agency like TSA focused on national security and transportation safety, significant investment in testing and evaluation is expected. This figure appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized, high-level technical support services provided by a large, experienced contractor over a multi-year period, especially considering the complexity and importance of ensuring the effectiveness of security technologies and operational procedures.
What are the primary risk indicators associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?
Primary risk indicators for this contract include potential technical challenges in executing complex testing protocols, the risk of evolving security threats requiring adaptive testing strategies, and the possibility of contractor performance not fully meeting TSA's stringent operational requirements. Mitigation strategies are likely embedded within the contract's structure and oversight. The firm-fixed-price (FFP) nature of the contract shifts some financial risk to the contractor. Robust oversight by a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) is crucial for monitoring performance, ensuring adherence to testing standards, and managing scope. Clear performance work statements (PWS) and defined deliverables help set expectations. Furthermore, SAIC's established experience in this domain and the full and open competition process suggest a selection of a capable vendor, reducing the risk of outright performance failure.
How effective is the 'full and open competition' approach in ensuring value for money for this specific contract?
The 'full and open competition' approach is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value for money in federal contracting. By allowing all responsible sources to submit bids, it creates a competitive environment where contractors are incentivized to offer their best technical solutions at the most competitive prices to win the award. For this $57.5 million contract supporting TSA's operational test and evaluation, this approach likely resulted in multiple proposals being evaluated, allowing the government to compare technical approaches, past performance, and pricing. This process helps prevent overpayment and encourages innovation. While the specific number of bidders isn't detailed, the designation itself implies a robust process aimed at achieving optimal value for taxpayer dollars by leveraging market forces.
What are the potential long-term implications of this contract on TSA's operational capabilities and security posture?
This contract has significant potential long-term implications for TSA's operational capabilities and overall security posture. By securing dedicated support for operational test and evaluation, TSA can systematically assess the effectiveness, reliability, and suitability of existing and emerging security technologies and procedures. This continuous evaluation process allows TSA to identify vulnerabilities, validate improvements, and make informed decisions about technology adoption and operational adjustments. A well-executed OTSS contract contributes to maintaining a high level of security readiness, adapting to evolving threats, and ensuring that security measures are both effective and efficient. Ultimately, this investment supports TSA's core mission of protecting the nation's transportation systems.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting 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
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
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: $57,492,566
Exercised Options: $57,492,566
Current Obligation: $57,492,566
Actual Outlays: $25,525,238
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 13
Total Subaward Amount: $18,485,000
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 70T04022A7672N001
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-09-21
Current End Date: 2026-09-20
Potential End Date: 2026-09-20 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-22
More Contracts from Science Applications International Corporation
- Task Order to Provide Project Management Support, Transition Support, Engineering and Design Support, Securing the Infrastructure Support and O&M Support for the Department's IT Consolidation Program — $2.1B (Department of State)
- Software Life Cycle Development — $1.4B (General Services Administration)
- Unified Nasa Information Technology Services (unites) — $1.4B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- THE Scope of the to IS to Provide Enterprise IT Services for the Usace — $1.1B (General Services Administration)
- This Effort IS for a Follow on Procurement Requirement. the Name of This Procurement IS the Omnibus Multidiscipline Engineering Services (omes) II. the Principal Purpose of This Contract IS to Provide Multidiscipline Engineering Support Services and Related Work to EED, Istd, SED, MSD, Mesa, Jpss, Ssco, and Related Organizations, AS Required, for the Study, Design, Systems Engineering, Development, Fabrication, Integration, Testing, Verification, and Operations of Space Flight, Airborne, and Ground System Hardware and Software, Including Development and Validation of NEW Technologies to Enable Future Space and Science Missions. to This END, the Contractor Shall Provide On/Off-Site Multidiscipline Engineering Services, Pursuant to Task Orders Issued by the Contracting Officer. These Services Shall Include the Personnel, Facilities, and Materials (unless Otherwise Provided by the Government) to Accomplish the Tasks. Travel MAY BE Required by the Contractor to Support Certain Task Orders, These Travel Requirements Will BE Identified on a Task by Task Basis — $1.0B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
View all Science Applications International Corporation federal contracts →
Other Department of Homeland Security Contracts
- THE United States Coast Guard HAS a Requirement to Procure UP to Twenty-Six (26) Fast Response Cutters (frcs) on a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Basis With an Economic Price Adjustment (EPA). Phase II of the FRC Program Will Complete the Fleet for a Total of 58 Cutters — $2.1B (Bollinger Shipyards Lockport, L.L.C.)
- Design and Construct NEW Vertical Barrier and Power Distribution, Lighting, Cameras, Equipment Shelters and Linear Ground Detection System (lgds) in Hildago County, NM — $1.8B (Fisher Sand & Gravel CO)
- Production&delivery of National Security Cutter (NSC) 6 — $1.7B (Huntington Ingalls Incorporated)
- YUM-2 Vertical Border and Waterborne Barrier Construction — $1.7B (Fisher Sand & Gravel CO)
- Construct Vertical Border Barrier — $1.6B (Fisher Sand & Gravel CO)