NOAA Spends $47.9M on AWIPS Software Maintenance, Awarded to Raytheon Company
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $47,870,682 ($47.9M)
Contractor: Raytheon Company
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2006-07-27
End Date: 2018-02-16
Contract Duration: 4,222 days
Daily Burn Rate: $11.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: AWIPS SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT YEAR 2
Place of Performance
Location: SILVER SPRING, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20910
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $47.9 million to RAYTHEON COMPANY for work described as: AWIPS SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT YEAR 2 Key points: 1. AWIPS software maintenance and support cost $47.9M over its life. 2. Awarded to Raytheon Company under full and open competition. 3. The contract spanned over 12 years, indicating long-term reliance. 4. Custom Computer Programming Services sector spending benchmark is relevant.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The total award of $47.9M over 12 years suggests an average annual spend of approximately $4M. Without specific benchmarks for AWIPS maintenance, it's difficult to definitively assess value, but the duration implies a sustained need and potentially competitive pricing over time.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing. The use of a Delivery Order (AW) suggests it was part of a larger contract vehicle, and the price discovery would have occurred during the initial award of that vehicle.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers funded the $47.9M expenditure for essential weather data processing software maintenance over more than a decade.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operation of the Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS). Supports critical weather forecasting and climate monitoring capabilities for NOAA. Impacts the accuracy and timeliness of weather-related information for the public and various industries.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration could mask potential cost increases over time.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes value assessment challenging.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Supports critical national weather services.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Custom Computer Programming Services. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on complexity and duration. The $47.9M over 12 years for specialized software maintenance suggests a significant but potentially justified investment for a critical national system.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Raytheon Company, a large business. There is no indication that small businesses were involved as subcontractors or prime contractors in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Department of Commerce. Oversight would typically involve contract management reviews and performance monitoring by NOAA officials to ensure service delivery and adherence to terms.
Related Government Programs
- Custom Computer Programming Services
- Department of Commerce Contracting
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration.
- Potential for scope creep.
- Lack of detailed performance data.
- Reliance on a single vendor for extended period.
Tags
custom-computer-programming-services, department-of-commerce, md, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $47.9 million to RAYTHEON COMPANY. AWIPS SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT YEAR 2
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is RAYTHEON COMPANY.
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 $47.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-07-27. End: 2018-02-16.
What was the specific scope of work for AWIPS software maintenance and support, and how did it evolve over the 12-year period?
The scope likely included software updates, bug fixes, patches, and technical support for the AWIPS platform, which is crucial for processing and displaying weather data. The evolution over 12 years would have involved adapting to new data sources, technological advancements, and changing operational requirements of NOAA's weather forecasting and climate monitoring missions.
Were there any performance issues or cost overruns reported during the contract's lifecycle that might indicate risk?
Without access to detailed performance reports or contract modification history, it's difficult to ascertain specific performance issues or cost overruns. However, the long duration and fixed-price nature of the contract suggest an effort to control costs, though potential risks could arise from unforeseen technical challenges or scope creep if not managed tightly.
How effectively did the competition process ensure the best value for taxpayer money given the long-term nature of the support?
The initial award under full and open competition likely established a baseline for value. However, the effectiveness of ensuring best value over 12 years depends on the contract structure, including any provisions for price adjustments or re-competition. Continuous monitoring and potential renegotiation would be key to maintaining value throughout the contract's extensive lifespan.
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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 22260 PACIFIC BLVD, DULLES, VA, 20166
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $47,870,682
Exercised Options: $47,870,682
Current Obligation: $47,870,682
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: DOCDG133W05CQ1067
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-07-27
Current End Date: 2018-02-16
Potential End Date: 2018-02-16 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2019-02-21
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