DOT's FAA awards $49.6M for CTAS TMA Software support to General Dynamics IT

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $49,614,184 ($49.6M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2003-12-12

End Date: 2017-08-28

Contract Duration: 5,008 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: CTAS TMA SOFTWARE, MAJOR ADAPTION, MAINTENANCE, DEPLOYMENT AND INTEGRATED SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: RICHMOND, HENRICO County, VIRGINIA, 23228

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $49.6 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: CTAS TMA SOFTWARE, MAJOR ADAPTION, MAINTENANCE, DEPLOYMENT AND INTEGRATED SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. for CTAS TMA Software. 2. Significant funding of $49.6M allocated for adaptation, maintenance, deployment, and support. 3. Contract duration spans from 2003 to 2017, indicating a long-term engagement. 4. The contract falls under 'Other Computer Related Services' (NAICS 541519).

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's total value is $49.6M. Without specific unit pricing or comparison data for similar software support contracts, a precise value assessment is difficult. The 'Time and Materials' pricing structure can sometimes lead to higher costs if not carefully managed.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the 'Time and Materials' pricing type may limit price discovery and potentially lead to cost overruns if not managed effectively.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers funded $49.6M for this software support, with the actual value dependent on the efficiency of the 'Time and Materials' pricing and the necessity of the services provided.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operation and support for critical CTAS TMA software. Supports the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) technological infrastructure. Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing structure.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials pricing can lead to uncontrolled costs.
Long contract duration may indicate potential for scope creep or evolving needs.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it hard to gauge effectiveness.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Provides essential software support for a key agency.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector, particularly software maintenance and support, is a significant area of government spending. Benchmarks for similar long-term, comprehensive support contracts vary widely based on software complexity and criticality.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc., a large business. There is no indication of small business participation or subcontracting in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

The 'Time and Materials' contract type requires diligent oversight to ensure costs remain within reasonable bounds and that services are necessary. The long duration necessitates ongoing monitoring of performance and value.

Related Government Programs

Other Computer Related Services
Department of Transportation Contracting
Federal Aviation Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing.
Lack of specific performance metrics.
Long contract duration may indicate potential for inefficiency or obsolescence.
Limited insight into the necessity and value of 'major adaptation' services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $49.6 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. CTAS TMA SOFTWARE, MAJOR ADAPTION, MAINTENANCE, DEPLOYMENT AND INTEGRATED SUPPORT

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 Transportation (Federal Aviation Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $49.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2003-12-12. End: 2017-08-28.

What was the specific scope of 'major adaptation, maintenance, deployment and integrated support' for the CTAS TMA software, and how did it align with the FAA's evolving needs over the contract period

The provided data does not detail the specific tasks encompassed by 'major adaptation, maintenance, deployment and integrated support.' Understanding the granular scope is crucial to assess if the $49.6M expenditure truly reflected the FAA's operational requirements and technological advancements during the 2003-2017 period. Without this, it's difficult to confirm value for money.

How effectively was the 'Time and Materials' pricing structure managed to control costs and ensure fair pricing for the services rendered under this $49.6M contract?

The 'Time and Materials' (T&M) pricing model inherently carries a risk of cost escalation if not rigorously managed. While awarded under full and open competition, the FAA would have needed robust oversight mechanisms, including detailed tracking of labor hours and material costs, and potentially cost ceilings, to mitigate the risk of overspending and ensure taxpayer funds were used efficiently.

What was the overall impact of this contract on the FAA's operational efficiency and mission effectiveness, considering the long duration and significant investment?

The contract's primary goal was to ensure the continued functionality and support of the CTAS TMA software, which presumably is critical to FAA operations. A long duration (2003-2017) suggests sustained reliance. However, without performance metrics or data on the software's uptime, efficiency gains, or contribution to mission success, it's challenging to definitively quantify the contract's positive impact on the FAA's effectiveness.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: MISCELLANEOUS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Csra LLC (UEI: 080011988)

Address: 1526 E PARHAM RD, RICHMOND, VA, 23228

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $1,306,687,089

Exercised Options: $49,614,184

Current Obligation: $49,614,184

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: DTFA0302D00001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline