Air Force Awards $11.7M Modeling & Simulation Support Services Bridge Contract to SAIC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,730,555 ($11.7M)

Contractor: Science Applications International Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-12-12

End Date: 2026-03-31

Contract Duration: 109 days

Daily Burn Rate: $107.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: AF MODELING AND SIMULATION SUPPORT SERVICES (AFMS3) BRIDGE

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20330

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $11.7 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION for work described as: AF MODELING AND SIMULATION SUPPORT SERVICES (AFMS3) BRIDGE Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) for modeling and simulation support. 2. This is a bridge contract, indicating a potential gap or transition period for services. 3. The contract is for a short duration (109 days), suggesting it's a temporary measure. 4. The sector is IT/Professional Services, with a specific NAICS code for Landscape Architectural Services, which seems unusual for modeling and simulation.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The pricing assessment is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which is positive for price discovery. However, the bridge nature of the contract might limit the scope of competition for the follow-on effort.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer impact is moderate given the contract value and the CPFF structure, which requires diligent oversight to ensure cost efficiency.

Public Impact

Ensures continuity of critical modeling and simulation support for the Air Force. Supports advanced technological capabilities within the Department of Defense. Potential for follow-on contracts, creating sustained economic activity in the defense sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • NAICS code mismatch (541320 - Landscape Architectural Services for Modeling & Simulation)
  • CPFF contract type can lead to cost overruns
  • Bridge contract nature may indicate planning or transition issues

Positive Signals

  • Awarded under full and open competition
  • Supports critical Air Force operations

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically IT and defense-related modeling and simulation. Benchmarks for similar contracts are difficult to ascertain without more specific service details, especially given the unusual NAICS code.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific contract award. Future solicitations should consider opportunities for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The CPFF contract type necessitates robust oversight from the Air Force to ensure costs are reasonable and fixed fees are justified. Monitoring performance and expenditures closely will be crucial for accountability.

Related Government Programs

  • Landscape Architectural Services
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

  • NAICS code discrepancy
  • CPFF contract type risk
  • Bridge contract implies potential procurement delays or gaps
  • Short contract duration may limit long-term planning
  • Lack of small business participation noted

Tags

landscape-architectural-services, department-of-defense, dc, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $11.7 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION. AF MODELING AND SIMULATION SUPPORT SERVICES (AFMS3) BRIDGE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-12-12. End: 2026-03-31.

What is the rationale behind using the NAICS code 541320 (Landscape Architectural Services) for a contract described as Modeling and Simulation Support Services?

The use of NAICS code 541320 for modeling and simulation services is highly unusual and warrants clarification. Typically, such services would fall under IT or professional services categories (e.g., 541511 - Custom Computer Programming Services, or 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences). This discrepancy could indicate a misclassification, a very niche application of modeling, or a potential administrative error that needs investigation to ensure accurate procurement data.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for modeling and simulation services, and how can they be mitigated?

The primary risk with CPFF contracts is the potential for cost overruns, as the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs plus a fixed fee. If the government's cost estimation or oversight is weak, the contractor may not be incentivized to control expenses. Mitigation strategies include rigorous cost monitoring, detailed performance metrics, independent government cost estimates, and clear definitions of allowable costs and the fixed fee basis.

Given this is a bridge contract, what does it imply about the continuity and future of the Air Force's modeling and simulation capabilities?

A bridge contract typically signifies a temporary solution to maintain services while a more permanent or comprehensive contract is being finalized. This suggests potential delays in the procurement process for the long-term requirement, or a need to quickly cover a service gap. It implies that the Air Force's modeling and simulation needs are ongoing, but the strategy for fulfilling them long-term may be in flux or facing administrative hurdles.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesArchitectural, Engineering, and Related ServicesLandscape Architectural 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 FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 12010 SUNSET HILLS RD FL 4, 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: $14,468,557

Exercised Options: $14,468,557

Current Obligation: $11,730,555

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QRCA25DU287

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2025-12-12

Current End Date: 2026-03-31

Potential End Date: 2026-06-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2026-01-12

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