DoD's $30.7M contract for ISRW mission support awarded to General Dynamics IT shows moderate competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $30,678,723 ($30.7M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2016-05-01

End Date: 2019-04-30

Contract Duration: 1,094 days

Daily Burn Rate: $28.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF INITIAL PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE. DPOC EFFORTS IN SUPPORT OF 480TH ISRW MISSIO

Place of Performance

Location: LANGLEY AFB, YORK County, VIRGINIA, 23665

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $30.7 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF INITIAL PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE. DPOC EFFORTS IN SUPPORT OF 480TH ISRW MISSIO Key points: 1. Contract value of $30.7M over three years suggests a significant investment in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. 2. The award was made under full and open competition, indicating a broad market search. 3. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, which shifts cost risk to the contractor. 4. Performance is located in Virginia, a hub for defense contracting and government services. 5. The duration of 1094 days (approx. 3 years) provides a stable period for service delivery. 6. The contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, is a large, established player in the federal IT services market.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $30.7 million over approximately three years averages to about $10.2 million annually. This figure appears reasonable for complex IT and systems design services supporting critical military missions. Benchmarking against similar contracts for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) support services indicates that this pricing is within expected ranges for specialized technical support provided by large system integrators. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract further suggests that the government has secured a defined scope of work at a set price, mitigating potential cost overruns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The presence of 4 bids indicates a moderate level of competition for this requirement. While not an exceptionally high number of bidders, it suggests that the market was aware of the opportunity and that multiple companies were interested and capable of performing the work. This level of competition generally provides a reasonable basis for price discovery and ensures that the government receives offers from qualified vendors.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition, with multiple bidders, suggests that taxpayer dollars were likely used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drove down prices compared to a sole-source award.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the 480th ISRW (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Wing) mission, which receives enhanced support for its operations. Services delivered include computer systems design and related technical support crucial for intelligence gathering and analysis. The geographic impact is concentrated in Virginia, a key location for defense operations and personnel. Workforce implications include the employment of skilled IT professionals and analysts by General Dynamics Information Technology.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if specific proprietary systems are deeply integrated.
Reliance on a single large contractor could limit future flexibility or innovation if not managed proactively.
The complexity of ISR missions means that any performance issues could have significant operational impacts.

Positive Signals

Award to a large, experienced contractor like GDIT suggests a high likelihood of successful performance.
Firm Fixed Price contract structure incentivizes contractor efficiency and cost control.
Full and open competition provides a baseline for market-driven pricing.
The contract duration allows for stability and continuity of essential support services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader IT and professional services sector, specifically focusing on computer systems design and integration for defense applications. The market for defense IT support services is substantial, driven by the Department of Defense's continuous need for advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. General Dynamics Information Technology is a major player in this space, competing with other large defense contractors and IT service providers. Spending benchmarks for similar ISR support contracts typically range from millions to tens of millions of dollars annually, depending on the scope and criticality of the mission.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the awardee, General Dynamics Information Technology, is a large corporation. There is no explicit indication of small business subcontracting goals within the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal, though large prime contractors often utilize small businesses for specific components or services, which would be a secondary effect not detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of the Air Force, a component of the Department of Defense. Oversight would typically involve contract officers, contracting specialists, and technical representatives responsible for monitoring performance, ensuring compliance with contract terms, and approving payments. The Department of Defense has an Inspector General responsible for investigating fraud, waste, and abuse, and any significant issues with this contract could fall under their purview. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS, where basic award information is publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Support Services
Computer Systems Design Services
Defense IT Services
Air Force Mission Support Contracts
Information Technology Professional Services

Risk Flags

Potential for performance issues impacting critical ISR missions.
Cybersecurity vulnerabilities in IT systems supporting intelligence.
Contractor reliance on specific technologies could limit future flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $30.7 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF INITIAL PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE. DPOC EFFORTS IN SUPPORT OF 480TH ISRW MISSIO

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 Defense (Department of the Air Force).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $30.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-05-01. End: 2019-04-30.

What is the track record of General Dynamics Information Technology in performing similar ISR support contracts for the Department of Defense?

General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) has a long and extensive history of providing IT and C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) services to the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. They are a prime contractor on numerous large-scale programs involving system integration, network operations, cybersecurity, and data analytics, often supporting complex intelligence missions. Their experience includes managing large teams, delivering mission-critical systems, and operating within stringent security and performance requirements. While specific performance metrics for this particular contract are not detailed, GDIT's overall profile suggests a strong capability to handle the demands of supporting the 480th ISRW mission. Past performance reviews and award data from federal procurement databases would offer more granular insights into their specific successes and challenges on similar engagements.

How does the $30.7 million contract value compare to other ISR support contracts awarded by the Air Force or DoD?

The $30.7 million contract value, spread over approximately three years, translates to an average annual value of roughly $10.2 million. This amount is considered moderate for specialized ISR support services. Larger, more comprehensive ISR support contracts, especially those involving platform integration, extensive software development, or global operational support, can easily reach hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars over their lifecycle. Conversely, smaller, more focused support tasks or individual task orders might be in the low millions. Therefore, this contract appears to be a significant but not exceptionally large award, typical for providing dedicated computer systems design and support services to a specific wing like the 480th ISRW, rather than a broad, enterprise-wide ISR initiative.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

Key risks include potential performance shortfalls in delivering critical ISR support, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and cost overruns if the Firm Fixed Price (FFP) structure is not managed effectively. Performance risks are mitigated by selecting an experienced contractor like GDIT, which has a demonstrated history in defense IT. The FFP contract shifts significant cost risk to the contractor, incentivizing them to manage resources efficiently. Cybersecurity risks are inherent in defense IT contracts and are typically addressed through stringent security requirements, compliance mandates (like NIST standards), and regular audits outlined in the contract. Operational risks are managed through defined performance metrics, service level agreements, and the government's right to inspect deliverables and performance.

What is the expected effectiveness of the services provided under this contract for the 480th ISRW's mission?

The contract is designed to provide essential computer systems design services and technical support directly to the 480th ISRW's mission. This implies that the services will enhance the ISRW's ability to collect, process, analyze, and disseminate intelligence information. Effective delivery of these services should lead to improved situational awareness, better decision-making capabilities for commanders, and more efficient operational tempo. The success hinges on the contractor's ability to maintain and potentially upgrade the underlying IT infrastructure and systems that support these intelligence functions. The firm fixed-price nature and the competition suggest a focus on delivering defined outcomes reliably.

How has spending on ISR support services by the Department of the Air Force evolved over the past five years?

Spending on ISR support services by the Department of the Air Force (and the DoD broadly) has generally been substantial and has seen a trend towards increased investment in advanced technologies, data analytics, and cyber capabilities to support evolving ISR missions. While specific figures for the 480th ISRW or this exact contract type are not provided, overall DoD spending on intelligence and IT services has remained robust, driven by global security challenges and technological advancements. There's a continuous push to modernize legacy systems, integrate diverse data streams, and enhance processing speeds. Contracts like this one, focusing on systems design and support, are crucial components of that modernization effort. Budgetary pressures and shifting strategic priorities can influence year-over-year spending, but the fundamental need for sophisticated ISR capabilities ensures sustained investment in this area.

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: FA703714T8000

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Csra LLC (UEI: 080011988)

Address: 15036 CONFERENCE CENTER DR, CHANTILLY, VA, 20151

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $35,178,723

Exercised Options: $30,678,723

Current Obligation: $30,678,723

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F088AA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline