DoD's $25.7M contract for Joint Interface Control Cell Services awarded to Scientific Research Corporation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $25,705,477 ($25.7M)

Contractor: Scientific Research Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2021-05-25

End Date: 2026-05-31

Contract Duration: 1,832 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: FUSIONS JOINT INTERFACE CONTROL CELL SERVICES TASK ORDER

Place of Performance

Location: SAN ANTONIO, BEXAR County, TEXAS, 78243

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $25.7 million to SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CORPORATION for work described as: FUSIONS JOINT INTERFACE CONTROL CELL SERVICES TASK ORDER Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the duration and scope of services. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive pricing environment. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a firm-fixed-price contract type and no reported issues. 4. Performance context is within the scope of professional, scientific, and technical services. 5. Sector positioning is within the defense services industry, supporting critical military functions.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's total value of $25.7 million over approximately five years suggests a moderate annual spend. Benchmarking against similar professional, scientific, and technical services contracts within the Department of Defense indicates that this pricing is within expected ranges. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government, contributing to a good assessment of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the competition type generally fosters price discovery and allows the government to select the most advantageous offer based on a balance of price and technical factors.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically drives down costs through market forces and ensures the government receives competitive pricing for essential services.

Public Impact

The Department of Defense benefits from specialized technical services supporting critical command and control functions. Services delivered are essential for maintaining the operational readiness and interoperability of military communication systems. The geographic impact is primarily within the operational theaters where the Joint Interface Control Cell operates, likely supporting global military deployments. Workforce implications include the employment of skilled technical personnel required for these specialized services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks.
Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
Contract duration aligns with the expected lifecycle of the services provided.
No reported issues or concerns associated with the contractor's performance on this task order.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader defense services sector, a significant segment of the federal contracting market. The professional, scientific, and technical services sub-sector is characterized by specialized expertise and often supports complex government operations. Comparable spending in this area is substantial, reflecting the government's reliance on external expertise for mission-critical functions.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses mentioned. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal, although the prime contractor may engage small businesses as subcontractors in their broader operations.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program office within the Department of the Air Force. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed-upon price. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance metrics may not be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Defense Communications Services
Joint Command and Control Systems
Technical Support Services
Professional Services Contracts
Information Technology Support

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $25.7 million to SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CORPORATION. FUSIONS JOINT INTERFACE CONTROL CELL SERVICES TASK ORDER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH 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 $25.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-05-25. End: 2026-05-31.

What is the historical spending pattern for Joint Interface Control Cell Services by the Department of Defense?

Analyzing historical spending for Joint Interface Control Cell Services requires a review of past contracts and task orders related to this specific function. While this particular task order represents a significant investment of $25.7 million, understanding the broader trend involves examining spending over multiple fiscal years. Factors such as evolving military technology, changes in operational requirements, and shifts in contracting strategies can influence historical spending. Without access to a comprehensive database of all related historical contracts, it is difficult to provide precise figures. However, the consistent need for such services suggests a sustained level of investment within the defense budget to ensure effective command and control capabilities.

How does the contractor, Scientific Research Corporation, perform on other federal contracts?

Scientific Research Corporation (SRC) has a track record of performing various federal contracts, primarily within the defense and aerospace sectors. A review of publicly available contract data indicates that SRC has been awarded numerous contracts for a range of services, including research and development, engineering, and technical support. Their performance history generally reflects a capacity to meet contract requirements, though like any large contractor, specific contract performance can vary. Assessing their overall performance would involve examining past performance evaluations, any reported disputes or contract terminations, and the types of agencies they have served. Generally, their continued award of contracts suggests a satisfactory performance record with agencies like the Department of Defense.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this Joint Interface Control Cell Services contract?

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for a Joint Interface Control Cell Services contract are crucial for ensuring the effective delivery of technical and operational support. While specific KPIs are often detailed in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) and may not be publicly disclosed, they typically revolve around system availability, response times for technical issues, successful data transmission rates, and adherence to communication protocols. For instance, metrics might include the uptime percentage of critical communication links, the average time to resolve reported system malfunctions, and the accuracy of data relayed through the interface control cell. Compliance with security standards and successful integration with other military systems would also likely be critical performance areas.

Are there any potential risks associated with the long-term nature of this contract?

The long-term nature of this contract (approximately five years) presents several potential risks. One primary risk is technological obsolescence; the systems and services supported may become outdated before the contract concludes, requiring costly modifications or replacements. Another risk is the potential for scope creep, where the requirements may expand beyond the original intent, leading to cost increases if not managed carefully. Contractor performance degradation over time is also a possibility, where initial high performance might wane. Furthermore, changes in government priorities or budget constraints could impact the contract's continuation or funding. Effective contract management, regular performance reviews, and clear change control processes are essential to mitigate these risks.

How does this contract align with the Department of Defense's broader strategy for command and control systems?

This contract for Joint Interface Control Cell Services directly aligns with the Department of Defense's (DoD) overarching strategy to maintain robust, secure, and interoperable command and control (C2) systems. Effective C2 is fundamental to military operations, enabling seamless communication and coordination across different branches and joint forces. The Joint Interface Control Cell plays a critical role in managing the interfaces between various communication systems, ensuring that data flows accurately and efficiently. By investing in these services, the DoD reinforces its commitment to modernizing its C2 infrastructure, enhancing situational awareness, and improving decision-making speed in complex operational environments. This supports the DoD's strategic goals of readiness, global power projection, and maintaining a technological advantage.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2300 WINDY RIDGE PKWY STE 400S, ATLANTA, GA, 30339

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $25,815,477

Exercised Options: $25,815,477

Current Obligation: $25,705,477

Actual Outlays: $1,260,974

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 20

Total Subaward Amount: $5,994,489

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA703721D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline