DoD awards $75.8M to ITT Corp for navigation systems, facing limited competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $75,807,021 ($75.8M)

Contractor: ITT Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2005-02-23

End Date: 2012-09-30

Contract Duration: 2,776 days

Daily Burn Rate: $27.3K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Place of Performance

Location: CLIFTON, PASSAIC County, NEW JERSEY, 07014

State: New Jersey Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $75.8 million to ITT CORPORATION for work described as: Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $75.8 million awarded to a single vendor. 2. Limited competition raises questions about price discovery and potential overspending. 3. Long contract duration (2005-2012) may indicate evolving needs or lack of agile procurement. 4. The sector is critical for defense operations, suggesting high stakes for performance.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $75.8 million for navigation systems appears substantial. Without specific per-unit cost data or benchmarks for similar systems, it's difficult to definitively assess its fairness. However, the lack of competition suggests potential for a less favorable price than if multiple vendors had bid.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was 'NOT COMPETED,' indicating a sole-source or limited competition award. This method bypasses the competitive bidding process, potentially leading to higher prices and reduced innovation as the vendor faces less pressure to offer the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition likely results in a higher cost to taxpayers than a fully competed contract, as the government may not have secured the most economical price.

Public Impact

Taxpayers may have paid more due to the absence of competitive bidding. Critical defense capabilities rely on the successful delivery of these navigation systems. The long performance period could impact the adoption of newer, potentially more advanced technologies.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Lack of competition
  • Long contract duration
  • Firm Fixed Price contract with potential for cost overruns if scope changes

Positive Signals

  • Award to established vendor (ITT Corporation)
  • Critical system for defense operations

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the 'Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing' sector. Spending in this area is crucial for national security, but often involves specialized, high-cost components where competition can be challenging.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not competed and awarded to ITT Corporation, a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award, suggesting missed opportunities for small business set-asides.

Oversight & Accountability

The 'NOT COMPETED' status warrants further oversight to understand the justification for bypassing competition. Accountability for the pricing and performance rests with the Department of Defense and the Defense Contract Management Agency.

Related Government Programs

  • Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Defense Contract Management Agency Programs

Risk Flags

  • Lack of competition may lead to inflated costs.
  • Long contract duration could result in outdated technology.
  • Potential for cost overruns if not managed tightly.
  • Limited transparency due to non-competitive award.

Tags

search-detection-navigation-guidance-aer, department-of-defense, nj, dca, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $75.8 million to ITT CORPORATION. See the official description on USAspending.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ITT CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $75.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-02-23. End: 2012-09-30.

What was the specific justification for not competing this contract, and were alternative solutions considered?

The justification for not competing this contract is not provided in the data. Typically, sole-source awards require a documented justification, such as a unique capability or urgent need. Without this information, it's impossible to assess if alternative solutions were explored or if this was the most cost-effective approach for the government.

How does the final cost compare to initial estimates or industry benchmarks for similar navigation systems?

The provided data does not include initial cost estimates or specific industry benchmarks for comparable navigation systems. While the total award was $75.8 million, a detailed cost-benefit analysis or comparison with similar contracts is needed to determine if the price was reasonable and represented good value for the taxpayer.

What performance metrics were used to evaluate ITT Corporation's delivery and effectiveness throughout the contract period?

Performance metrics are not detailed in the provided data. For a contract of this duration and value, robust performance evaluations should have been conducted by the Defense Contract Management Agency. Understanding these metrics would reveal the effectiveness of the navigation systems and the vendor's adherence to contract requirements.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingNavigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments ManufacturingSearch, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 77 RIVER ROAD, CLIFTON, NJ, 09

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

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline

Start Date: 2005-02-23

Current End Date: 2012-09-30

Potential End Date: 2012-09-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2014-07-24

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