DoD's BIG SAFARI contract awarded $42.7M to Sierra Nevada Company for technical services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $42,700,390 ($42.7M)
Contractor: Sierra Nevada Company, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-01-01
End Date: 2023-12-31
Contract Duration: 1,094 days
Daily Burn Rate: $39.0K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: BIG SAFARI
Place of Performance
Location: SPARKS, WASHOE County, NEVADA, 89434
State: Nevada Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $42.7 million to SIERRA NEVADA COMPANY, LLC for work described as: BIG SAFARI Key points: 1. The contract is for 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' (NAICS 541990). 2. Awarded to Sierra Nevada Company, LLC, with a total value of $42.7 million. 3. The contract spans from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2023, for 1094 days. 4. This was a 'NOT COMPETED' award, raising questions about competition. 5. The contract type is 'COST PLUS FIXED FEE'.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
Pricing for Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can be difficult to benchmark without detailed cost breakdowns. The total award value of $42.7M over three years suggests a moderate annual spend, but the lack of competition makes value assessment challenging.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was 'NOT COMPETED,' indicating a sole-source award. This method limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers as there was no competitive pressure to drive down prices.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition in this sole-source award may result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for the services rendered.
Public Impact
Taxpayers may have overpaid due to the absence of competitive bidding. The specific nature of 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' is broad, making it hard to assess the direct public benefit. The Department of the Air Force awarded this contract, indicating a focus on defense-related technical expertise.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can incentivize higher spending.
- Broad service category makes specific value assessment difficult.
Positive Signals
- Contract awarded to a specific company for specialized services.
- Clear start and end dates for the contract duration.
Sector Analysis
The sector for this contract falls under professional, scientific, and technical services, often supporting complex government operations. Benchmarks for this broad category vary widely, but the sole-source nature here is a key concern.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. The sole-source nature likely precluded small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The 'NOT COMPETED' status suggests potential oversight gaps or a justification for sole-sourcing that needs further examination. Accountability for the pricing and performance rests heavily on the contracting agency.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Broad and undefined service category.
- Lack of small business participation.
- Potential for inflated costs due to lack of competition.
Tags
all-other-professional-scientific-and-te, department-of-defense, nv, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $42.7 million to SIERRA NEVADA COMPANY, LLC. BIG SAFARI
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SIERRA NEVADA COMPANY, LLC.
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 $42.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-01-01. End: 2023-12-31.
What specific technical services were provided under this contract, and how did they align with the Air Force's mission requirements?
The contract falls under NAICS code 541990, 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services.' This broad category could encompass a wide range of activities, from research and development support to specialized engineering or consulting. Without further details, it's difficult to ascertain the precise services rendered and their direct contribution to the Air Force's operational objectives or strategic goals.
What was the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and were alternative competitive strategies considered?
The justification for a sole-source award is critical for understanding the necessity of bypassing the competitive process. Reasons could include unique capabilities, urgent needs, or proprietary technology. A thorough review would examine the documented rationale and confirm that no viable competitive alternatives were overlooked, ensuring taxpayer funds are used efficiently and fairly.
How was the 'fixed fee' component determined in this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, and what mechanisms were in place to control costs?
In a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract, the fee is negotiated upfront and remains constant regardless of the actual costs incurred. Determining this fee requires careful analysis of the contractor's proposed costs and a fair assessment of the profit margin. Oversight mechanisms should focus on verifying the allowability and allocability of costs to prevent overruns and ensure the government receives good value.
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: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Sierra Nevada Corporation
Address: 444 SALOMON CIR, SPARKS, NV, 89434
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, Woman Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $43,278,690
Exercised Options: $43,278,690
Current Obligation: $42,700,390
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 13
Total Subaward Amount: $696,903
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA862016G3013
IDV Type: BOA
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-01-01
Current End Date: 2023-12-31
Potential End Date: 2023-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-03-04
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