DoD's $15.5M 'BIG SAFARI' Contract Awarded to Calvert Systems Engineering for Technical Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $15,482,311 ($15.5M)
Contractor: Calvert Systems Engineering, Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-04-14
End Date: 2024-03-31
Contract Duration: 352 days
Daily Burn Rate: $44.0K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: BIG SAFARI
Place of Performance
Location: BELLEVUE, SARPY County, NEBRASKA, 68123
State: Nebraska Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $15.5 million to CALVERT SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, INC for work described as: BIG SAFARI Key points: 1. The contract value is $15,482,311. 2. Calvert Systems Engineering, Inc. is the sole awardee. 3. The contract falls under 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services'. 4. This is a Firm Fixed Price contract with a duration of 352 days.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $15.5M for 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' lacks specific details for a direct per-unit cost comparison. Without more granular data on the services provided, it's difficult to benchmark against similar contracts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning there was no competition. This limits price discovery and may not ensure the government receives the best possible value.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition raises concerns about potential overspending, impacting taxpayer value.
Public Impact
Citizens may be unaware of the specific technical services being procured under this contract. The sole-source nature of the award could lead to higher costs for taxpayers. The 'BIG SAFARI' designation suggests a potentially sensitive or specialized area of operation.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
- Lack of detailed service description hinders value assessment.
- Potential for inflated costs due to lack of competition.
Positive Signals
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
- Specific awardee identified for accountability.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the broad category of 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services,' which can encompass a wide range of specialized support. Benchmarking is difficult without more specific service details, but spending in this broad category can be significant across government agencies.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this sole-source award, either as prime contractors or subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the services are necessary and the price is fair. Accountability rests with the Department of the Air Force to justify the lack of competition.
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 raises concerns about competition and price.
- Lack of detailed service description hinders value assessment.
- Potential for cost overruns due to lack of competitive pressure.
- Limited transparency regarding the specific nature of 'BIG SAFARI' services.
Tags
all-other-professional-scientific-and-te, department-of-defense, ne, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $15.5 million to CALVERT SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, INC. BIG SAFARI
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CALVERT SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, 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 $15.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-04-14. End: 2024-03-31.
What specific technical services are included under the 'BIG SAFARI' designation, and how do they align with the Air Force's mission requirements?
The 'BIG SAFARI' designation typically refers to specialized intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) programs within the Department of Defense. While the exact services are not detailed, they likely involve the acquisition, integration, and sustainment of advanced ISR capabilities. Understanding the specific technical requirements is crucial to assessing the necessity and value of this sole-source award.
What justification was provided for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and what steps were taken to ensure fair and reasonable pricing?
The justification for a sole-source award is critical for ensuring taxpayer value. The Department of the Air Force must have documented specific reasons, such as unique capabilities of Calvert Systems Engineering or urgent requirements, to bypass competitive bidding. A thorough review of the pricing negotiation process is necessary to confirm that the $15.5M awarded is fair and reasonable given the services rendered.
How does the performance of Calvert Systems Engineering on this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Air Force's intelligence gathering and operational capabilities?
The effectiveness of this contract hinges on the successful delivery of specialized technical services that enhance the Air Force's ISR capabilities. Performance metrics and outcomes related to intelligence gathering, data analysis, and operational support would be key indicators. Without access to these performance details, it is challenging to definitively assess the contract's contribution to the Air Force's overall effectiveness.
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: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3906 RAYNOR PKWY STE 100, BELLEVUE, NE, 68123
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $15,612,817
Exercised Options: $15,612,817
Current Obligation: $15,482,311
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA862019G4009
IDV Type: BOA
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-04-14
Current End Date: 2024-03-31
Potential End Date: 2024-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-08
More Contracts from Calvert Systems Engineering, Inc
- BIG Safari — $19.6M (Department of Defense)
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