DoD's $19.5M 'BIG SAFARI' Contract Awarded to Sierra Nevada Company for Technical Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $19,469,532 ($19.5M)
Contractor: Sierra Nevada Company, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-10-02
End Date: 2025-12-31
Contract Duration: 821 days
Daily Burn Rate: $23.7K/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: ENGLEWOOD, DENVER County, COLORADO, 80112
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $19.5 million to SIERRA NEVADA COMPANY, LLC for work described as: BIG SAFARI Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $19.5 million awarded. 2. Sole-source award to Sierra Nevada Company, LLC. 3. Contract spans over two years, ending in December 2025. 4. Services fall under 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' NAICS code.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $19.5 million is substantial for 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services'. Without a competitive bidding process, it's difficult to assess if this price is optimal compared to market rates for similar specialized technical services.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers as there was no market pressure to offer the best price.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition in this sole-source award raises concerns about potential overspending and whether taxpayers are receiving the best value for these professional, scientific, and technical services.
Public Impact
Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the absence of competitive bidding. The specific nature of 'BIG SAFARI' services is not detailed, impacting public understanding of the expenditure. Reliance on a single vendor for critical technical services could pose a long-term risk if not managed effectively.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
- Lack of transparency on specific services provided.
- Potential for inflated costs due to non-competitive nature.
Positive Signals
- Award to an established company, Sierra Nevada Company, LLC.
- Contract duration provides stability for service delivery.
Sector Analysis
The 'BIG SAFARI' contract falls under the 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' category (NAICS 541990). Spending in this broad sector can vary widely, but sole-source awards often warrant closer scrutiny to ensure fair pricing.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to Sierra Nevada Company, LLC, a large business. There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific sole-source award, missing an opportunity for small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award necessitates robust oversight from the Department of the Air Force to ensure the services are necessary, performed effectively, and priced reasonably, despite 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 lacks competitive pricing.
- Limited transparency on the specific services rendered.
- Potential for cost overruns without market checks.
- No small business participation evident.
Tags
all-other-professional-scientific-and-te, department-of-defense, co, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $19.5 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 $19.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-10-02. End: 2025-12-31.
What specific technical services does the 'BIG SAFARI' program entail, and how do they align with the Department of Defense's strategic objectives?
The specific technical services under the 'BIG SAFARI' program are not detailed in the provided data. Generally, this designation can encompass a wide range of specialized support, often related to intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, or advanced technology development. Understanding the precise nature of these services is crucial for assessing their strategic alignment and justifying the expenditure, especially in a sole-source context.
What is the justification 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 typically involves unique capabilities, urgent needs, or lack of viable alternatives. For this contract, the specific rationale is not provided. To ensure fair and reasonable pricing, the agency should have conducted thorough market research, cost analysis, and potentially engaged in negotiations with Sierra Nevada Company, LLC, even without formal competition.
How will the effectiveness and value of the services provided under this contract be measured and evaluated, particularly given the sole-source nature?
Effectiveness and value measurement for sole-source contracts rely heavily on clearly defined performance metrics and deliverables outlined in the contract. The Department of the Air Force must establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and conduct regular performance reviews to ensure Sierra Nevada Company, LLC is meeting expectations and delivering the intended value. Independent verification of outcomes would further enhance accountability.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Product/Service Code: AEROSPACE CRAFT AND STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
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: 12500 BELFORD AVE, ENGLEWOOD, CO, 80112
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: $19,469,532
Exercised Options: $19,469,532
Current Obligation: $19,469,532
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 9
Total Subaward Amount: $6,765,111
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA862021G4009
IDV Type: BOA
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-10-02
Current End Date: 2025-12-31
Potential End Date: 2026-02-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-07
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