DoD's $44.7M BIG SAFARI contract awarded to Vertex Modernization and Sustainment LLC for support services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $44,726,427 ($44.7M)

Contractor: Vertex Modernization and Sustainment LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-09-15

End Date: 2026-11-23

Contract Duration: 434 days

Daily Burn Rate: $103.1K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: BIG SAFARI

Place of Performance

Location: INDIANAPOLIS, MARION County, INDIANA, 46219

State: Indiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $44.7 million to VERTEX MODERNIZATION AND SUSTAINMENT LLC for work described as: BIG SAFARI Key points: 1. Contract value of $44.7M over its period of performance. 2. Awarded to a single vendor, raising questions about competition. 3. Performance period extends through November 2026. 4. Contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns. 5. The contract is for 'All Other Support Services' under NAICS code 561990. 6. Located in Indiana, potentially impacting local workforce and economy.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates close monitoring to ensure value for money, as this pricing model can incentivize cost increases. Benchmarking against similar support service contracts is difficult without more detailed service descriptions. The total award value of $44.7M over approximately two years suggests a significant investment, but its efficiency cannot be determined without performance metrics and comparison to industry standards for similar 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 among multiple vendors. This limits the opportunity for price discovery and potentially higher costs for the government. The absence of competition suggests either a unique capability held by Vertex Modernization and Sustainment LLC or a potential gap in the contracting process that did not explore other qualified bidders.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards mean taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price, as competitive bidding processes are designed to drive down costs through market forces.

Public Impact

The Department of the Air Force is the primary beneficiary of these support services. Services are intended to support the BIG SAFARI program, though specific deliverables are not detailed. The contract's geographic impact is centered in Indiana, where the vendor is located. Potential workforce implications in Indiana, depending on the scale of operations and hiring by the contractor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competitive pressure, potentially increasing costs.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent risk of cost escalation.
Lack of detailed service description makes performance and value assessment challenging.
Limited public information on contractor's specific experience with BIG SAFARI program.

Positive Signals

Award to an established entity suggests potential for reliable service delivery.
Contract duration provides stability for program support.
Fixed fee component provides some cost predictability, albeit within a cost-reimbursement framework.

Sector Analysis

The 'All Other Support Services' category (NAICS 561990) is broad and encompasses a wide range of non-professional, non-technical support functions. Within the defense sector, such contracts often relate to program management, logistics, administrative support, or specialized operational assistance. The market for these services is diverse, with many providers. The $44.7M award is a substantial sum, indicating a significant scope of work for the BIG SAFARI program, which itself is a large initiative within the Air Force.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The award to a single, likely larger, entity suggests limited direct opportunities for small businesses through this specific contract vehicle. Further analysis would be needed to determine if the prime contractor has a history of engaging small businesses in its supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily fall under the Department of the Air Force's contracting and program management offices. As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, rigorous financial oversight and auditing will be crucial to manage costs and ensure compliance. Transparency could be enhanced by making detailed performance reports and cost breakdowns publicly available, though such information is often sensitive in defense contracting.

Related Government Programs

BIG SAFARI Program
Air Force Support Services Contracts
Cost Plus Fixed Fee Contracts
Sole Source Defense Contracts

Risk Flags

Sole Source Award
Cost Plus Fixed Fee Contract Type
Lack of Competition
Broad Service Category

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $44.7 million to VERTEX MODERNIZATION AND SUSTAINMENT LLC. BIG SAFARI

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is VERTEX MODERNIZATION AND SUSTAINMENT 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 $44.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-15. End: 2026-11-23.

What is the specific nature of the 'support services' provided under the BIG SAFARI program by Vertex Modernization and Sustainment LLC?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'All Other Support Services' under NAICS code 561990. However, the specific nature of these services for the BIG SAFARI program is not detailed in the available information. Typically, such broad categories can encompass a wide range of activities including program management, administrative support, logistical coordination, technical assistance, or operational sustainment. Without further documentation or a detailed statement of work, it is impossible to ascertain the precise functions Vertex Modernization and Sustainment LLC is performing. This lack of specificity makes it challenging to assess the contract's true value, performance, and alignment with program objectives.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing structure compare to other contract types for similar defense support services?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is often used when the scope of work is not precisely defined or when there is uncertainty about the costs involved. In this structure, the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. Compared to Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contracts, CPFF offers more flexibility for the government if requirements change but carries a higher risk of cost growth, as the government bears the brunt of cost overruns. Other contract types like Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) or Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) introduce performance incentives. For defense support services, FFP is generally preferred for well-defined scopes due to its cost certainty, while CPFF is utilized in more developmental or uncertain environments. The choice of CPFF here suggests a degree of ambiguity in the services required or the associated costs.

What is Vertex Modernization and Sustainment LLC's track record with the Department of Defense and specifically the BIG SAFARI program?

Information regarding Vertex Modernization and Sustainment LLC's specific track record with the Department of Defense, and particularly its involvement with the BIG SAFARI program, is not detailed in the provided data. As this is a sole-source award, it implies a pre-existing relationship or a unique qualification that led to this direct award. Further investigation into the contractor's past performance databases, such as the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), and any publicly available information on their previous work on similar programs would be necessary to fully assess their capabilities and reliability for this contract. The absence of competitive bidding suggests the agency has confidence in the contractor's ability to fulfill the requirements.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source award for a contract valued at $44.7 million?

A sole-source award, especially for a contract of this magnitude ($44.7 million), carries several potential risks. The primary risk is the lack of price competition, which can lead to the government paying a higher price than if the contract had been competed. This can result in suboptimal value for taxpayer money. Additionally, sole-source awards can sometimes indicate a lack of market research or an over-reliance on a single vendor, potentially stifling innovation and limiting future sourcing options. There's also a risk that the government may not be aware of other capable vendors who could offer better solutions or pricing. Ensuring robust oversight and justification for the sole-source determination is critical to mitigate these risks.

How does the $44.7 million award compare to historical spending on similar 'All Other Support Services' within the Department of the Air Force?

Comparing the $44.7 million award for 'All Other Support Services' to historical spending requires access to detailed historical contract data for the Department of the Air Force and specifically for NAICS code 561990. Without such data, it's difficult to definitively state whether this award is high, low, or average. However, $44.7 million over approximately two years represents a significant investment. If similar support services have historically been procured through competitive bidding at lower total costs or for more clearly defined scopes, this award might be considered substantial. Conversely, if the BIG SAFARI program is a new, complex, or expanding initiative, this funding level might be justified. A thorough analysis would involve benchmarking against comparable contracts awarded over the past several fiscal years.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Other Support Services › All Other Support 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

Address: 6125 E 21ST ST, INDIANAPOLIS, IN, 46219

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $44,726,427

Exercised Options: $44,726,427

Current Obligation: $44,726,427

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA862024GB003

IDV Type: BOA

Timeline