DoD's BIG SAFARI contract awards $130M for support services, with no competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $130,159,444 ($130.2M)
Contractor: Vertex Modernization and Sustainment LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-09-25
End Date: 2027-09-24
Contract Duration: 729 days
Daily Burn Rate: $178.5K/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: INDIANAPOLIS, MARION County, INDIANA, 46219
State: Indiana Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $130.2 million to VERTEX MODERNIZATION AND SUSTAINMENT LLC for work described as: BIG SAFARI Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $130M for support services. 2. Lack of competition raises concerns about potential overpricing. 3. The contract is for the Department of the Air Force. 4. Services fall under 'All Other Support Services' NAICS code.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to higher costs without strong oversight. Benchmarking is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns, but the lack of competition suggests potential for inflated pricing.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers as there is no market pressure to offer competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition for a $130M contract means taxpayers may be paying more than necessary for these support services.
Public Impact
Taxpayers may be overpaying due to the lack of competitive bidding. The long duration (729 days) of the contract warrants close monitoring. Essential support services for the Air Force are being provided under this agreement.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee pricing
- Long contract duration
Positive Signals
- Essential support services for the Air Force
Sector Analysis
The 'All Other Support Services' sector is broad and can encompass a wide range of activities. Benchmarking is challenging without specific service details, but large, non-competed contracts in this area often warrant scrutiny.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further investigation is needed to determine if small business participation was considered.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this large contract necessitates robust oversight from the Department of the Air Force to ensure fair pricing and effective service delivery. Accountability for cost controls is critical.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Support Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited transparency
- No small business participation indicated
Tags
all-other-support-services, department-of-defense, in, delivery-order, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $130.2 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 $130.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-09-25. End: 2027-09-24.
What specific support services are being provided under BIG SAFARI, and how do they align with the Air Force's mission needs?
The contract, identified as BIG SAFARI, falls under NAICS code 561990 (All Other Support Services). While the specific services are not detailed in the provided data, they are crucial for the Department of the Air Force's operations. Understanding the precise nature of these services is key to assessing their necessity and value, especially given the contract's significant value and sole-source award.
What is the justification for awarding this $130M contract on a sole-source basis, and what steps were taken to ensure fair and reasonable pricing?
The justification for a sole-source award of this magnitude is critical. Typically, such awards are made when only one source can fulfill the requirement due to unique capabilities or urgent needs. Without this justification, the lack of competition raises significant concerns about price reasonableness and potential taxpayer overspending. The contracting agency must demonstrate that extensive market research was conducted and that the negotiated price is fair.
How will the effectiveness of the services provided under this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract be measured and ensured, particularly given the absence of competition?
Measuring effectiveness for a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, especially when awarded without competition, requires stringent performance metrics and oversight. The Air Force must establish clear deliverables, key performance indicators (KPIs), and regular reviews to ensure the contractor is meeting objectives. Without competitive pressure, the onus is on the government to actively manage the contract and verify that the services are not only delivered but are also of high quality and contribute to mission success.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Other Support Services › All Other Support Services
Product/Service Code: ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC EQPT COMPNTS
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: $130,159,444
Exercised Options: $130,159,444
Current Obligation: $130,159,444
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA862024GB003
IDV Type: BOA
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-09-25
Current End Date: 2027-09-24
Potential End Date: 2027-09-24 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-18
More Contracts from Vertex Modernization and Sustainment LLC
- BIG Safari — $65.6M (Department of Defense)
- LAU-115 D/A Missile Launchers — $65.4M (Department of Defense)
- BIG Safari — $55.0M (Department of Defense)
- LAU 115 D/A and LAU-116 B/A Missile Launcher — $49.6M (Department of Defense)
- BIG Safari — $47.5M (Department of Defense)
View all Vertex Modernization and Sustainment LLC federal contracts →
Other Department of Defense Contracts
- Federal Contract — $51.3B (Humana Government Business Inc)
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- SSN 802 and 803 Long Lead Time Material — $34.7B (Electric Boat Corporation)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- KC-X Modernization Program — $32.0B (THE Boeing Company)