DoD's $9.6M 'BIG SAFARI' Contract Awarded to Sierra Nevada Company for Technical Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $9,593,682 ($9.6M)

Contractor: Sierra Nevada Company, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-09-29

End Date: 2026-09-28

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $26.4K/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: CENTENNIAL, ARAPAHOE County, COLORADO, 80112

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $9.6 million to SIERRA NEVADA COMPANY, LLC for work described as: BIG SAFARI Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $9.6 million. 2. Sole-source award to Sierra Nevada Company, LLC. 3. Potential for limited competition due to specialized services. 4. Focus on professional, scientific, and technical services within the defense sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract is a cost-plus-fixed-fee type, which can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. Benchmarking is difficult without more specific service details.

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.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in a higher price than if multiple vendors had bid, impacting taxpayer funds.

Public Impact

Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the absence of competitive bidding. The specialized nature of 'BIG SAFARI' services could be critical for national security. Lack of transparency in the sole-source award process raises accountability concerns.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award
Cost-plus contract type
Lack of competition

Positive Signals

Specific contract for 'BIG SAFARI' program
Awarded to established contractor

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' (NAICS 541990), a broad category. Defense sector spending on such services is substantial, but benchmarks vary widely based on specialization.

Small Business Impact

The contract does not indicate any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses. The award to Sierra Nevada Company, LLC, suggests a focus on larger, established contractors for this specialized service.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure does not lead to excessive spending and that the services provided are essential and effectively delivered.

Related Government Programs

All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for cost overruns (CPFF)
Limited transparency
No small business participation noted

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $9.6 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 $9.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-29. End: 2026-09-28.

What specific technical services does 'BIG SAFARI' encompass, and how do these justify a sole-source award?

The 'BIG SAFARI' program likely refers to a specific intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) or advanced technology initiative within the Air Force. Justification for a sole-source award typically hinges on unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or critical integration requirements that only the awarded contractor can fulfill, necessitating a detailed justification from the agency.

What are the potential cost overruns associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract in this context?

CPFF contracts carry inherent risks of cost overruns if the contractor's estimated costs are inaccurate or if unforeseen complexities arise. The 'fixed fee' component provides some predictability for the contractor's profit, but the government bears the risk of fluctuating direct and indirect costs, requiring robust monitoring and auditing by the agency.

How effective is the 'BIG SAFARI' program in meeting its stated objectives, given the lack of competitive pressure?

Assessing effectiveness without competition is challenging. While the contractor may be highly capable, the absence of market pressure could reduce incentives for innovation or cost efficiency. The agency must rely on performance metrics and regular reviews to ensure the program's objectives are being met and that value for money is achieved.

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) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT 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: 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: $29,721,969

Exercised Options: $24,523,122

Current Obligation: $9,593,682

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA862021G4009

IDV Type: BOA

Timeline