DoD's $29.8M Distributed Mission Operations Network 2.0 contract awarded to Northrop Grumman under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $29,883,725 ($29.9M)

Contractor: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-12-31

End Date: 2022-12-31

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: DISTRIBUTED MISSION OPERATIONS NETWORK 2.0

Place of Performance

Location: HERNDON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20171

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $29.9 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION for work described as: DISTRIBUTED MISSION OPERATIONS NETWORK 2.0 Key points: 1. Contract value of $29.8M for custom computer programming services. 2. Awarded to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation. 3. Procured via full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 4. Services fall under the IT sector, specifically custom computer programming.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $29.8M for custom computer programming services is within a reasonable range for complex IT solutions. Benchmarking against similar DoD contracts for network operations and software development would provide a clearer picture of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is positive for taxpayers, as it likely resulted in a more favorable price compared to a sole-source or limited competition scenario.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operational capabilities for distributed mission training and simulation. Supports the Air Force's readiness and modernization efforts. Potential for technological advancements in virtual and augmented reality training environments.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
  • Potential for cost overruns if scope expands beyond initial estimates.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded through a competitive process.
  • Supports critical defense mission operations.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically custom computer programming services. Spending in this area is substantial across the federal government, supporting a wide range of mission-critical functions.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, as 'sb' is false. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were made available to small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made by the Department of the Air Force, a component of the Department of Defense. Standard DoD oversight mechanisms for contract performance and financial management would apply.

Related Government Programs

  • Custom Computer Programming Services
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

  • Potential for vendor lock-in if proprietary technologies are heavily utilized.
  • Reliance on a single large contractor for critical network infrastructure.
  • Cybersecurity risks associated with a complex, distributed network.
  • Ensuring long-term maintainability and upgradeability of the system.

Tags

custom-computer-programming-services, department-of-defense, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $29.9 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION. DISTRIBUTED MISSION OPERATIONS NETWORK 2.0

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION.

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 $29.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-12-31. End: 2022-12-31.

What specific technological advancements are being pursued under this contract, and how do they align with future Air Force training needs?

The contract likely focuses on enhancing existing distributed mission operations capabilities, potentially incorporating advanced simulation, virtual reality, and AI-driven training scenarios. Alignment with future needs would involve ensuring the network can support evolving combat platforms and tactics, providing realistic and cost-effective training environments that prepare personnel for complex operational challenges.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will their achievement be measured to ensure mission effectiveness?

Key performance indicators would typically include system uptime, network latency, simulation fidelity, user satisfaction, and the successful integration of new functionalities. Measurement would involve regular reporting from Northrop Grumman, independent verification and validation by the Air Force, and potentially user feedback mechanisms to ensure the network effectively supports distributed training exercises and mission readiness.

Given the firm-fixed-price nature, what mechanisms are in place to manage potential scope creep and ensure the contractor remains within the awarded budget?

Firm-fixed-price contracts place the cost risk on the contractor. Mechanisms to manage scope creep include rigorous change control processes, clearly defined contract requirements, and detailed statements of work. The Air Force would need to carefully review any proposed changes for necessity and impact on cost and schedule, ensuring that only essential modifications are approved and properly funded.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesComputer Systems Design and Related ServicesCustom Computer Programming Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT)PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Northrop Grumman Corporation

Address: 2340 DULLES CORNER BLVD, HERNDON, VA, 20171

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $29,883,725

Exercised Options: $29,883,725

Current Obligation: $29,883,725

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA862113D6318

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2022-12-31

Current End Date: 2022-12-31

Potential End Date: 2022-12-31 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2022-09-16

More Contracts from Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation

View all Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation federal contracts →

Other Department of Defense Contracts

View all Department of Defense contracts →

Explore Related Government Spending