DoD's $12.7M BATTLEFIELD AIR OPERATIONS Human Machine Interface contract awarded to General Dynamics IT

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,748,934 ($12.7M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2007-09-18

End Date: 2012-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,839 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: BATTLEFIELD AIR OPERATIONS HUMAN MACHINE INTERFACE

Place of Performance

Location: FALLS CHURCH, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22042

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $12.7 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: BATTLEFIELD AIR OPERATIONS HUMAN MACHINE INTERFACE Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a competitive process. 2. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can incentivize cost overruns if not managed carefully. 3. Performance period spanned nearly five years, suggesting a substantial and ongoing need for these services. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541990 covers 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services,' a broad category. 5. The contract was awarded by the Department of Defense, a major federal spender. 6. The contract was awarded to a single vendor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific performance metrics or comparable contract data. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure means the government pays the contractor's costs plus a fixed fee, which can lead to higher final costs than fixed-price contracts if costs escalate. Without insight into the actual costs incurred and the fixed fee amount, a precise value-for-money assessment is difficult. However, the duration and scope suggest a significant investment in a critical capability.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This designation implies that while the competition was intended to be open, certain sources were excluded, potentially limiting the breadth of competition. The specific reasons for exclusion are not detailed, but this approach can sometimes lead to less competitive pricing than a truly unrestricted full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The exclusion of sources, even within a nominally open competition, may have limited the number of potential bidders, potentially impacting the government's ability to secure the lowest possible price for taxpayers.

Public Impact

This contract supports the Department of Defense's efforts to enhance battlefield air operations through improved human-machine interfaces. The services delivered likely contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of military personnel operating in complex air environments. The geographic impact is primarily within defense operations, potentially supporting deployed forces globally. Workforce implications include the employment of technical and scientific personnel by General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. to fulfill the contract requirements.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent risk of cost escalation if not rigorously managed.
The 'exclusion of sources' in the competition method warrants further investigation to ensure maximum competition was achieved.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to fully assess the return on investment for this significant expenditure.

Positive Signals

Awarded under a competitive process, suggesting some level of market vetting.
The contract duration of nearly five years indicates a sustained need and potential for long-term capability development.
The contract was awarded to a large, established defense contractor with a significant presence in the sector.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader defense technology and services sector, specifically focusing on human-machine interface development for military aviation. This is a critical area for modern warfare, aiming to improve pilot situational awareness, reduce cognitive load, and enhance decision-making through advanced technology. The market for such specialized defense IT services is substantial, driven by continuous technological advancement and evolving military requirements. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other contracts for advanced simulation, training systems, or cockpit technology integration within the DoD.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc., a large business. There is no indication of small business set-asides or specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses within the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem appears minimal for this prime contract, though the prime contractor may engage small businesses as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), responsible for ensuring contractor performance and compliance with contract terms. Accountability measures are embedded within the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, requiring detailed cost reporting and justification. Transparency is generally maintained through contract awards databases, though specific performance details and cost breakdowns may be subject to classification or proprietary restrictions.

Related Government Programs

Defense Aviation Systems
Military Command and Control Systems
Aerospace Engineering Services
Information Technology Services for Defense
Human Factors Engineering

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF contract type.
Limited competition due to 'exclusion of sources' may impact price.
Broad NAICS code makes specific service scope less clear without SOW.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $12.7 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. BATTLEFIELD AIR OPERATIONS HUMAN MACHINE INTERFACE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $12.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-09-18. End: 2012-09-30.

What specific technologies or systems comprised the 'BATTLEFIELD AIR OPERATIONS HUMAN MACHINE INTERFACE'?

The provided data does not specify the exact technologies or systems involved in the 'BATTLEFIELD AIR OPERATIONS HUMAN MACHINE INTERFACE.' This designation likely refers to the integration of hardware (e.g., displays, controls, sensors) and software that allows military personnel, particularly pilots and aircrews, to interact with and manage complex battlefield air operations systems. This could encompass advanced cockpit displays, data fusion systems, communication interfaces, and control mechanisms designed to enhance situational awareness and operational effectiveness in dynamic combat environments. Further details would require access to the contract's statement of work or technical documentation.

How did the 'exclusion of sources' impact the competitive landscape for this contract?

The designation 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' suggests that while the competition was not a sole-source award, certain potential bidders were deliberately excluded from participating. The reasons for such exclusions are typically based on specific criteria outlined in federal acquisition regulations, such as unique capabilities, prior experience with a specific system, or national security considerations. While this method aims to ensure specialized needs are met, it inherently limits the number of offerors compared to unrestricted full and open competition. This reduction in bidder pool could potentially lead to less aggressive pricing and innovation than might be achieved with a broader range of competitors.

What are the typical risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract?

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts carry inherent risks for the government, primarily related to cost control. In a CPFF arrangement, the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. The primary risk is that the contractor may have less incentive to control costs compared to fixed-price contracts, as cost overruns directly increase the total payment (reimbursed costs). While the fixed fee provides some incentive for efficiency, significant cost increases can still occur. Effective oversight, rigorous cost auditing, and clear definition of allowable costs are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure fair value for the government.

What is the significance of NAICS code 541990 in the context of this contract?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541990, 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services,' indicates the broad nature of the services procured under this contract. This code is a catch-all for establishments primarily engaged in professional, scientific, and technical activities not classified elsewhere. For this contract, it suggests the work involved a diverse range of specialized technical, scientific, or analytical support related to battlefield air operations and human-machine interfaces, potentially including research, development, systems integration, or consulting services that didn't fit into more specific NAICS categories.

How does this contract compare to other similar federal spending in the defense IT sector?

This $12.7 million contract, awarded over nearly five years, represents a moderate investment within the vast defense IT sector. The Department of Defense consistently spends billions annually on IT services, including research, development, systems integration, and support for complex operational platforms. Contracts for human-machine interfaces, advanced simulation, and cockpit modernization are critical but represent a niche within the larger IT spending landscape. While specific comparable data is not provided, this contract's value and duration align with projects focused on enhancing specific operational capabilities rather than large-scale enterprise IT rollouts.

What was the historical spending trend for similar 'Human Machine Interface' contracts within the DoD?

Analyzing historical spending trends for 'Human Machine Interface' (HMI) contracts within the DoD requires access to extensive contract databases and specific keyword searches. HMI development is an ongoing area of investment driven by technological advancements and the need to improve operator performance in complex systems. Spending in this area has likely seen a steady increase over the years, reflecting the growing importance of sophisticated user interfaces in aviation, command and control, and other defense applications. However, without specific historical data for this contract's predecessors or comparable projects, it's difficult to establish a precise trend for this particular niche.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 15036 CONFERENCE CENTER DR, CHANTILLY, VA, 20151

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $12,748,934

Exercised Options: $12,748,934

Current Obligation: $12,748,934

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline