DoD's $200M TRAIDE Contract with General Dynamics: R&D for Target Recognition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $20,033,604 ($20.0M)
Contractor: General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2007-09-27
End Date: 2015-04-30
Contract Duration: 2,772 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: TARGET RECOGNITION AND ADVANCED IDENTIFICATION DEVELOPMENT & EVALUATION (TRAIDE)
Place of Performance
Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22033
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $20.0 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: TARGET RECOGNITION AND ADVANCED IDENTIFICATION DEVELOPMENT & EVALUATION (TRAIDE) Key points: 1. Contract awarded to General Dynamics Mission Systems for $200.3M. 2. Focuses on research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 3. Full and open competition was utilized. 4. Contract duration was 2772 days, ending in April 2015. 5. No small business participation noted.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The total award was $200.3M over a long period, making direct per-unit cost comparison difficult without specific deliverables.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure might still allow for costs to exceed initial estimates.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds were used for advanced R&D in defense technology. The long duration and cost-plus nature warrant scrutiny for efficiency and value.
Public Impact
Enhances national security through advanced target recognition capabilities. Supports technological advancement in the defense sector. Potential for dual-use applications in civilian sectors. Long-term investment in research and development.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 72 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher spending.
- Long contract duration may indicate scope creep or extended R&D needs.
- Lack of small business participation limits broader economic impact.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Focus on critical R&D for defense.
- Significant investment in technological advancement.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector (NAICS 541710). Defense R&D spending is a significant portion of federal outlays, with contracts often being long-term and complex.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that no small business participation was involved in this contract. This suggests that the prime contractor, General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc., handled the entire scope of work, potentially missing opportunities for subcontracting and economic diversification.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), which is responsible for ensuring contractor performance and compliance. The long duration and cost-plus nature would require diligent oversight to ensure cost-effectiveness and adherence to research objectives.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Long contract duration (2772 days).
- No small business participation.
- Significant total award amount ($200.3M).
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, va, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $20.0 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC.. TARGET RECOGNITION AND ADVANCED IDENTIFICATION DEVELOPMENT & EVALUATION (TRAIDE)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, 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 $20.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-09-27. End: 2015-04-30.
What specific technological advancements were achieved through the TRAIDE program, and did they meet the initial objectives within the allocated budget?
The TRAIDE program aimed to develop and evaluate advanced target recognition and identification systems for the Department of Defense. While specific technological breakthroughs are not detailed in the provided data, the contract's duration and cost suggest a substantial R&D effort. Evaluating the program's success would require reviewing program milestone reports and final evaluations to determine if the intended capabilities were realized and if the $200.3M investment yielded a significant return in enhanced defense capabilities.
Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure and the $200.3M award, what mechanisms were in place to control costs and ensure value for taxpayer money over the contract's 2772-day period?
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts, while providing flexibility for R&D, necessitate robust oversight to manage costs. The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) would typically monitor expenditures, review contractor cost proposals, and ensure adherence to the fixed fee. Performance metrics and milestone achievements would likely be tied to payments, incentivizing the contractor to manage costs effectively while meeting technical objectives. Regular audits and reviews would be crucial for ensuring value.
How did the full and open competition process for this $200.3M R&D contract ensure the best possible technological solutions and pricing for the Department of Defense?
Full and open competition allows multiple qualified vendors to bid, fostering a competitive environment that ideally drives innovation and competitive pricing. For this TRAIDE contract, it suggests that General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc. offered the most advantageous technical solution and price among bidders. The process aims to prevent sole-source awards and ensure that the DoD receives optimal value by leveraging the expertise and cost structures of various industry players in the R&D space.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp
Address: 12450 FAIR LAKES CIR STE 800, FAIRFAX, VA, 22033
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $20,033,604
Exercised Options: $20,033,604
Current Obligation: $20,033,604
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-09-27
Current End Date: 2015-04-30
Potential End Date: 2015-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-06-29
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