DoD Awards $24.3M for Multi-Domain Simulation Systems Engineering, Highlighting R&D Investment
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $24,275,855 ($24.3M)
Contractor: DCS Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-05-14
End Date: 2028-05-12
Contract Duration: 2,555 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: MULTI-DOMAIN TECHNOLOGY SIMULATION BASED SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
Place of Performance
Location: ALEXANDRIA, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22310
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $24.3 million to DCS CORPORATION for work described as: MULTI-DOMAIN TECHNOLOGY SIMULATION BASED SYSTEMS ENGINEERING Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced simulation technology for multi-domain operations. 2. DCS Corporation, a major defense contractor, secures the award. 3. Potential for long-term technological advantage and enhanced warfighter training. 4. Focus on R&D in physical and engineering sciences, excluding nano/biotech.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which allows for flexibility in R&D but can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The total award value of $24.3M over approximately 7 years suggests a moderate but sustained investment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method is expected to drive innovation and ensure fair pricing for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally leads to better value for taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that drives down costs and improves service quality.
Public Impact
Enhances military readiness through advanced simulation capabilities. Supports technological innovation in defense systems engineering. Contributes to the development of next-generation military technologies.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can sometimes lead to higher costs than fixed-price contracts.
- Long contract duration requires ongoing monitoring for performance and cost control.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Focus on critical R&D for national security.
- Significant investment in advanced simulation technology.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) sector. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority and national security, with significant government investment annually.
Small Business Impact
While the awardee is DCS Corporation, a large business, the nature of R&D contracts can sometimes involve subcontracting opportunities for small businesses with specialized expertise. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force is responsible for oversight. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract structure necessitates robust oversight to manage costs and ensure deliverables meet requirements. Regular performance reviews and audits are critical.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
- Long contract duration requires sustained oversight.
- Dependence on contractor's specialized R&D capabilities.
- Need for clear performance metrics and validation protocols.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $24.3 million to DCS CORPORATION. MULTI-DOMAIN TECHNOLOGY SIMULATION BASED SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is DCS 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 $24.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-05-14. End: 2028-05-12.
What specific advancements in multi-domain simulation are expected from this contract?
This contract is expected to yield advancements in creating more realistic and integrated simulation environments that can model complex, multi-domain operational scenarios. This includes improvements in data fusion, AI-driven threat replication, and enhanced virtual training capabilities, ultimately leading to more effective warfighter preparation and strategic planning.
What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type for this R&D effort?
The primary risks with CPFF contracts in R&D include potential cost overruns if the scope of work expands or unforeseen technical challenges arise. There's also a risk of the contractor prioritizing profit over innovation if incentives aren't structured effectively. Robust government oversight is crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure value.
How will the effectiveness of the developed simulation systems be measured and validated?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through a combination of technical performance metrics, user feedback from training exercises, and independent validation against predefined operational requirements. Milestones within the contract will likely include demonstrations and testing phases to ensure the simulation systems accurately reflect real-world complexities and contribute to improved decision-making.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Solicitation ID: FA865020S2610
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 6909 METRO PARK DR STE 500, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22310
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $24,276,475
Exercised Options: $24,276,475
Current Obligation: $24,275,855
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 11
Total Subaward Amount: $9,530,974
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA865021D2606
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-05-14
Current End Date: 2028-05-12
Potential End Date: 2028-05-12 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-04
More Contracts from DCS Corporation
- Federal Contract — $503.5M (Department of Defense)
- Technical Engineering Services for Tardec — $292.7M (Department of Defense)
- Federal Contract — $143.3M (Department of Defense)
- Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (seta) Support for PM Soldier Protection and Individual Equipment (PM Spie) — $131.3M (Department of Defense)
- Continuation Contract of Technical and Engineering Support Contract W56hzv-17-C-0062 — $127.7M (Department of Defense)
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)