DoD's $29.1M Systems Engineering Contract for Air Force Planning Enterprise Shows Fair Value Amidst Limited Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $29,102,432 ($29.1M)

Contractor: Leidos, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2019-12-23

End Date: 2020-12-31

Contract Duration: 374 days

Daily Burn Rate: $77.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: SYSTEMS ENGINEERING&INTEGRATION CONTRACT II - INTEGRATION FOR SUPPLIES AND SUPPORT NECESSARY TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN THE US REQUIREMENTS OF THE MISSING PLANNING ENTERPRISE

Place of Performance

Location: HERNDON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20170

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $29.1 million to LEIDOS, INC. for work described as: SYSTEMS ENGINEERING&INTEGRATION CONTRACT II - INTEGRATION FOR SUPPLIES AND SUPPORT NECESSARY TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN THE US REQUIREMENTS OF THE MISSING PLANNING ENTERPRISE Key points: 1. The contract awarded to Leidos, Inc. for $29.1M focuses on critical systems engineering and integration for the Air Force's planning enterprise. 2. While the contract type is Cost Plus Incentive Fee, the specific performance metrics and their impact on final cost are not detailed, posing a potential risk. 3. The sector is R&D, specifically within physical, engineering, and life sciences, which often involves complex and evolving requirements. 4. The limited competition aspect, despite being a delivery order under a larger contract, warrants scrutiny regarding price discovery and overall value for taxpayer dollars.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) contract type suggests an attempt to align contractor incentives with government goals. However, without detailed performance metrics and benchmark data for similar integration contracts, assessing the true value and cost-effectiveness is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This was awarded as a delivery order, implying it falls under a pre-existing contract vehicle. The limited competition nature, even if within a broader IDIQ, can restrict price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition may result in a less optimal price for taxpayers, as robust market competition is curtailed. Further analysis of the base contract's competition is needed.

Public Impact

Ensures critical planning capabilities for the U.S. Air Force, impacting operational readiness and strategic planning. Supports advanced systems engineering and integration, crucial for complex defense systems. Potential for cost overruns due to the CPIF contract type if not managed tightly.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 77 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Limited competition for delivery order
  • Cost Plus Incentive Fee contract type
  • Lack of detailed performance metrics for CPIF

Positive Signals

  • Supports critical Air Force planning enterprise
  • Experienced contractor (Leidos, Inc.)
  • Delivery order under a potentially larger, competitive vehicle

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology) sector. Spending in this area is often characterized by high complexity, long development cycles, and significant investment in innovation. Benchmarks are difficult due to the specialized nature of R&D.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the prime contractor is Leidos, Inc., a large business. There is no explicit information provided regarding small business participation or subcontracting goals for this specific delivery order.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by the Department of the Air Force contracting officers and program managers. The effectiveness of oversight depends on the clarity of contract terms, performance monitoring, and adherence to reporting requirements, especially with CPIF contracts.

Related Government Programs

  • Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

  • Potential for cost overruns due to CPIF contract type
  • Limited competition may lead to suboptimal pricing
  • Lack of detailed performance metrics for incentive fee
  • Unclear long-term strategic benefits beyond operational support

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 $29.1 million to LEIDOS, INC.. SYSTEMS ENGINEERING&INTEGRATION CONTRACT II - INTEGRATION FOR SUPPLIES AND SUPPORT NECESSARY TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN THE US REQUIREMENTS OF THE MISSING PLANNING ENTERPRISE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LEIDOS, INC..

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 $29.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-12-23. End: 2020-12-31.

What specific performance metrics are tied to the incentive fee in this CPIF contract, and how do they ensure optimal value for the Air Force's planning enterprise?

The provided data does not specify the performance metrics linked to the incentive fee. For a CPIF contract, these metrics are crucial for aligning contractor efforts with government objectives and ensuring cost efficiency. Without this information, it's difficult to ascertain if the incentive structure effectively drives desired outcomes or if it presents a risk of cost overruns without commensurate performance gains.

How does the limited competition for this delivery order impact the overall cost-effectiveness and risk profile compared to a full and open competition scenario for similar systems engineering service

Limited competition generally reduces price pressure, potentially leading to higher costs for the government. While this is a delivery order, suggesting it might be under a pre-existing contract, the lack of broad market engagement limits the government's ability to secure the most competitive pricing. This increases the risk of paying a premium and may reduce the incentive for the contractor to optimize costs.

What is the long-term strategic value and potential for technological advancement derived from this $29.1M investment in the Air Force's planning enterprise systems?

The contract aims to develop and maintain the U.S. requirements of the Air Force's planning enterprise, suggesting a direct impact on operational capabilities and strategic decision-making. The value lies in enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of military planning. However, the specific technological advancements or long-term strategic benefits are not detailed, making it hard to quantify the return on investment beyond immediate operational support.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesScientific Research and Development ServicesResearch and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENTC – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE FEE (V)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Leidos Holdings, Inc.

Address: 1750 PRESIDENTS ST, RESTON, VA, 20190

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $30,130,976

Exercised Options: $30,130,976

Current Obligation: $29,102,432

Actual Outlays: $8,700,157

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 24

Total Subaward Amount: $4,484,373

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA873017D0004

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2019-12-23

Current End Date: 2020-12-31

Potential End Date: 2020-12-31 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2024-09-10

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