DoD Awards $18.3M for GARDEM C2 Software Support to Parsons Government Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,362,829 ($18.4M)

Contractor: Parsons Government Services Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-08-21

End Date: 2023-08-18

Contract Duration: 1,092 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: GARDEM COMMAND AND CONTROL SOFTWARE APPLICATION MAINTENANCE ENHANCEMENTS AND FIELD SITE SUPPORT FOR GARDEM OPERATIONAL C2 AND SPACE CAPABILITIES

Place of Performance

Location: CENTREVILLE, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20120

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $18.4 million to PARSONS GOVERNMENT SERVICES INC. for work described as: GARDEM COMMAND AND CONTROL SOFTWARE APPLICATION MAINTENANCE ENHANCEMENTS AND FIELD SITE SUPPORT FOR GARDEM OPERATIONAL C2 AND SPACE CAPABILITIES Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical command and control (C2) software for space capabilities. 2. Parsons Government Services Inc. secured the contract, indicating established vendor relationships. 3. The contract spans over three years, suggesting a need for sustained support. 4. Custom Computer Programming Services (NAICS 541511) is a key sector for this expenditure.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar C2 software maintenance contracts is difficult without more granular cost data.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which is positive for price discovery. However, the specific award mechanism (Delivery Order) suggests it might be part of a larger IDIQ, potentially limiting the scope of competition for this specific order.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to maintain and enhance critical defense systems, ensuring operational readiness.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operational capability of the GARDEM Command and Control system. Supports critical space capabilities vital for national security. Provides ongoing employment for personnel involved in software maintenance and support. Potential for technological advancements through enhancements to the C2 application.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type risks cost escalation.
Limited transparency on specific enhancement details.
Potential for vendor lock-in with specialized software support.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Supports critical national security infrastructure.
Long-term contract duration ensures stability of operations.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically custom computer programming. Defense spending on IT is substantial, and this expenditure aligns with the need for robust command and control systems for operational readiness and space capabilities.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the prime contractor is Parsons Government Services Inc., a large business. There is no explicit mention of small business participation in this specific award, suggesting potential missed opportunities for subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Defense, through the Defense Contract Management Agency, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Robust oversight is crucial for CPFF contracts to ensure costs are reasonable and work is performed effectively.

Related Government Programs

Custom Computer Programming Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Defense Contract Management Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
Lack of specific detail on enhancements.
No explicit small business participation noted.
Potential for vendor lock-in.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical system support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $18.4 million to PARSONS GOVERNMENT SERVICES INC.. GARDEM COMMAND AND CONTROL SOFTWARE APPLICATION MAINTENANCE ENHANCEMENTS AND FIELD SITE SUPPORT FOR GARDEM OPERATIONAL C2 AND SPACE CAPABILITIES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PARSONS GOVERNMENT SERVICES 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 $18.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-08-21. End: 2023-08-18.

What specific enhancements are planned for the GARDEM C2 application, and how do they align with evolving operational needs and technological advancements in space capabilities?

The contract details do not specify the exact nature of the enhancements. Further analysis would require reviewing the Statement of Work (SOW) to understand the scope of planned improvements. These enhancements should ideally address emerging threats, incorporate new technologies, and improve user interface or data processing capabilities to maintain the system's effectiveness in supporting space operations.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure mitigate risks associated with custom software development and long-term maintenance, particularly concerning potential scope creep or unforeseen technical c

The CPFF structure aims to provide flexibility for evolving requirements common in custom software. However, it places a significant burden on the government to meticulously track costs and ensure the fixed fee remains appropriate. Robust oversight is essential to prevent cost overruns and ensure the contractor is incentivized to manage the project efficiently, rather than simply incurring costs.

What is the long-term strategy for the GARDEM C2 system, and how does this contract contribute to its future viability and potential replacement or upgrade pathways?

This contract focuses on maintenance, enhancements, and support, suggesting a strategy to maintain the current system's operational status. The long duration implies the system is expected to remain in use for the foreseeable future. Understanding the roadmap for future upgrades or potential system replacements would provide better context on the strategic value of this ongoing investment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Custom Computer Programming Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: FA875020R0506

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Parsons Corporation

Address: 5875 TRINITY PKWY STE 230, CENTREVILLE, VA, 20120

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: $30,933,057

Exercised Options: $30,037,436

Current Obligation: $18,362,829

Actual Outlays: $4,406,845

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $35,827

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA875019D0004

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline