DoD Awards $70.2M for Space C2 Software Infrastructure to SPA, Inc. via Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $70,199,220 ($70.2M)

Contractor: Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-01-01

End Date: 2029-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $38.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: TO DELIVER SECURITY-CLASSIFICATION-SPECIFIC INFRASTRUCTURE, PLATFORM, NETWORKS AND SUPPORT LAYERS TO ENABLE DEVELOPMENT, INTEGRATION, TEST AND FIELDING FOR SPACE C2 SW DEVELOPED USING AN AGILE-BASED DEVSECOPS RAPID DELIVERY FRAMEWORK.

Place of Performance

Location: EL SEGUNDO, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 90245

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $70.2 million to SYSTEMS PLANNING AND ANALYSIS, INC. for work described as: TO DELIVER SECURITY-CLASSIFICATION-SPECIFIC INFRASTRUCTURE, PLATFORM, NETWORKS AND SUPPORT LAYERS TO ENABLE DEVELOPMENT, INTEGRATION, TEST AND FIELDING FOR SPACE C2 SW DEVELOPED USING AN AGILE-BASED DEVSECOPS RAPID DELIVERY FRAMEWORK. Key points: 1. The contract focuses on critical infrastructure for Space Command and Control (C2) software development. 2. Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) secured the award, indicating strong performance or competitive advantage. 3. The use of an Agile DevSecOps framework suggests a focus on rapid, iterative delivery and modernization. 4. The Department of the Air Force is the primary agency, highlighting a significant investment in space capabilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $70.2 million over five years appears reasonable for specialized infrastructure and support services in a high-demand sector like space C2. Benchmarking against similar complex system development contracts would provide further validation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process and a competitive bidding environment. This method is generally expected to yield fair and reasonable pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is positive for taxpayers, as it likely drove down costs compared to a sole-source or limited competition scenario.

Public Impact

Enhances national security through advanced space command and control capabilities. Supports the development of critical software infrastructure for the Department of Defense. Leverages modern DevSecOps practices for faster, more secure software delivery. Represents a significant investment in the Air Force's space domain awareness and operational readiness.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in complex infrastructure projects.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical infrastructure development.
Ensuring continued innovation and adaptation within the DevSecOps framework.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Utilizes agile and DevSecOps for rapid delivery.
Long-term contract provides stability for critical space systems.
Clear focus on security-classification-specific infrastructure.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting advanced defense technology. Spending in this area is often driven by national security priorities and technological advancements, with significant government investment.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the prime contractor is Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc., a large business. There is no explicit mention of small business participation in this award notice, suggesting potential for subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Air Force's oversight will be crucial to ensure adherence to the DevSecOps framework, timely delivery, and cost control. Regular performance reviews and milestone tracking are essential for accountability.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for security breaches due to rapid development.
Contractor lock-in risk for critical infrastructure.
Challenges in managing complex, classified systems.
Ensuring effective knowledge transfer and sustainment post-contract.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $70.2 million to SYSTEMS PLANNING AND ANALYSIS, INC.. TO DELIVER SECURITY-CLASSIFICATION-SPECIFIC INFRASTRUCTURE, PLATFORM, NETWORKS AND SUPPORT LAYERS TO ENABLE DEVELOPMENT, INTEGRATION, TEST AND FIELDING FOR SPACE C2 SW DEVELOPED USING AN AGILE-BASED DEVSECOPS RAPID DELIVERY FRAMEWORK.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SYSTEMS PLANNING AND ANALYSIS, 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 $70.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-01-01. End: 2029-12-31.

How will the Agile DevSecOps framework be measured for effectiveness in delivering security-classified infrastructure within the specified timeframe and budget?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) tied to sprint velocity, defect rates, deployment frequency, and security vulnerability remediation times. Regular reviews of the development pipeline, automated testing results, and stakeholder feedback will ensure the framework is driving efficient and secure delivery of the required infrastructure components for Space C2.

What are the primary risks associated with developing security-classification-specific infrastructure using a rapid delivery framework, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks include potential security vulnerabilities introduced during rapid development cycles and challenges in maintaining stringent security classifications. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust DevSecOps pipelines with automated security checks, continuous monitoring, strict access controls, and dedicated security personnel embedded within the development teams to ensure compliance throughout the rapid iteration process.

What is the long-term strategy for ensuring the scalability and adaptability of the delivered Space C2 software infrastructure beyond the current contract period?

The long-term strategy likely involves building modular and loosely coupled infrastructure components that facilitate future upgrades and integration with emerging technologies. The Agile DevSecOps approach itself promotes adaptability. Furthermore, the contract's focus on foundational layers should enable easier expansion and modification as operational needs evolve and new threats or capabilities arise.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - PLATFORM

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2001 N BEAUREGARD ST, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22311

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $238,803,275

Exercised Options: $238,803,275

Current Obligation: $70,199,220

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 4

Total Subaward Amount: $11,312,805

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QRAD20DU147

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline