DoD's $25.15M Counter Space Plug-In Contract Awarded to General Dynamics Mission Systems
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $25,150,346 ($25.2M)
Contractor: General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2007-05-30
End Date: 2011-01-31
Contract Duration: 1,342 days
Daily Burn Rate: $18.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: COUNTER SPACE PLUG-IN
Place of Performance
Location: SANTA CLARA, SANTA CLARA County, CALIFORNIA, 95054
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $25.2 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: COUNTER SPACE PLUG-IN Key points: 1. The contract awarded to General Dynamics Mission Systems for Counter Space Plug-In represents a significant investment in specialized defense technology. 2. Competition details are not fully specified, but the contract type suggests a focus on managing costs and performance. 3. Potential risks include the complexity of the technology and the long duration of the contract, impacting long-term cost-effectiveness. 4. The sector is primarily defense electronics, with potential spillover into broader aerospace and IT applications.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's Cost Plus Incentive fee structure suggests an attempt to align contractor incentives with government objectives. However, without specific performance metrics or benchmarks, assessing the true value for money is challenging.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which is generally positive for price discovery. However, the specific nature of the 'Counter Space Plug-In' may limit the number of truly capable bidders.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of a cost-plus contract type, even with incentives, carries inherent risks of cost overruns, which could impact taxpayer funds if not managed effectively.
Public Impact
This contract supports the Department of the Air Force's capabilities in space operations and defense. The technology developed could have implications for national security and space-based assets. Investment in such specialized systems highlights the evolving nature of defense requirements in the modern era.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Overruns
- Technological Obsolescence
- Scope Creep
Positive Signals
- Innovation in Defense Technology
- Support for Air Force Mission
- Competitive Award Process
Sector Analysis
The defense electronics sector is characterized by high R&D costs, long development cycles, and stringent performance requirements. Spending benchmarks vary widely based on the specific technology, but contracts of this magnitude often involve complex systems integration.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was awarded to a large business (General Dynamics Mission Systems). There is no explicit indication of small business subcontracting in the provided data, suggesting limited direct impact on small businesses for this prime contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's duration and cost-plus nature necessitate robust oversight from the Department of the Air Force to ensure performance targets are met and costs remain controlled. Regular audits and performance reviews are crucial for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Miscellaneous Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration increases risk of cost escalation and technological obsolescence.
- Cost-plus contract types can lead to higher final costs if not tightly managed.
- Complexity of 'Counter Space Plug-In' technology may limit competitive landscape.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data hinders value assessment.
Tags
all-other-miscellaneous-electrical-equip, department-of-defense, ca, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $25.2 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC.. COUNTER SPACE PLUG-IN
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 (Department of the Air Force).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $25.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-05-30. End: 2011-01-31.
What specific technological advancements does the 'Counter Space Plug-In' aim to achieve, and how do these align with current and future Air Force space defense strategies?
The 'Counter Space Plug-In' likely refers to a system designed to enhance or protect space-based assets from adversarial threats or interference. Its specific technological advancements would be proprietary but could involve advanced sensor technology, electronic warfare capabilities, or secure communication modules. Alignment with Air Force strategies would focus on maintaining space superiority and ensuring the resilience of critical space infrastructure against evolving threats.
Given the cost-plus incentive fee structure, what are the key performance indicators (KPIs) being tracked, and how are they incentivized to ensure optimal value for the taxpayer?
Key performance indicators for a 'Counter Space Plug-In' contract would likely include system reliability, operational effectiveness against simulated threats, integration success with existing platforms, and adherence to stringent security protocols. The incentive fee structure would tie a portion of the contractor's profit to achieving or exceeding these KPIs, encouraging efficient performance and cost control beyond the basic requirements.
What is the potential for technological obsolescence given the contract's start date in 2007 and end date in 2011, and what measures are in place to ensure the system remains relevant?
A contract awarded in 2007 and ending in 2011 for a technology like 'Counter Space Plug-In' faces a moderate risk of obsolescence, especially in the rapidly evolving defense and space sectors. Measures to mitigate this could include built-in upgrade paths, modular design principles allowing for component replacement, and ongoing research and development efforts by the contractor and the Air Force to incorporate newer technologies as they emerge.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing › All Other Miscellaneous Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC EQPT COMPNTS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE (V)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp (UEI: 001381284)
Address: 2305 MISSION COLLEGE BLVD, STE 101, SANTA CLARA, CA, 17
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $35,298,562
Exercised Options: $25,150,346
Current Obligation: $25,150,346
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-05-30
Current End Date: 2011-01-31
Potential End Date: 2011-01-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2011-03-23
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