DoD's $81.9M Sensor Support Services Contract Awarded to Odyssey Systems Consulting Group

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $81,908,339 ($81.9M)

Contractor: Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, Ltd.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2017-11-09

End Date: 2022-06-08

Contract Duration: 1,672 days

Daily Burn Rate: $49.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF SENSOR SUPPORT SERVICES TASK ORDER AWARD

Place of Performance

Location: WAKEFIELD, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01880

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $81.9 million to ODYSSEY SYSTEMS CONSULTING GROUP, LTD. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF SENSOR SUPPORT SERVICES TASK ORDER AWARD Key points: 1. Contract awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract duration of over 4 years indicates a significant, long-term need for these services. 3. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology) is a critical sector for defense innovation. 4. The firm-fixed-price contract type shifts risk to the contractor, potentially benefiting the government. 5. The contract was awarded as a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle. 6. The base contract value is substantial, reflecting the scope and importance of the services provided.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $81.9 million over approximately 4.7 years for R&D sensor support services appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts in the defense sector would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm-fixed-price structure is generally favorable for the government in managing costs for well-defined services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources,' which implies that while a broad solicitation was intended, specific circumstances led to the exclusion of certain sources before the final award. The presence of 8 bidders (no) indicates a healthy level of competition was initially pursued, which typically drives better pricing and innovation.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the bidding process, even with exclusions, generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging multiple companies to offer their best pricing and technical solutions to secure the contract.

Public Impact

The Department of the Air Force benefits from advanced sensor support services, crucial for maintaining and improving defense capabilities. This contract supports research and development activities, potentially leading to technological advancements in sensor technology. The services likely impact national security by ensuring the effectiveness of critical defense systems. The contract supports a workforce skilled in specialized R&D and engineering fields.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if initial requirements are not clearly defined.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical sensor support could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
The complexity of R&D projects can lead to unforeseen challenges and cost overruns if not managed effectively.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract type helps control costs and shifts risk to the contractor.
Awarded under a competitive process, suggesting a strong pool of qualified bidders.
Long-term duration indicates a stable demand for these specialized services, providing continuity.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences (excluding biotechnology). This is a vital area for defense modernization, as advancements in sensor technology directly impact intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance, and overall operational effectiveness. The market for defense R&D is characterized by high technical barriers to entry and significant government investment.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary contractor is likely a large business. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist, but they are not explicitly detailed in this award information. The focus on specialized R&D may limit the types of small businesses that can participate as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program management office within the Department of the Air Force. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of cost control. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance metrics and specific oversight activities are often internal to the agency.

Related Government Programs

Defense Research and Development
Sensor Technology Development
Air Force R&D Contracts
Information Technology R&D
Engineering Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns if R&D scope is not tightly managed.
Contractor performance risk in a specialized R&D field.
Dependency on a single contractor for critical sensor support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $81.9 million to ODYSSEY SYSTEMS CONSULTING GROUP, LTD.. IGF::OT::IGF SENSOR SUPPORT SERVICES TASK ORDER AWARD

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ODYSSEY SYSTEMS CONSULTING GROUP, LTD..

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 $81.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-11-09. End: 2022-06-08.

What is the track record of Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, Ltd. with Department of Defense contracts, particularly in R&D?

Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, Ltd. has a history of performing contracts for the Department of Defense, including work related to research and development. Analyzing their past performance on similar contracts, including on-time delivery, quality of work, and adherence to budget, is crucial for assessing their capability to execute this $81.9 million sensor support services task order. Their experience with firm-fixed-price contracts and complex R&D projects would be key indicators of their reliability. A review of past performance evaluations and any contract disputes or terminations would provide further insight into their track record.

How does the value of this contract compare to similar R&D sensor support services awarded by the DoD?

Benchmarking this $81.9 million contract against similar R&D sensor support services requires access to a broader dataset of federal contract awards. Factors such as the specific technologies involved, the duration of the contract (approximately 4.7 years), and the scope of work (research and development) are critical for a fair comparison. If comparable contracts for similar services and durations are significantly lower or higher, it could indicate either exceptional value or potential overpricing. The 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)' NAICS code (541712) provides a starting point for identifying comparable awards.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks for this R&D sensor support services contract include technical challenges inherent in research and development, potential for scope creep if requirements are not precisely defined, and contractor performance issues. The firm-fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks by shifting financial responsibility to Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, Ltd. Mitigation for technical risks often involves robust project management, clear milestones, and regular technical reviews by the government. Contractor performance risks are managed through contract surveillance, performance metrics, and the potential for corrective actions or termination if performance is unsatisfactory.

How effective is the firm-fixed-price contract type in ensuring value for money for this specific R&D effort?

The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally considered effective for R&D efforts where the scope of work is well-defined and technical risks are understood. For this $81.9 million contract, FFP shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor, incentivizing them to manage resources efficiently and control expenses. This can lead to better value for the government if the contractor successfully delivers the required services within the agreed-upon price. However, if unforeseen technical challenges arise that significantly alter the scope, the FFP structure might limit the government's flexibility to adapt without potentially renegotiating terms, which could impact overall value.

What are the historical spending patterns for sensor support services within the Department of the Air Force?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for sensor support services within the Department of the Air Force (DAF) is essential for contextualizing this $81.9 million award. This involves examining the total amount spent on similar services over previous fiscal years, identifying the primary contractors, and understanding the types of contracts utilized (e.g., FFP, cost-plus). Significant year-over-year increases or decreases in spending could indicate shifts in strategic priorities, technological investments, or changes in contracting approaches. Understanding these patterns helps assess whether the current award aligns with historical trends or represents a new direction in DAF's investment in sensor technology.

What is the significance of the NAICS code 541712 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences) for this contract?

The NAICS code 541712 signifies that this contract is focused on fundamental research and applied research and development in scientific and technical areas like physics, chemistry, engineering, and various life sciences, excluding biotechnology. For this $81.9 million award to Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, Ltd., it means the work likely involves innovation, experimentation, and the creation of new knowledge or technologies related to sensors. This classification helps in understanding the nature of the services, the types of expertise required, and allows for comparison with other government contracts within the same R&D domain.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 201 EDGEWATER DR STE 270, WAKEFIELD, MA, 01880

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $83,665,222

Exercised Options: $83,665,222

Current Obligation: $81,908,339

Actual Outlays: $4,286,508

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADS611

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline