General Dynamics IT awarded $37.3M for engineering and technical services to NSWC Corona Division

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $37,291,168 ($37.3M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2008-03-24

End Date: 2010-09-01

Contract Duration: 891 days

Daily Burn Rate: $41.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: ENGINEERING, TECHNICAL, OPERATIONAL & ANCILLARY SERVICES FOR NSWC CORONA DIV

Place of Performance

Location: NORCO, RIVERSIDE County, CALIFORNIA, 92860

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $37.3 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: ENGINEERING, TECHNICAL, OPERATIONAL & ANCILLARY SERVICES FOR NSWC CORONA DIV Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in specialized engineering and technical support. 2. Full and open competition suggests a robust market for these services. 3. Contract duration of 891 days indicates a need for sustained support. 4. The award falls within the Engineering Services sector, a critical area for defense operations. 5. Performance is located in California, a hub for defense contracting and technological development. 6. The contract type (Delivery Order) implies it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $37.3 million over approximately two and a half years for engineering, technical, and operational services appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized defense support is challenging without more detailed service descriptions. However, the fixed-price nature of the award (implied by 'COST NO FEE' for the contract type, though this might refer to a specific order type) can provide cost certainty for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is expected to drive fair pricing and ensure the government receives the best value. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' designation is a positive sign for market engagement.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the competitive process, which aims to secure services at the most advantageous prices and terms, preventing potential overspending associated with less competitive solicitations.

Public Impact

The Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Corona Division benefits from enhanced engineering, technical, and operational support. Services delivered are critical for testing, evaluation, and technical support of naval systems. Geographic impact is primarily in California, supporting a key naval installation. Workforce implications include employment for skilled engineers, technicians, and support staff within the contractor's organization.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if not managed tightly, given the broad service categories.
Reliance on a single large prime contractor could limit flexibility in specialized task execution.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a healthy market and competitive pricing.
The contract's duration implies a stable, long-term need, allowing for focused expertise development.
Clear service categories (engineering, technical, operational) provide defined expectations.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting defense applications. The market for these services is substantial, driven by the ongoing need for advanced technical expertise in areas like weapons systems development, testing, and maintenance. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other large-scale engineering support contracts awarded to prime defense contractors for similar naval or military branches.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc., a large prime contractor. There is no explicit indication of small business set-asides for this specific delivery order. However, large prime contractors are often required to meet subcontracting goals with small businesses as part of their overall contract obligations. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on the extent to which GDIT utilizes small business subcontractors for specialized services under this award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Corona Division's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards and delivery schedules. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific operational details may be sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Contracts
Defense Engineering Services Contracts
Naval Warfare Center Support Contracts
Information Technology Support Services for Government

Risk Flags

Contract duration may indicate long-term reliance, potentially limiting flexibility.
Large prime contractor award; need to verify small business subcontracting efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $37.3 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. ENGINEERING, TECHNICAL, OPERATIONAL & ANCILLARY SERVICES FOR NSWC CORONA DIV

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $37.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-03-24. End: 2010-09-01.

What is the historical spending pattern for engineering and technical services at NSWC Corona Division?

Analyzing historical spending for NSWC Corona Division requires access to detailed contract databases beyond this single award. However, the $37.3 million awarded to General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. for engineering, technical, operational, and ancillary services from 2008 to 2010 suggests a significant and ongoing requirement for such support. Defense agencies like NSWC Corona typically have consistent needs for specialized technical expertise to maintain and advance complex naval systems. Past awards would likely show similar contract vehicles and values, potentially with different prime contractors, reflecting the dynamic nature of defense contracting and the competitive landscape for engineering services.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar engineering support contracts within the Department of Defense?

The $37.3 million awarded to General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. for engineering, technical, operational, and ancillary services is a substantial sum, indicative of a complex and critical support role. To benchmark effectively, one would compare this to other large-scale engineering services contracts awarded by naval commands or other Department of Defense branches for similar durations and scopes. Contracts for systems engineering, test and evaluation support, or lifecycle management often fall within this range. The 'full and open competition' aspect suggests the price was deemed competitive within the market for such specialized services at the time of award (2008).

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) typically associated with this type of engineering services contract?

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for engineering and technical services contracts like this one typically focus on technical accuracy, timeliness of deliverables, adherence to specifications, and overall support effectiveness. For NSWC Corona Division, this could include metrics related to the quality of technical reports, the accuracy of test results, the efficiency of operational support, and the responsiveness of personnel to emergent requirements. The contract likely specifies performance standards, and failure to meet them could result in penalties or affect future award considerations. The 'COST NO FEE' designation might relate to how certain costs are billed or managed within the order, but performance quality remains paramount.

What is General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.'s track record with similar defense contracts?

General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. (GDIT), now part of General Dynamics, has a long and extensive track record of providing a wide array of IT, engineering, and professional services to the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. They are a major prime contractor known for handling large, complex programs. Their experience spans areas such as C4ISR systems, enterprise IT, cybersecurity, and mission support. Awards like this one for NSWC Corona Division are consistent with GDIT's established capabilities and market position within the defense sector, suggesting they possess the necessary expertise and resources to fulfill such requirements.

What are the potential risks associated with a contract of this magnitude and duration?

Contracts of this magnitude ($37.3 million) and duration (891 days) carry inherent risks. These include the potential for cost overruns if the initial estimates are inaccurate or if unforeseen technical challenges arise. There's also a risk of scope creep, where requirements expand beyond the original agreement without corresponding adjustments to cost or schedule. Contractor performance risk is another factor; ensuring GDIT maintains the required technical expertise and personnel throughout the contract lifecycle is crucial. Furthermore, changes in government requirements or priorities could necessitate contract modifications, introducing further complexity and potential disruption.

How does the PSC code '541330' (Engineering Services) inform the nature of the services provided?

The Product and Service Code (PSC) '541330' specifically designates 'Engineering Services.' This classification indicates that the primary focus of the contract is on providing professional engineering expertise. This can encompass a broad range of activities, including design, development, analysis, consultation, and project management related to engineering disciplines. For NSWC Corona Division, this likely translates to support in areas such as systems engineering, test and evaluation engineering, naval architecture, mechanical, electrical, or aerospace engineering, crucial for the development, maintenance, and modernization of naval systems and platforms.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: N0002408R3145

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp (UEI: 001381284)

Address: 1201 M ST SE 400, WASHINGTON, DC, 20003

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $182,390,570

Exercised Options: $182,390,570

Current Obligation: $37,291,168

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017804D4030

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline