DoD's $24.7M contract for Navy/Marine signature management services awarded to General Dynamics IT

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,728,546 ($24.7M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2013-07-29

End Date: 2017-06-30

Contract Duration: 1,432 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: IGF::CT::IGF THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE SCIENTIFIC, ENGINEERING, AND TECHNICAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF NAVY AND MARINE SIGNATURES, SIGNATURE MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY, SIGNATURE CONTROL TECHNOLOGY, ADVANCED SIGNAL PROCESSING, AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS.

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22030

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $24.7 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: IGF::CT::IGF THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE SCIENTIFIC, ENGINEERING, AND TECHNICAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF NAVY AND MARINE SIGNATURES, SIGNATURE MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY, SIGNATURE CONTROL TECHNOLOGY, ADVANCED SIGNAL PROCESSING, AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advanced signal processing and signature control for Navy and Marine Corps. 2. General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. is the sole awardee. 3. The contract value is $24.7M over a 4-year period. 4. This falls under Engineering Services (NAICS 541330).

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) type, which allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee. This structure can be appropriate for R&D or complex services where costs are uncertain, but requires careful oversight to manage spending.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders were considered. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: Awarded through full and open competition, this contract aims to leverage competitive market forces to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for critical defense technology services.

Public Impact

Enhances Navy and Marine Corps' technological capabilities in signature management. Supports advanced research and development in signal processing and signature control. Contributes to national defense through specialized scientific and engineering services. Potential for technological advancements with broad defense applications.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.
Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess effectiveness.
Contract duration of over 4 years requires ongoing monitoring for relevance and efficiency.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
Focus on advanced technology development aligns with strategic defense needs.
Experienced contractor (General Dynamics Information Technology) likely brings significant expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting defense-related scientific, engineering, and technical management. Spending in this sector is crucial for maintaining technological superiority in defense.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the awardee is General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc., a large business. There is no explicit mention of small business participation or subcontracting goals in the provided information.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract type (CPFF) necessitates robust oversight to ensure costs are reasonable and the fixed fee is justified. Regular performance reviews and audits would be critical for accountability.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns inherent in CPFF contracts.
Lack of detailed performance metrics hinders effectiveness assessment.
Long contract duration requires continuous monitoring.
No explicit small business participation noted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $24.7 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. IGF::CT::IGF THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE SCIENTIFIC, ENGINEERING, AND TECHNICAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF NAVY AND MARINE SIGNATURES, SIGNATURE MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY, SIGNATURE CONTROL TECHNOLOGY, ADVANCED SIGNAL PROCESSING, AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS.

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 $24.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2013-07-29. End: 2017-06-30.

What specific performance metrics are used to evaluate the contractor's success in providing scientific, engineering, and technical management services?

The provided data does not detail specific performance metrics. Effective oversight would require clearly defined KPIs related to technical milestones, project delivery, innovation, and adherence to budget. Without these, assessing the true value and effectiveness of the services rendered is challenging.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure mitigate the risk of cost overruns for this complex R&D-focused contract?

While CPFF allows for cost reimbursement, the 'fixed fee' component provides a ceiling on the contractor's profit. Risk mitigation relies heavily on stringent government oversight, detailed cost tracking, and negotiation of fair fee structures. Regular audits and performance reviews are essential to ensure costs remain reasonable and the fee is earned.

What is the long-term strategic impact of these signature management technologies on the Navy and Marine Corps' operational capabilities?

Advanced signature management and signal processing technologies are critical for stealth, electronic warfare, and intelligence gathering. Improvements in these areas can significantly enhance survivability, mission effectiveness, and situational awareness for naval and marine forces in contested environments.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering 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: N0002412R3207

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp (UEI: 001381284)

Address: 3211 JERMANTOWN RD, FAIRFAX, VA, 22030

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $25,973,751

Exercised Options: $25,973,751

Current Obligation: $24,728,546

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 8

Total Subaward Amount: $4,996,993

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017804D4012

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline