Pentagon Force Protection Agency IT Systems Integration Contract Awarded to General Dynamics for $32.75M

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,750,438 ($32.8M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2005-09-30

End Date: 2008-10-31

Contract Duration: 1,127 days

Daily Burn Rate: $29.1K/day

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: PROVIDE SUPPORT THAT INTEGRATES AND TRANSITIONS THE DISPARATE IT SYSTEMS CURRENTLY OPERATED BY THE PENTAGON FORCE PROTECTION AGENCY TO THE LIFE SAFETY SECURE NETWORK, PROVIDING PFPA WITH A SINGLE SOURCE FOR IT, COMMUNICATIONS, OPERATIONS, AND MAINTENANCE SUPPORT.

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22033, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $32.8 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: PROVIDE SUPPORT THAT INTEGRATES AND TRANSITIONS THE DISPARATE IT SYSTEMS CURRENTLY OPERATED BY THE PENTAGON FORCE PROTECTION AGENCY TO THE LIFE SAFETY SECURE NETWORK, PROVIDING PFPA WITH A SINGLE SOURCE FOR IT, COMMUNICATIONS, OPERATIONS, AND MAINTENANCE SUPPORT. Key points: 1. The contract aims to consolidate disparate IT systems for the Pentagon Force Protection Agency (PFPA). 2. General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. secured the award, indicating a significant vendor relationship. 3. The primary risk lies in the complexity of integrating "disparate" systems, potentially leading to cost overruns or delays. 4. The sector is IT services, specifically computer systems design, a common area for federal spending.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $32.75M over approximately 3 years for IT system integration appears within a reasonable range for complex projects. However, without specific benchmarks for PFPA's unique system landscape, a precise comparison is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The competition method is not specified, but the contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) suggests potential for cost growth if not tightly managed. The lack of clarity on competition makes it hard to assess price discovery effectiveness.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for a critical IT modernization effort. The effectiveness of the spending will depend on successful integration and long-term operational efficiency gains for PFPA.

Public Impact

Improved IT infrastructure and communication for the Pentagon Force Protection Agency. Potential for enhanced operational efficiency and security through system consolidation. Ensures continued support for essential IT, communications, and maintenance functions for PFPA.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns.
Integration of "disparate" systems presents inherent technical challenges.
Lack of specified competition method raises questions about best value.
Contract duration of over 3 years requires ongoing monitoring.

Positive Signals

Addresses a clear need for IT system consolidation.
Awarded to a known large IT services provider.
Focuses on critical security and operational support functions.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically computer systems design. Federal spending in this area is substantial, driven by the need to modernize aging infrastructure and enhance cybersecurity. Benchmarks for similar system integration projects vary widely based on scope and complexity.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business (sb: false). Therefore, there is no direct small business participation evident in this specific award, though larger prime contractors may subcontract.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the General Services Administration (GSA) through its Federal Acquisition Service, suggesting adherence to established procurement processes. However, the effectiveness of oversight will depend on contract management and performance monitoring by GSA and PFPA.

Related Government Programs

Computer Systems Design Services
General Services Administration Contracting
Federal Acquisition Service Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF contract type.
Complexity of integrating "disparate" systems.
Lack of transparency regarding the competition method.
Long contract duration requires sustained oversight.
No explicit mention of small business subcontracting goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $32.8 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. PROVIDE SUPPORT THAT INTEGRATES AND TRANSITIONS THE DISPARATE IT SYSTEMS CURRENTLY OPERATED BY THE PENTAGON FORCE PROTECTION AGENCY TO THE LIFE SAFETY SECURE NETWORK, PROVIDING PFPA WITH A SINGLE SOURCE FOR IT, COMMUNICATIONS, OPERATIONS, AND MAINTENANCE SUPPORT.

Who is the contractor on this award?

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

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $32.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-09-30. End: 2008-10-31.

What specific metrics will be used to measure the success of the IT system integration and transition?

Success metrics should focus on quantifiable improvements such as reduced system downtime, faster data processing speeds, enhanced cybersecurity posture, and successful user adoption. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) should be clearly defined in the contract, including uptime percentages, incident response times, and user satisfaction surveys, to ensure accountability and measure the value delivered.

What are the primary technical risks associated with integrating these "disparate" IT systems, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Primary technical risks include data migration challenges, interoperability issues between different system architectures, cybersecurity vulnerabilities during the transition, and potential resistance to change from end-users. Mitigation strategies should involve thorough system analysis, phased integration approaches, robust testing protocols, comprehensive security assessments, and dedicated user training and support programs.

How will the effectiveness of the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type be managed to ensure taxpayer value and prevent cost overruns?

Effective management of a CPFF contract requires stringent oversight, detailed cost tracking, and regular performance reviews. The government must establish clear cost ceilings, closely monitor all incurred costs against the fixed fee, and ensure that the contractor's performance directly influences the final fee. Regular audits and transparent reporting are crucial to ensure accountability and taxpayer value.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Sterling Parent Inc. (UEI: 968838909)

Address: 4300 FAIR LAKES CT, FAIRFAX, VA, 22033

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $33,269,532

Exercised Options: $32,750,438

Current Obligation: $32,750,438

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00T99ALD0211

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline