General Dynamics IT awarded $10M for Air Force on-site program support, a non-competitive delivery order

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,023,325 ($10.0M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2007-07-17

End Date: 2012-03-24

Contract Duration: 1,712 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.9K/day

Competition Type: NON-COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: ON-SITE PROGRAM SUPPORT FOR US AIR FORCE RAMPOD

Place of Performance

Location: WARNER ROBINS, HOUSTON County, GEORGIA, 31088, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $10.0 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC for work described as: ON-SITE PROGRAM SUPPORT FOR US AIR FORCE RAMPOD Key points: 1. The contract's value of approximately $10 million over its duration suggests a significant investment in specialized support services. 2. As a non-competitive delivery order, the pricing and value proposition warrant close scrutiny against potential market alternatives. 3. The duration of the contract (over 4 years) indicates a long-term need for these services, potentially impacting future budget allocations. 4. The 'Custom Computer Programming Services' NAICS code points to a focus on technical expertise rather than general IT support. 5. The 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' contract type can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not meticulously managed and monitored. 6. The absence of small business participation raises questions about opportunities for smaller, specialized firms in this service area.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $10 million for on-site program support over approximately 4 years appears substantial. Without specific benchmarks for 'ON-SITE PROGRAM SUPPORT FOR US AIR FORCE RAMPOD,' it's difficult to definitively assess value for money. However, the non-competitive nature and Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure suggest potential risks for cost efficiency. Comparing this to similar, competitively awarded contracts for specialized program support would be necessary for a more robust valuation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded as a non-competitive delivery order, meaning it was not openly competed. This suggests that either a pre-existing contract vehicle was utilized, or specific circumstances justified bypassing full and open competition. The lack of multiple bidders means that price discovery through market forces was limited, potentially impacting the final cost to the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may have paid a premium due to the absence of competitive bidding, as there was no direct pressure on the contractor to offer the lowest possible price.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the U.S. Air Force, which receives dedicated on-site program support for its RAMPOD initiative. The services delivered likely involve technical expertise, project management, and potentially system integration related to the RAMPOD program. The geographic impact is concentrated where the Air Force RAMPOD program operates, likely within a specific military installation. Workforce implications include the employment of skilled personnel by General Dynamics Information Technology to fulfill the contract requirements.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Non-competitive award limits price discovery and potentially increases costs for taxpayers.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent risks of cost escalation if not tightly managed.
Lack of small business set-aside may limit opportunities for smaller, specialized firms.
Long contract duration (over 4 years) could lock the government into a potentially suboptimal solution if needs evolve.

Positive Signals

Award to a large, established contractor like General Dynamics suggests a focus on reliability and proven capability.
Specific NAICS code indicates specialized technical services are being procured, potentially meeting a critical need.
Delivery Order (DO) implies it's likely under an existing Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, which can streamline procurement for established needs.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector is vast, encompassing custom programming, systems integration, and IT support. This contract falls under 'Custom Computer Programming Services,' a segment focused on developing and implementing tailored software and IT solutions. The market for such services is highly competitive, with numerous large and small firms offering specialized expertise. The $10 million value places this contract within the mid-to-large range for individual IT service procurements, indicating a significant project scope.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, and the data indicates no explicit small business participation (sb: false). This means that opportunities for small businesses to directly perform this work were likely limited. While General Dynamics Information Technology may utilize subcontractors, the primary award does not prioritize small business engagement, potentially impacting the small business ecosystem's access to this specific federal spending.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the purview of the contracting agency (General Services Administration) and the receiving agency (U.S. Air Force). The 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' structure necessitates rigorous financial oversight to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable. Transparency may be limited due to the non-competitive nature, but contract performance reviews and milestone tracking would be standard accountability measures. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Air Force IT Support Services
Custom Computer Programming Contracts
Program Management Support Contracts
General Services Administration IT Schedules
Defense Department IT Services

Risk Flags

Non-competitive award
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
Lack of small business participation noted

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $10.0 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. ON-SITE PROGRAM SUPPORT FOR US AIR FORCE RAMPOD

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 $10.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-07-17. End: 2012-03-24.

What is the specific nature of the RAMPOD program the support is for?

The provided data does not specify the exact nature of the 'RAMPOD' program. RAMPOD could stand for various initiatives within the Air Force, potentially related to readiness, aircraft maintenance, operational data, or personnel deployment. Understanding the program's objectives and critical functions would be essential to fully evaluate the necessity and effectiveness of the 'ON-SITE PROGRAM SUPPORT' contract. Without this context, the value and impact of the services remain abstract.

How does the $10 million contract value compare to similar Air Force IT support contracts?

Comparing the $10 million contract value requires identifying similar contracts for 'ON-SITE PROGRAM SUPPORT' or 'Custom Computer Programming Services' awarded by the Air Force or other DoD branches around the same period (2007-2012). Benchmarking against competitively awarded contracts of similar scope and duration would reveal if this non-competitive award represents a fair market price. The 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' structure also warrants comparison, as different pricing models can significantly affect overall cost.

What were the justifications for awarding this contract non-competitively?

The justification for a non-competitive award, especially for a Delivery Order (DO), typically falls under specific exceptions to full and open competition outlined in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). Common reasons include urgency, sole-source availability of the required service or item, or if the contract is a modification or follow-on to a previous competitive award. Without access to the Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC) documentation, the specific rationale remains unknown, hindering a complete assessment of the procurement process.

What is the performance history of General Dynamics Information Technology on similar government contracts?

General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) is a large and established federal contractor with a long history of performance across various agencies and service areas. Assessing their track record on similar IT support and custom programming contracts, particularly those with the Air Force or DoD, would provide insight into their reliability, quality of service, and ability to manage complex projects. Reviewing past performance evaluations, contract awards, and any documented issues or successes would inform the assessment of this specific contract's risk and potential outcomes.

What are the potential risks associated with the 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' (CPFF) contract type for this service?

The CPFF contract type aims to provide a degree of cost certainty while allowing flexibility for evolving requirements. However, it carries inherent risks. The 'cost' portion means the government reimburses the contractor for allowable costs, which can be unpredictable. The 'fixed fee' is the contractor's profit. If costs escalate significantly due to unforeseen technical challenges, scope creep, or inefficient management, the government bears the burden of increased expenses. Effective oversight is crucial to control costs and ensure the fee remains appropriate for the work performed.

How has spending on custom computer programming services by the Air Force trended historically?

Analyzing historical spending trends for 'Custom Computer Programming Services' (NAICS 541511) by the Air Force would provide context for this $10 million award. Understanding whether this represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment in such services can indicate shifts in technological priorities or program needs. Comparing this contract's value against the broader historical spending patterns can help determine if it aligns with established budgetary trends or represents a significant deviation.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NON-COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Computer Sciences Corporation (UEI: 009581091)

Address: 15245 SHADY GROVE RD STE 200, ROCKVILLE, MD, 20850

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $22,259,453

Exercised Options: $10,664,682

Current Obligation: $10,023,325

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS07T00BGD0034

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline