General Dynamics IT awarded $10.5M for IT support to NASA, a competitive delivery order

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,483,741 ($10.5M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2007-12-05

End Date: 2009-06-16

Contract Duration: 559 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18.8K/day

Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: IT SUPPORT FOR NASA

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20024

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $10.5 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC for work described as: IT SUPPORT FOR NASA Key points: 1. The contract value represents a significant investment in IT infrastructure for NASA. 2. Competition dynamics for this delivery order are assessed to understand pricing efficiency. 3. Risk indicators are evaluated based on contract type and performance history. 4. Performance context is provided by comparing this award to similar IT support contracts. 5. The IT support sector is characterized by high demand and evolving technological needs. 6. This contract falls within the broader category of IT services for federal agencies.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) structure allows for performance-based incentives, potentially driving value. Benchmarking against similar IT support contracts for federal agencies would provide a clearer picture of cost-effectiveness. Given the competitive nature, pricing is likely within a reasonable range, but a detailed cost analysis would be needed for definitive value assessment. The total award of $10.5M over its period of performance suggests a moderate investment for comprehensive IT support.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded as a competitive delivery order, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of 3 bidders suggests a healthy level of competition for this specific requirement. Competitive bidding generally leads to better price discovery and ensures that the government receives services at a fair market price.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from competitive bidding through potentially lower prices and a wider range of innovative solutions being considered.

Public Impact

NASA personnel and operations benefit from reliable and efficient IT support. The services delivered include computer systems design and related support. The geographic impact is primarily within the District of Columbia, where the contract is registered. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for IT professionals within General Dynamics Information Technology and potentially its subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns inherent in Cost Plus Award Fee contracts if not managed tightly.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical IT infrastructure could pose a risk if performance falters.
The duration of the contract (559 days) requires ongoing monitoring to ensure continued alignment with NASA's evolving IT needs.

Positive Signals

Awarded through a competitive process, suggesting fair pricing and vendor selection.
The Cost Plus Award Fee structure incentivizes strong performance from the contractor.
General Dynamics Information Technology is a large, established contractor with a track record in federal IT services.

Sector Analysis

The IT support sector for the federal government is a substantial market, with agencies constantly seeking to modernize and maintain their technological infrastructure. This contract for computer systems design services fits within the broader IT services industry, which is characterized by rapid innovation and a diverse range of specialized providers. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar IT support contracts can vary widely based on scope, duration, and specific services required.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, and the prime contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc., is a large business. There is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether General Dynamics intends to utilize small business subcontractors for any portion of this work.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant program officials within NASA, facilitated through the General Services Administration (GSA). Performance monitoring is crucial, especially with a Cost Plus Award Fee structure, to ensure that award fees are justified by achieved performance metrics. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases and reporting requirements, though specific operational details may be proprietary.

Related Government Programs

NASA IT Services
GSA Federal Acquisition Service Contracts
Computer Systems Design Services
Cost Plus Award Fee Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Award Fee contract type requires robust oversight to manage costs and ensure value.
Performance metrics need to be clearly defined and rigorously monitored to justify award fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $10.5 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. IT SUPPORT FOR NASA

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 $10.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-12-05. End: 2009-06-16.

What is the historical spending pattern for IT support services at NASA under GSA contracts?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for IT support services at NASA, particularly through GSA contracts, reveals a consistent demand for such services. Over the years, NASA has allocated significant budgets towards maintaining and upgrading its IT infrastructure to support its complex scientific and exploratory missions. Spending can fluctuate based on specific project needs, technological advancements, and agency-wide modernization initiatives. For instance, periods of increased investment in space exploration or data analytics often correlate with higher spending on IT support. The average contract value and duration for similar IT support services can provide a benchmark for assessing the current award's scale and scope. Understanding these patterns helps in evaluating whether the current $10.5M award is in line with historical investments or represents a significant shift in spending priorities.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar IT support contracts awarded by other federal agencies?

Comparing the pricing of this $10.5M IT support contract to similar awards by other federal agencies requires access to a comprehensive database of federal contracts and a detailed understanding of the scope of work. Factors such as the specific IT services provided (e.g., network management, cybersecurity, software development), the duration of the contract, and the labor categories involved significantly influence pricing. Contracts with a Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) structure, like this one, can have variable costs based on performance, making direct price comparisons challenging without detailed performance data. However, by analyzing the average cost per service hour or per system supported across comparable contracts, one can infer whether General Dynamics Information Technology's pricing is competitive. A higher-than-average cost might indicate a more complex scope or premium service, while a lower cost could suggest efficiency or a more basic service level.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate General Dynamics Information Technology under this contract?

Under a Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are crucial for determining the 'award fee' portion of the contractor's compensation. While the specific KPIs for this NASA IT support contract are not detailed in the provided data, they typically align with the critical aspects of IT service delivery. Common KPIs in such contracts include system uptime and availability, response times for technical support requests, successful implementation of system upgrades or new deployments, adherence to security protocols, and overall user satisfaction. NASA's contracting officer and technical representatives would monitor these KPIs throughout the contract period. Meeting or exceeding these performance targets would result in higher award fees, while failing to meet them could lead to reduced fees or necessitate corrective actions by General Dynamics Information Technology.

What is the track record of General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. in delivering IT support services to federal agencies?

General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. (GDIT) has a substantial and long-standing track record of delivering a wide range of IT support services to numerous federal agencies, including NASA. As a major government contractor, GDIT has experience in areas such as enterprise IT infrastructure, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, and mission-critical systems support. Their past performance is often evaluated through contract performance reports and past performance questionnaires submitted during the procurement process. While specific details of their performance on individual contracts vary, GDIT is generally recognized for its capacity to handle large, complex IT programs. However, like any large contractor, they may have faced challenges or criticisms on specific projects, which would be considered in a comprehensive track record assessment.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract type (Cost Plus Award Fee) for the government?

The primary risk associated with Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contracts for the government is the potential for costs to exceed initial estimates, as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus an award fee based on performance. While CPAF aims to incentivize performance, it can be more complex to manage and audit compared to fixed-price contracts. There's a risk that the 'award' portion could be paid out even if performance is only marginally satisfactory, depending on the fee structure and evaluation criteria. Effective oversight and clearly defined performance metrics are essential to mitigate these risks and ensure that the government receives good value. Without stringent monitoring, there's a possibility of inflated costs or a lack of clear accountability for performance shortfalls.

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Computer Sciences Corporation (UEI: 009581091)

Address: 15245 SHADY GROVE RD STE 200, ROCKVILLE, MD, 08

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,483,741

Exercised Options: $10,483,741

Current Obligation: $10,483,741

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00T99ALD0203

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline