Air Force IT support contract awarded to Science Applications International Corporation for over $27 million

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,026,820 ($27.0M)

Contractor: Science Applications International Corporation

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2009-07-30

End Date: 2011-01-27

Contract Duration: 546 days

Daily Burn Rate: $49.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: IT

Official Description: IT SUPPORT FOR AIR FORCEFOR MODELING AND SIMULATION

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20230, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $27.0 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION for work described as: IT SUPPORT FOR AIR FORCEFOR MODELING AND SIMULATION Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for IT support services over its duration. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration of 546 days is within typical ranges for such services. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541611 indicates management consulting services. 5. The contract was awarded by the General Services Administration (GSA), a common contracting vehicle. 6. The place of performance is Washington D.C.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $27 million for IT support services over roughly 1.5 years appears to be within a reasonable range for the scope of work. Benchmarking against similar IT support contracts for federal agencies of comparable size and complexity would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. Without specific details on the services rendered, a direct comparison of pricing is challenging, but the overall expenditure does not immediately suggest overpricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This method generally promotes a robust bidding environment, potentially leading to better pricing and service offerings for the government. The number of bidders is not specified, but the use of full and open competition is a positive indicator for price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition maximizes the opportunity for the government to receive the best value, potentially saving taxpayer dollars through competitive pricing.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the U.S. Air Force, receiving essential IT support. Services delivered include IT support crucial for modeling and simulation operations. The geographic impact is centered in Washington D.C., where the contract is performed. The contract supports the federal workforce by ensuring the availability of necessary IT infrastructure and services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the quality of IT support provided.
Details on the specific IT systems and software supported are not readily available, limiting a full understanding of the technical scope.
The contract's duration and value could be compared to other similar IT support contracts to ensure cost-effectiveness.

Positive Signals

The use of full and open competition suggests a commitment to achieving competitive pricing.
The contract is managed by the General Services Administration, which typically has established procurement processes.
The award to a known contractor like Science Applications International Corporation may indicate a level of established performance history.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology (IT) services sector, specifically focusing on IT support and consulting. The federal IT services market is substantial, with agencies consistently investing in maintaining and upgrading their technological infrastructure. This contract represents a portion of the Air Force's broader IT spending, aimed at ensuring the operational effectiveness of its modeling and simulation capabilities. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing IT support contracts across different branches of the military and other federal agencies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific benefits for small businesses mandated by this award. The primary contractor, Science Applications International Corporation, would determine any subcontracting opportunities based on their own business practices.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) typically provides oversight for contracts awarded through its Federal Acquisition Service. Oversight mechanisms would likely include contract performance monitoring, financial reviews, and adherence to procurement regulations. Accountability measures are inherent in the contract terms and conditions, with potential for penalties or termination for non-performance. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases where contract awards are reported.

Related Government Programs

Air Force IT Modernization Programs
Department of Defense IT Services
Federal Civilian IT Support Contracts
GSA IT Schedule Contracts
Modeling and Simulation Support Services

Risk Flags

Contract duration may warrant close monitoring for potential scope creep or extended reliance.
Specific performance metrics are not detailed, posing a risk to objective performance evaluation.
Limited information on the number of bidders restricts a full assessment of competitive intensity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $27.0 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION. IT SUPPORT FOR AIR FORCEFOR MODELING AND SIMULATION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $27.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-07-30. End: 2011-01-27.

What specific IT support services were provided under this contract?

The contract description indicates 'IT SUPPORT FOR AIR FORCE FOR MODELING AND SIMULATION.' While the exact services are not detailed in the provided data, this typically encompasses a range of activities such as network administration, system maintenance, help desk support, software installation and updates, hardware troubleshooting, and potentially specialized IT support for the Air Force's modeling and simulation platforms. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541611, 'Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services,' suggests that the support may have also included aspects of IT strategy, planning, and management consulting related to these systems.

How does the contract value of $27 million compare to similar Air Force IT support contracts?

A direct comparison of the $27 million contract value requires access to a broader dataset of similar Air Force IT support contracts, ideally with comparable scopes of work, durations, and service levels. However, for a contract spanning approximately 1.5 years (546 days) and involving specialized IT support for critical functions like modeling and simulation, this figure is not inherently excessive. Federal IT support contracts can range widely in cost depending on complexity, number of users supported, and specific technologies involved. Further analysis would involve benchmarking against contracts with similar NAICS codes and agencies to determine if the pricing is competitive.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract for the Air Force?

Potential risks include vendor lock-in if the IT systems are highly specialized and dependent on the contractor's expertise, performance issues leading to disruptions in modeling and simulation capabilities, cost overruns if the labor hours exceed estimates or if scope creep occurs, and security vulnerabilities if IT systems are not adequately protected. The reliance on a single contractor for critical IT support also presents a risk if the contractor experiences financial instability or undergoes significant organizational changes. Ensuring robust contract oversight and clear performance metrics are key to mitigating these risks.

What is the track record of Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) in providing IT support to the federal government?

Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) is a large and established government contractor with a significant history of providing IT services and solutions to various federal agencies, including the Department of Defense and the Air Force. They have a broad portfolio encompassing IT modernization, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and mission-specific support. While specific performance details for this particular contract are not provided, SAIC's extensive experience suggests a generally capable provider. However, as with any large contractor, performance can vary across individual contracts, and a review of past performance evaluations and any reported issues would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment.

How does the 'full and open competition' award method impact taxpayer value?

Awarding a contract through 'full and open competition' generally enhances taxpayer value by fostering a competitive environment. This method allows any responsible source to submit an offer, increasing the pool of potential bidders. Increased competition typically drives down prices as contractors vie for the contract, leading to more cost-effective solutions for the government. It also encourages innovation and higher quality service delivery as contractors aim to differentiate themselves. The transparency inherent in this process also allows for better price discovery and justification of the awarded amount, ensuring that taxpayer funds are used efficiently.

What is the historical spending pattern for IT support services by the Air Force or GSA?

Historical spending patterns for IT support services by the Air Force and GSA are substantial and represent a significant portion of federal IT expenditures. Agencies like the Air Force continuously invest in IT to maintain operational readiness and support complex missions, including modeling and simulation. GSA, through its IT schedules and other contracting vehicles, facilitates a large volume of IT procurements across the government. Analyzing historical spending would reveal trends in contract types, service providers, and overall investment levels in IT support, highlighting the consistent demand for such services and the government's reliance on contractors to fulfill these needs.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting 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

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1710 SAIC DR, MCLEAN, VA, 22102

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $103,113,559

Exercised Options: $65,471,649

Current Obligation: $27,026,820

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS23F8006H

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline