General Dynamics IT awarded $13.8M for intelligence analytical support services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,829,300 ($13.8M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2008-04-22

End Date: 2011-10-02

Contract Duration: 1,258 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.0K/day

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: INTELLIGENCE ANALYTICAL SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: FORT BELVOIR, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22060

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $13.8 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: INTELLIGENCE ANALYTICAL SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized intelligence analysis. 2. Limited competition may have impacted final pricing. 3. Performance period of over three years suggests a need for sustained support. 4. Services align with administrative and management consulting, a common government need. 5. Contract awarded by GSA, indicating a potential for broader government use. 6. Focus on intelligence analysis highlights a critical national security function.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $13.8 million over approximately three years for intelligence analytical support is within a reasonable range for specialized services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for intelligence analysis and consulting services suggests that the pricing, while not explicitly detailed here, is likely competitive given the nature of the work. The award type, 'DELIVERY ORDER', implies it was part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract, which often allows for more efficient pricing through pre-negotiated terms.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The competition level for this specific delivery order is not explicitly detailed in the provided data. However, the contract was awarded by the General Services Administration (GSA), which often utilizes established IDIQ vehicles that may have undergone full and open competition at the IDIQ level. The number of bidders for this specific delivery order would determine the actual competition dynamics and its impact on price discovery. Without this information, it's difficult to definitively assess the level of competition.

Taxpayer Impact: If this delivery order was competed among multiple offerors, it likely resulted in better pricing for taxpayers. If it was a sole-source or limited competition award, taxpayers may have paid a premium.

Public Impact

Intelligence agencies benefit from enhanced analytical capabilities. Services provided include administrative management and general management consulting. Geographic impact is likely concentrated in areas with significant intelligence operations, primarily Virginia. Workforce implications include the employment of skilled intelligence analysts and consultants.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific competition details for the delivery order.
Potential for cost overruns if scope creep occurs without adequate oversight.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical intelligence functions could pose a risk.

Positive Signals

Awarded by GSA, suggesting adherence to procurement best practices.
Long-term contract indicates a stable and ongoing need for these services.
Contractor's experience in information technology and government services is a positive signal.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically administrative management and general management consulting. This sector is a significant part of federal spending, supporting a wide array of government functions. The market for intelligence analytical support is specialized, often dominated by firms with deep security clearances and expertise in data analysis and national security. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within broader IT and professional services categories, but specific intelligence support contracts are less frequently disclosed.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses arising from this specific award. The primary contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc., is a large business, and the contract likely did not include specific small business subcontracting goals unless mandated by the parent IDIQ contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the contract administration team within the General Services Administration (GSA). Performance monitoring and quality assurance would be conducted by the government's technical point of contact. Transparency is limited by the sensitive nature of intelligence support services, but contract awards and basic details are generally available through federal procurement databases. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Intelligence Community Support Services
Management and Consulting Services
Federal IT Services
National Security Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition details
Potential for scope creep
Reliance on specialized personnel

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $13.8 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. INTELLIGENCE ANALYTICAL 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 $13.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-04-22. End: 2011-10-02.

What is the track record of General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. in providing intelligence analytical support to the federal government?

General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. (GDIT) has a substantial track record in providing a wide range of IT and professional services to the federal government, including significant support for intelligence and defense agencies. Their experience encompasses areas such as data analytics, cybersecurity, mission support, and systems integration. GDIT has held numerous large-scale contracts with agencies like the Department of Defense, intelligence community elements, and civilian departments. Their history suggests a capacity to handle complex requirements, manage large workforces, and maintain necessary security clearances for sensitive operations. This specific contract, awarded in 2008, aligns with their established capabilities in supporting critical government functions requiring specialized analytical skills and secure operational environments.

How does the value of this contract compare to other intelligence analytical support contracts awarded around the same period?

The $13.8 million value for this intelligence analytical support contract, awarded in 2008 and spanning over three years, appears to be within a moderate range for specialized government services. Contracts for intelligence analysis can vary widely based on scope, duration, and the specific agencies involved. Larger, more comprehensive intelligence support programs, especially those involving extensive data processing, system development, or large personnel deployments, could easily reach hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars. Conversely, smaller, more focused analytical tasks might be valued in the low millions. Without direct access to a comprehensive database of comparable contracts from 2008-2011, a precise benchmark is difficult, but this award suggests a significant, yet not massive, requirement for GDIT's services.

What are the primary risks associated with a contract for intelligence analytical support?

Several risks are inherent in contracts for intelligence analytical support. A primary risk is the potential for scope creep, where the requirements expand beyond the original agreement, leading to cost overruns and schedule delays. Another significant risk is the reliance on contractor personnel who possess specialized skills and security clearances; turnover or inability to retain qualified staff can disrupt operations. Data security and integrity are paramount; breaches or mishandling of sensitive intelligence information pose severe national security risks. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the analysis itself is a risk – flawed analysis can lead to poor decision-making by policymakers. Finally, the potential for contractor performance issues, such as failure to meet deadlines or quality standards, always exists.

How effective are GSA's procurement vehicles in ensuring value for money for intelligence support services?

General Services Administration (GSA) procurement vehicles, particularly Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts, are designed to streamline the acquisition process and achieve better value for money by pre-negotiating terms and conditions. For intelligence support services, GSA vehicles can offer access to a pre-vetted pool of contractors, potentially reducing administrative burden and competition timelines. However, the actual value realized depends heavily on how task orders are competed under these IDIQs. If task orders are competed openly among multiple qualified vendors, it generally drives better pricing and innovation. If competition is limited or task orders are awarded sole-source, the value proposition diminishes. GSA's role is to provide the framework; effective competition at the task order level is crucial for maximizing taxpayer value.

What are the historical spending patterns for administrative management and general management consulting services within the federal government?

Federal spending on administrative management and general management consulting services (NAICS code 541611) has historically been substantial, reflecting the government's continuous need for expertise in organizational efficiency, strategic planning, and operational improvement. Over the years, this category has seen significant investment, particularly following major events or policy shifts that necessitate organizational restructuring or enhanced management practices. Spending often fluctuates based on agency priorities, budget cycles, and the perceived need for external expertise to address complex challenges. While specific year-over-year figures vary, this sector consistently represents a multi-billion dollar segment of federal contracting, supporting a broad range of government functions across nearly all departments and agencies.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting 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, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,361,625

Exercised Options: $14,790,838

Current Obligation: $13,829,300

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS23F9806H

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline