DoD's $16.4M engineering services contract awarded to Science and Technology Associates, Inc. for Task 4

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,414,392 ($16.4M)

Contractor: Science and Technology Associates, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2010-09-27

End Date: 2014-05-30

Contract Duration: 1,341 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE LEVEL OF EFFORT

Sector: Defense

Official Description: LABOR - TASK 4

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22203

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $16.4 million to SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATES, INC. for work described as: LABOR - TASK 4 Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for the duration and scope of engineering services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Fixed Price contract type may limit cost overruns but could disincentivize innovation. 4. Performance period of over three years indicates a significant, ongoing need. 5. The contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, a common area for DoD spending. 6. Awarded by the Defense Information Systems Agency, highlighting a focus on defense IT infrastructure.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of $16.4 million over approximately 3.6 years for engineering services is within a reasonable range for defense contracts of this nature. Benchmarking against similar fixed-price engineering service contracts awarded by the DoD suggests that the pricing is competitive. The fixed-price structure, while offering cost certainty, means that the value is primarily assessed based on the successful completion of defined tasks rather than the efficiency of resource utilization.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The number of bidders is not specified, but the use of full and open competition generally promotes a healthy price discovery process and encourages multiple firms to compete, potentially leading to better pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition process is beneficial for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for competitive pricing and ensures that the government is not limited to a single provider, thereby fostering a more cost-effective procurement.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Department of Defense, specifically the Defense Information Systems Agency, which receives critical engineering support. The services delivered likely contribute to the maintenance, development, or enhancement of defense information systems. The geographic impact is primarily within the United States, supporting national defense infrastructure. Workforce implications include employment for engineers and technical specialists at Science and Technology Associates, Inc.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in fixed-price contracts if not managed tightly.
Reliance on a single contractor for a specific task could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Long-term performance period indicates a stable and ongoing requirement.

Sector Analysis

The Engineering Services sector is a critical component of the defense industrial base, providing specialized technical expertise for complex projects. The Department of Defense is a major consumer of these services, often requiring support for research, development, testing, and evaluation of advanced technologies and systems. Spending in this sector can range from highly specialized R&D to more routine engineering support, with contract values varying significantly based on scope and duration. This contract fits within the broader landscape of defense-related engineering support services.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the prime contractor, Science and Technology Associates, Inc., is not explicitly identified as a small business in this context. Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a set-aside provision. The impact on the small business ecosystem would be indirect, through potential competition with larger firms or opportunities if the prime contractor chooses to subcontract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA). Accountability measures are inherent in the fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified services. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS, which record award details. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Defense Information Systems Agency IT Support Services
Department of Defense Engineering and Technical Services
Federal Engineering Consulting Contracts
Information Technology Infrastructure Support

Risk Flags

Fixed-price contract risk
Potential for scope creep
Contractor performance dependency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $16.4 million to SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATES, INC.. LABOR - TASK 4

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Information Systems Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $16.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-09-27. End: 2014-05-30.

What is the track record of Science and Technology Associates, Inc. with the Department of Defense?

Science and Technology Associates, Inc. has a history of receiving contracts from the Department of Defense. This specific contract, valued at approximately $16.4 million, was awarded in 2010 and completed in 2014. Reviewing other contract awards to this company by the DoD would provide a broader picture of their performance, reliability, and experience across different types of services and agencies. Analyzing past performance evaluations, if publicly available, would offer deeper insights into their ability to meet contractual requirements, manage costs, and deliver quality services. A comprehensive review would also consider the types of contracts they have held (e.g., fixed-price vs. cost-plus) and their success rates in competitive bidding.

How does the value of this contract compare to similar engineering services contracts awarded by the DoD?

The $16.4 million value for this fixed-price engineering services contract, spanning over three years, appears to be within a reasonable range for the Department of Defense. Engineering services contracts can vary widely in cost depending on complexity, duration, and specific deliverables. Contracts for specialized R&D or large-scale system design might command higher values, while routine support services could be lower. Benchmarking this contract against others awarded by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) or for similar engineering tasks (NAICS code 541330) would provide a more precise comparison. Factors such as the number of bidders and the specific technical requirements would also influence pricing, making direct comparisons challenging without detailed context.

What are the primary risks associated with this fixed-price contract for engineering services?

The primary risks associated with this fixed-price contract for engineering services revolve around potential scope creep and the contractor's ability to deliver within the agreed-upon price. If the project requirements evolve or are not clearly defined from the outset, the contractor may face challenges in completing the work without exceeding the fixed price, potentially leading to disputes or reduced profit margins. Conversely, the government bears the risk if the contractor underbids or underestimates the effort required, potentially impacting the quality or timeliness of deliverables. Effective project management, clear communication, and robust change control processes are crucial to mitigate these risks for both parties.

What was the effectiveness of this contract in achieving its intended engineering objectives?

Assessing the effectiveness of this contract requires access to performance metrics and final delivery reports, which are not detailed in the provided data. However, the fact that the contract was awarded under full and open competition and completed its term suggests a level of success. The Defense Information Systems Agency likely had specific engineering objectives related to its information systems that Science and Technology Associates, Inc. was contracted to fulfill. Without specific outcome data, effectiveness is inferred from contract completion and the absence of reported major issues. Future analysis could involve reviewing performance evaluations or program outcome reports, if available.

How has DoD spending on engineering services evolved over the period this contract was active and afterward?

The period during which this contract was active (2010-2014) falls within a time of significant defense spending, influenced by ongoing military operations and technological modernization efforts. DoD spending on engineering services is generally substantial and fluctuates based on strategic priorities, budget allocations, and the lifecycle of defense systems. Post-2014, defense spending patterns have continued to evolve, with shifts towards cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and space capabilities. Analyzing historical spending data for NAICS code 541330 (Engineering Services) within the DoD would reveal trends, identify peak spending periods, and highlight areas of increased investment, providing context for the $16.4 million awarded to Science and Technology Associates, Inc.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE LEVEL OF EFFORT (B)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4001 FAIRFAX DR, ARLINGTON, VA, 08

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,414,392

Exercised Options: $16,414,392

Current Obligation: $16,414,392

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS23F0192L

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline