DoD awards $20.5M for Systems Engineering & Architecture Support to Science and Technology Associates, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,551,289 ($20.6M)

Contractor: Science and Technology Associates, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2008-04-01

End Date: 2011-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,277 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: SYSTEMS ENGINEERING & ARCHITECTURE SPRT

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22203

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $20.6 million to SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATES, INC. for work described as: SYSTEMS ENGINEERING & ARCHITECTURE SPRT Key points: 1. Contract value of $20.5M over 3.8 years. 2. Competition was full and open, indicating market availability. 3. Risk appears moderate given fixed-price contract and established vendor. 4. Sector is IT/Defense, a common area for engineering services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $20.5M for nearly four years of support suggests a reasonable rate for specialized engineering services. Benchmarking against similar large-scale systems engineering contracts would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method typically fosters competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it aims to secure the most cost-effective solution.

Public Impact

Supports critical defense information systems. Ensures robust system architecture and engineering. Contributes to technological advancement within the DoD.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in long-term engineering contracts.
Vendor lock-in if specialized knowledge is not transferred.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition.
Firm fixed price contract.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT and Defense sector, specifically for engineering services. Spending in this area is substantial within the DoD, supporting complex technological infrastructure and development.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was sought or achieved through subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), a key component of the DoD. Oversight would typically involve contract management and performance monitoring by DISA.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Defense Information Systems Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration.
Potential for scope creep.
Not awarded to a small business.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $20.6 million to SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATES, INC.. SYSTEMS ENGINEERING & ARCHITECTURE SPRT

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 $20.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-04-01. End: 2011-09-30.

What is the specific value proposition of Science and Technology Associates, Inc. for this contract?

The value proposition likely centers on their demonstrated expertise in systems engineering and architecture within the defense sector. Their ability to secure a full and open competition award suggests they met or exceeded technical requirements and offered competitive pricing, potentially leveraging proprietary methodologies or deep institutional knowledge of DoD systems.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract's duration and scope?

The primary risks include potential scope creep over the 1277-day period, leading to cost overruns if not managed tightly. There's also a risk of vendor lock-in, where the government becomes overly reliant on STA's specific knowledge, hindering future flexibility or competition. Ensuring clear deliverables and performance metrics is crucial to mitigate these risks.

How effectively does this contract support the DoD's overall mission objectives?

This contract is likely effective in supporting DoD mission objectives by ensuring the integrity, scalability, and security of critical information systems. Robust systems engineering and architecture are foundational for reliable command and control, intelligence, and operational capabilities, directly contributing to national security.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4001 FAIRFAX DR, ARLINGTON, VA, 08

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $20,551,289

Exercised Options: $20,551,289

Current Obligation: $20,551,289

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS23F0192L

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline