HHS Awards $14.6M for Submarine Research & Development to General Dynamics IT

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,596,576 ($14.6M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2004-06-30

End Date: 2013-11-22

Contract Duration: 3,432 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 27

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: SUBMARINES

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22033

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $14.6 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: SUBMARINES Key points: 1. The contract, awarded to General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc., focuses on R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. This award represents a significant investment in a specialized research area, potentially indicating a need for advanced scientific capabilities. 3. The long duration and cost-plus-fixed-fee structure warrant scrutiny for cost control and value for money. 4. The sector is Research and Development, a critical area for innovation and future technological advancement.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type, while common for R&D, can lead to higher costs if not managed tightly. Benchmarking CPFF contracts in R&D is complex due to unique project scopes.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the specific nature of submarine R&D might limit the pool of qualified bidders, potentially impacting price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are allocated to a specialized R&D project. The ultimate value and return on investment for this spending will depend on the research outcomes.

Public Impact

Investment in advanced scientific research with potential long-term national security or technological implications. Funding supports specialized R&D activities within the Department of Health and Human Services, possibly for unique applications. The contract's duration and cost-plus structure highlight the complexities and potential cost escalations in long-term research projects.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Overruns Risk (CPFF)
Scope Creep Risk
Limited Measurable Outcomes

Positive Signals

Supports critical R&D
Competitive Award Process

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation but can be difficult to benchmark due to the unique nature of research projects.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific set-asides or participation from small businesses in this contract. The specialized nature of submarine R&D may limit opportunities for smaller firms.

Oversight & Accountability

The long contract duration and CPFF structure necessitate robust oversight to ensure cost control and adherence to research objectives. Regular reviews and performance monitoring are critical.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
National Institutes of Health Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can lead to higher costs.
Long contract duration (over 9 years) increases risk of cost escalation and scope creep.
Lack of specific performance metrics or outcome data makes value assessment difficult.
Unclear connection between submarine R&D and HHS's primary mission.
Potential for limited competition due to specialized nature of the research.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $14.6 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. SUBMARINES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (National Institutes of Health).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $14.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2004-06-30. End: 2013-11-22.

What specific technological advancements or research outcomes were achieved through this $14.6 million investment in submarine-related R&D?

The specific outcomes of this contract are not detailed in the provided data. Further investigation into project reports and deliverables would be necessary to assess the tangible advancements made. Understanding the precise research objectives and their alignment with departmental goals is key to evaluating the value derived from this investment.

Given the CPFF structure and long duration, what measures were in place to mitigate cost overruns and ensure efficient use of taxpayer funds?

While the data indicates a CPFF structure, it does not detail the specific cost control mechanisms employed. Robust oversight, including regular audits, performance reviews, and clear milestone tracking, would be essential. The fixed fee component provides some incentive for the contractor to manage costs, but the 'cost plus' element requires diligent monitoring by the agency.

How does this R&D spending align with the Department of Health and Human Services' core mission, and what is the expected long-term impact?

The alignment of submarine R&D with HHS's mission is unclear from the provided data. It's possible this research has indirect applications in areas like biomedical engineering, environmental health related to marine environments, or advanced materials science with health implications. The long-term impact is speculative without understanding the specific research focus and its potential translation to health-related benefits.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › N – Health R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Offers Received: 27

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Sterling Parent Inc.

Address: 4300 FAIR LAKES CT, FAIRFAX, VA, 22033

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $35,447,416

Exercised Options: $30,488,812

Current Obligation: $14,596,576

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline