DoD's $28.7M Engineering Services Contract Awarded to General Dynamics Mission Systems

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $28,694,110 ($28.7M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2018-10-03

End Date: 2021-03-31

Contract Duration: 910 days

Daily Burn Rate: $31.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: ENGINEERING SERVICES, CET 18-828

Place of Performance

Location: GROTON, NEW LONDON County, CONNECTICUT, 06340

State: Connecticut Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $28.7 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: ENGINEERING SERVICES, CET 18-828 Key points: 1. Contract awarded for engineering services to General Dynamics Mission Systems. 2. Significant value of $28.7 million over a 910-day period. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract falls under the Engineering Services sector, crucial for defense capabilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee. This can be effective for complex projects where costs are uncertain, but requires careful oversight to manage expenses and ensure value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The use of full and open competition indicates that multiple bidders were likely considered, fostering a competitive environment that can lead to better pricing and service. The award was a delivery order under a larger contract.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for essential engineering services, with the competitive nature of the award aiming to ensure efficient use of these funds.

Public Impact

Supports critical defense engineering and technical services. General Dynamics Mission Systems is a major defense contractor. Contract duration spans over two years, indicating ongoing support needs. Awarded by the Department of Defense, highlighting national security implications.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • CPFF contracts can incentivize cost overruns if not managed strictly.
  • Lack of specific performance metrics makes it hard to gauge effectiveness.
  • No indication of small business participation.

Positive Signals

  • Full and open competition utilized.
  • Contract supports essential defense engineering services.
  • Awarded by a major defense agency.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, which is vital for the development and maintenance of complex defense systems. Spending benchmarks in this sector can vary widely based on project scope and technological requirements.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to a small business (ss: false, sb: false). There is no specific mention of subcontracting goals or participation from small businesses in this award.

Oversight & Accountability

The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) is responsible for overseeing this contract. The CPFF structure necessitates robust oversight to ensure costs are reasonable and the fixed fee is justified.

Related Government Programs

  • Engineering Services
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Defense Contract Management Agency Programs

Risk Flags

  • Cost overruns potential with CPFF.
  • Lack of specific performance metrics.
  • No small business participation noted.
  • Broad service description limits transparency.
  • Potential for contractor inefficiency if not closely managed.

Tags

engineering-services, department-of-defense, ct, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $28.7 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC.. ENGINEERING SERVICES, CET 18-828

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $28.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-10-03. End: 2021-03-31.

What specific engineering services are being provided under this contract, and how do they align with current defense priorities?

The contract specifies 'Engineering Services' broadly. Without further detail, it's difficult to ascertain the exact nature of the services. However, given the awardee and agency, it likely pertains to advanced defense systems, platform modernization, or research and development efforts critical to national security objectives.

How effectively did the full and open competition process ensure the best value for the government, considering the CPFF pricing structure?

While full and open competition is a positive indicator for price discovery, the CPFF structure introduces inherent cost uncertainty. The effectiveness in securing best value relies heavily on the government's ability to negotiate a fair fixed fee and rigorously audit incurred costs throughout the contract's lifecycle.

What are the potential risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure in this large-value defense contract?

The primary risk with CPFF is the potential for cost overruns, as the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs. The fixed fee provides some incentive for efficiency, but without stringent oversight and clear performance metrics, there's a risk of inflated costs and reduced value for taxpayer money.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesArchitectural, Engineering, and Related ServicesEngineering Services

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENTC – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: HQ072715R0001

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8800 QUEEN AVE S, BLOOMINGTON, MN, 55431

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $42,065,072

Exercised Options: $42,065,072

Current Obligation: $28,694,110

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HQ072716D0003

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2018-10-03

Current End Date: 2021-03-31

Potential End Date: 2021-03-31 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-08-15

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