DoD's $19.2M Deployable Operations Support Center contract awarded to General Dynamics IT for engineering services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,201,518 ($19.2M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2006-12-13

End Date: 2011-06-30

Contract Duration: 1,660 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: DEPLOYABLE OPERATIONS SUPPORT CENTER FOR DEPLOYABLE JOINT COMMAND AND CONTROL

Place of Performance

Location: PANAMA CITY, BAY County, FLORIDA, 32408, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $19.2 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INC. for work described as: DEPLOYABLE OPERATIONS SUPPORT CENTER FOR DEPLOYABLE JOINT COMMAND AND CONTROL Key points: 1. Contract awarded for engineering services to support deployable joint command and control. 2. General Dynamics Information Technology Inc. is the primary contractor. 3. The contract was awarded under full and open competition. 4. The contract duration spans over 1600 days. 5. The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee, indicating performance-based incentives. 6. The contract was awarded by the Department of the Navy. 7. The contract is for deployable operations support. 8. The contract is located in Florida.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $19.2 million over approximately 4.5 years suggests a moderate annual spend. Without specific deliverables or performance metrics, it's difficult to benchmark value for money definitively. The Cost Plus Award Fee structure implies that the government aims to incentivize good performance, but the ultimate cost can vary. Comparing this to similar contracts for deployable command and control systems would provide better insight into pricing and value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of two bids indicates a level of competition, though the exact number of interested parties is not detailed. Full and open competition generally promotes price discovery and allows the government to select the best value offering.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the competitive process, which is intended to drive down costs and ensure the government receives the most advantageous terms for these critical engineering services.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and specifically the Department of the Navy, who will receive support for their deployable joint command and control capabilities. The services delivered are engineering support crucial for maintaining and enhancing operational readiness of mobile command centers. The geographic impact is primarily in Florida, where the contract is being executed. Workforce implications include the employment of engineers and technical staff by General Dynamics Information Technology Inc. to fulfill the contract requirements.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Award Fee contracts can sometimes lead to higher costs if not managed tightly, as the contractor is reimbursed for costs plus a fee that can be adjusted based on performance.
The duration of the contract (over 1600 days) requires sustained oversight to ensure continued value and alignment with evolving military needs.
Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes it challenging to assess the effectiveness of the award fee component.
The specific nature of 'deployable operations support' could be subject to rapid technological changes, potentially impacting the long-term relevance of the services provided.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process and potential for competitive pricing.
The Cost Plus Award Fee structure incentivizes contractor performance, aiming for higher quality service delivery.
General Dynamics Information Technology Inc. is a large, established contractor with significant experience in defense IT and support services.
The contract supports critical deployable joint command and control capabilities, indicating a focus on essential military operations.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting defense-related IT and command and control systems. The market for such services is substantial within the Department of Defense, driven by the need for advanced, deployable, and resilient communication and operational infrastructure. Benchmarking would involve comparing the per-diem rates or total contract value against similar engineering support contracts for military C2 systems.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As a large contract awarded to a major defense contractor, the primary impact on small businesses would likely be through subcontracting opportunities. It is common for large prime contractors to utilize small businesses for specialized services or components, but the extent of this contract's subcontracting plan is not detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and their representatives within the Department of the Navy. Accountability measures are built into the Cost Plus Award Fee structure, which ties a portion of the contractor's compensation to performance. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific performance details may be sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Deployable Command and Control Systems
Joint C2 Modernization Programs
Defense Information Technology Support Services
Naval Engineering Services Contracts
Military Communications Infrastructure Support

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns in CPAF contracts if not managed effectively.
Risk of obsolescence in rapidly evolving C2 technology.
Challenges in ensuring interoperability across joint forces.
Environmental and logistical risks associated with deployable systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $19.2 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INC.. DEPLOYABLE OPERATIONS SUPPORT CENTER FOR DEPLOYABLE JOINT COMMAND AND CONTROL

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 Defense (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $19.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2006-12-13. End: 2011-06-30.

What is the historical spending trend for similar deployable operations support contracts within the Department of the Navy?

Analyzing historical spending on similar contracts within the Department of the Navy requires access to detailed contract databases. However, generally, spending in this area tends to fluctuate based on operational tempo, modernization initiatives, and specific platform deployments. Contracts for deployable command and control systems are critical for maintaining readiness, and their value can range from millions to hundreds of millions of dollars depending on scope and duration. Factors influencing spending include the need for ruggedized, rapidly deployable C2 solutions for various theaters of operation, upgrades to existing systems, and the integration of new technologies. Without specific historical data points for this exact category, it's difficult to provide precise figures, but the overall trend in defense IT and C2 support spending has been significant and sustained due to ongoing global security challenges and the modernization of military capabilities.

How does the Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) structure typically impact the final cost compared to other contract types like Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP)?

The Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) structure is designed to provide flexibility and incentivize performance in situations where costs are difficult to estimate precisely upfront or where performance quality is paramount. Unlike Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contracts, where the price is set and the contractor assumes most of the risk, CPAF contracts reimburse the contractor for allowable costs plus a base fee, with an additional award fee contingent upon meeting or exceeding specific performance objectives. This can lead to a higher final cost than an FFP contract if the contractor performs exceptionally well and earns the full award fee. However, it also allows the government to benefit from improved quality, timeliness, or efficiency that might not be achieved under a rigid FFP. The key is effective performance definition and objective evaluation to ensure the award fee truly reflects superior performance and provides value for the additional cost.

What specific engineering services are encompassed by 'Deployable Operations Support Center' for joint command and control?

The 'Deployable Operations Support Center' for joint command and control likely encompasses a broad range of engineering services critical for establishing and maintaining operational command capabilities in mobile or expeditionary environments. This could include the design, integration, testing, and maintenance of communication systems (satellite, radio, data links), network infrastructure, power generation and distribution, environmental controls (heating, cooling, shelter), and the physical integration of command and control hardware and software within transportable platforms like shelters, vehicles, or containers. It may also involve lifecycle support, technical documentation, training development, and ensuring interoperability between different service components. The 'joint' aspect implies a focus on systems that enable seamless command and control across multiple branches of the military.

What is General Dynamics Information Technology Inc.'s track record with similar Department of Defense contracts?

General Dynamics Information Technology Inc. (GDIT) has a substantial and extensive track record supporting the Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal agencies with a wide array of IT, C4ISR, and mission support services. They are a frequent recipient of large, complex contracts involving system integration, network operations, cybersecurity, cloud migration, and sustainment for various military branches. GDIT has historically managed significant programs related to command and control systems, intelligence support, and logistics. Their experience often includes providing support for deployable and expeditionary forces, aligning well with the nature of this contract. While specific performance details for every contract are not publicly available, GDIT's consistent presence as a prime contractor on major DoD programs indicates a generally accepted capability and past performance record within the defense sector.

Are there any specific performance risks associated with supporting 'deployable' command and control systems?

Yes, supporting 'deployable' command and control (C2) systems presents several unique performance risks. Firstly, the harsh and dynamic environments in which these systems operate (e.g., extreme temperatures, dust, vibration, electromagnetic interference) can lead to equipment failure and reduced reliability. Secondly, the need for rapid deployment and setup means systems must be robust, easily transportable, and quickly operational, posing risks related to logistics, setup time, and potential damage during transit. Thirdly, maintaining interoperability between diverse C2 systems from different services and coalition partners in a deployed setting is a constant challenge, risking communication breakdowns or data integration issues. Finally, security risks are heightened due to the potential for physical compromise or sophisticated cyberattacks targeting systems operating outside secure, fixed infrastructure.

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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: N0002406R3646

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Computer Sciences Corporation (UEI: 009581091)

Address: 3160 FAIRVIEW PARK DRIVE, FALLS CHURCH, VA, 22042

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $246,609,994

Exercised Options: $75,170,286

Current Obligation: $19,201,518

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017804D4030

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline