DHS Awards $27.6M for Enterprise Architecture Services to General Dynamics

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,621,609 ($27.6M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2008-09-30

End Date: 2014-04-11

Contract Duration: 2,019 days

Daily Burn Rate: $13.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURE SERVICES SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: SPRINGFIELD, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22153

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $27.6 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURE SERVICES SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. for Enterprise Architecture Services. 2. The contract value is $27.6 million over its period of performance. 3. This contract falls under the Computer Facilities Management Services NAICS code. 4. The award was made under full and open competition. 5. The contract was a delivery order under a larger contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $27.6 million appears reasonable for enterprise architecture support services over a multi-year period. Benchmarking against similar large-scale IT service contracts would provide a more definitive assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust price discovery process. This method generally leads to competitive pricing as multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition suggests that taxpayers likely benefited from competitive pricing, ensuring value for money spent on these critical services.

Public Impact

Ensures continuity of essential enterprise architecture services for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Supports the modernization and efficiency of critical government IT infrastructure. Provides a stable platform for managing complex data and systems within DHS.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Contract duration extends over 5 years, potentially leading to vendor lock-in.
Cost-plus fixed fee contract type can incentivize cost overruns if not closely monitored.
No specific small business participation noted.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, promoting market fairness.
Supports a critical agency (CBP) within the Department of Homeland Security.
General Dynamics is a well-established government contractor.

Sector Analysis

Enterprise Architecture services are crucial for managing and optimizing complex IT systems within large organizations like DHS. Spending in this sector is often driven by the need for digital transformation and cybersecurity enhancements.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to a small business (sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business subcontracting opportunities were included or pursued.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was a delivery order, suggesting it was part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. Oversight would typically be managed by the contracting officer at U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Related Government Programs

Computer Facilities Management Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Programs

Risk Flags

Contract duration is lengthy (over 5 years).
Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type can lead to cost overruns.
No explicit mention of small business participation.
Specific performance metrics and oversight details are not provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $27.6 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURE SERVICES SUPPORT

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 Homeland Security (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $27.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-09-30. End: 2014-04-11.

What specific enterprise architecture deliverables were expected under this contract, and how did they align with CBP's strategic goals?

The contract likely encompassed services such as developing and maintaining enterprise architecture frameworks, roadmaps, and standards to guide CBP's IT investments and operations. These deliverables would be expected to support strategic objectives like enhancing border security, improving data integration, and modernizing legacy systems to ensure operational effectiveness and efficiency.

What were the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to assess General Dynamics' performance, and were there any penalties for non-performance?

While specific KPIs are not detailed in the provided data, typical performance metrics for such contracts might include adherence to architectural standards, successful integration of new systems, timely delivery of documentation, and contribution to cost savings or efficiency improvements. Performance would likely be monitored through regular reviews and reports, with potential remedies for deficiencies outlined in the contract terms.

How did the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure impact the final cost compared to other contract types, and was it justified?

The cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure allows the contractor to recover allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. This structure is often used when the scope of work is not precisely defined, offering flexibility but also carrying a risk of cost growth if not managed diligently. The justification for CPFF would depend on the inherent uncertainties in defining all aspects of enterprise architecture support upfront.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Facilities Management 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: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp (UEI: 001381284)

Address: 4151 LAFAYETTE CENTER DR STE 700, CHANTILLY, VA, 20151

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $76,604,436

Exercised Options: $46,327,154

Current Obligation: $27,621,609

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSHQDC06D00021

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline