General Dynamics IT awarded $25.2M task order for Trusted Traveler Program software operations and maintenance

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $25,230,227 ($25.2M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2013-05-13

End Date: 2014-09-25

Contract Duration: 500 days

Daily Burn Rate: $50.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: TASK ORDER FOR TRUSTED TRAVELER PROGRAM - SOFTWARE OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE AND DEVELOPMENT IGF::OT::IGF

Place of Performance

Location: LANHAM, PRINCE GEORGE'S County, MARYLAND, 20706, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $25.2 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: TASK ORDER FOR TRUSTED TRAVELER PROGRAM - SOFTWARE OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE AND DEVELOPMENT IGF::OT::IGF Key points: 1. Contract focuses on essential software operations, maintenance, and development for a critical homeland security program. 2. The task order was awarded under a full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Performance period spans over a year, indicating a need for sustained support. 4. The contract type is Time and Materials, which can pose cost control challenges if not managed closely. 5. This award represents a significant investment in the technological infrastructure supporting border security and traveler facilitation. 6. The specific NAICS code (541513) points to Computer Facilities Management Services, a specialized IT support area.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $25.2 million for approximately 1.5 years of service for software operations, maintenance, and development appears to be within a reasonable range for complex IT support. Benchmarking against similar large-scale IT service contracts for government programs would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The Time and Materials pricing structure necessitates careful oversight to ensure costs remain aligned with the work performed and do not escalate beyond initial expectations.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This task order was awarded through a full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this procurement method generally fosters price discovery and encourages competitive pricing. The agency sought solutions from the broadest possible range of qualified contractors.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining services at competitive prices due to the potential for multiple bids.

Public Impact

Benefits travelers by ensuring the smooth operation and enhancement of the Trusted Traveler Program. Services delivered include software operations, maintenance, and development, crucial for program functionality. Geographic impact is national, supporting a program that facilitates travel across U.S. borders. Workforce implications include the need for skilled IT professionals to manage and develop the program's software infrastructure.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
Lack of specific details on the number of bidders in the full and open competition limits a deeper analysis of competitive intensity.
The duration of the contract (500 days) requires ongoing vigilance to ensure continued value and performance.

Positive Signals

Awarded under a full and open competition, suggesting a robust and fair bidding process.
Focus on essential software operations and maintenance for a critical government program.
The task order is for a defined period, allowing for reassessment of needs and contractor performance.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically focusing on IT services and facilities management. The market for government IT services is substantial, with agencies consistently investing in software operations, maintenance, and development to support critical functions. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar IT support contracts within federal agencies can vary widely based on scope and complexity, but this award represents a significant investment in maintaining and improving a key traveler facilitation system.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. is a large business. There is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses within this specific task order. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem through this particular award is likely minimal, unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) within the Department of Homeland Security. The agency's contracting officers and program managers are responsible for monitoring performance, approving invoices, and ensuring compliance with contract terms. While specific Inspector General (IG) jurisdiction is not detailed, the DHS Office of Inspector General typically oversees significant federal contracts to ensure accountability and identify potential fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Trusted Traveler Program
Department of Homeland Security IT Modernization Efforts
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Operations
Federal Civilian IT Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials contract type.
Need for robust oversight to manage contractor performance and costs effectively.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical software operations and maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $25.2 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. TASK ORDER FOR TRUSTED TRAVELER PROGRAM - SOFTWARE OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE AND DEVELOPMENT IGF::OT::IGF

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 $25.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2013-05-13. End: 2014-09-25.

What is the track record of General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. with the Department of Homeland Security and similar IT service contracts?

General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. (GDIT) has a long-standing history of providing IT services to various U.S. federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). They have been involved in numerous large-scale contracts encompassing a wide range of services such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, data center operations, and software development. For DHS specifically, GDIT has supported various components, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in areas critical to border security and immigration. Their track record generally indicates experience with complex government IT environments. However, like any large contractor, they have faced scrutiny and performance reviews on specific contracts. A detailed analysis would require examining past performance evaluations and any documented issues or commendations related to their work with DHS and similar programs.

How does the $25.2 million value compare to other task orders for similar software operations and maintenance services within the federal government?

The $25.2 million value for this task order, covering approximately 1.5 years of software operations, maintenance, and development for the Trusted Traveler Program, needs to be contextualized within the broader federal IT services market. Large-scale IT operations and maintenance contracts for critical government systems can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars annually, depending on the complexity, scope, and criticality of the system. For instance, contracts supporting large enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, extensive network infrastructure, or major cybersecurity operations often exceed this amount. However, for a specific program like the Trusted Traveler Program, this figure suggests a substantial investment in its underlying technology. Benchmarking against other task orders for similar services (e.g., IT operations, software sustainment) awarded by agencies like DHS or other components of the federal government would provide a clearer picture of whether this represents a competitive price point or a potential outlier.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for software operations and maintenance?

The primary risk associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract, such as this one for the Trusted Traveler Program software, is the potential for cost overruns. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M contracts reimburse the contractor for the actual labor hours expended and the cost of materials used. If not managed diligently, this structure can incentivize longer task durations or less efficient work, as the contractor's profit is directly tied to the amount of time and resources consumed. For the government, this necessitates robust oversight, including detailed monitoring of labor hours, verification of material costs, and clear definition of work requirements to prevent scope creep and ensure that the final cost remains reasonable and aligned with the value received. Effective project management and strong contract administration are crucial to mitigate these risks.

How effective is the Trusted Traveler Program, and how does this contract contribute to its effectiveness?

The Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) aims to expedite the screening process for pre-approved, low-risk travelers entering the United States. Programs like Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, NEXUS, and SENTRI are part of TTP. Its effectiveness is generally measured by traveler satisfaction, reduction in wait times, and the ability to maintain security standards. This contract, focusing on software operations, maintenance, and development, is critical to the program's effectiveness. It ensures the underlying technology platforms that manage traveler applications, conduct risk assessments, and facilitate expedited processing are reliable, secure, and up-to-date. Without robust software support, the program's efficiency, user experience, and security could be compromised, directly impacting its ability to serve its intended purpose and maintain traveler confidence.

What are the historical spending patterns for the Trusted Traveler Program's IT support, and how does this award fit within that trend?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for the Trusted Traveler Program's IT support is essential to understand if this $25.2 million task order represents an increase, decrease, or consistent level of investment. Federal agencies often award multiple task orders or contracts over time to support ongoing programs. To assess this, one would need to examine previous contracts awarded by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or DHS for TTP IT services, including their values, durations, and the nature of the services provided. If historical spending has been consistently in this range, it suggests a stable investment. A significant deviation, however, might indicate an expansion of program scope, a need for major system upgrades, or a change in pricing dynamics. Without access to specific historical contract data for TTP IT support, it's difficult to definitively place this award within a trend, but it signifies a substantial, ongoing commitment to the program's technological infrastructure.

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

Solicitation ID: HSBP1013Q0087

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Computer Sciences Corporation (UEI: 009581091)

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

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $25,230,227

Exercised Options: $25,230,227

Current Obligation: $25,230,227

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 8

Total Subaward Amount: $1,555,895

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSHQDC06D00021

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline