DHS Awards $52.9M for National Security Research and Lead Generation Program Management Support to General Dynamics

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $52,935,196 ($52.9M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2012-08-08

End Date: 2017-08-31

Contract Duration: 1,849 days

Daily Burn Rate: $28.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: CR - NATIONAL SECURITY RESEARCH AND LEAD GENERATION TEAM PROGRAM MANAGEMENT SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22033

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $52.9 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: CR - NATIONAL SECURITY RESEARCH AND LEAD GENERATION TEAM PROGRAM MANAGEMENT SUPPORT Key points: 1. The contract supports national security research and lead generation, a critical function for homeland security operations. 2. General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. is the sole awardee, raising questions about potential competition limitations. 3. The contract spans nearly five years, indicating a significant, long-term investment in program management support. 4. The award falls under the 'IT' sector, aligning with the need for advanced technological solutions in national security.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $52.9 million over five years suggests a substantial investment. Benchmarking against similar program management support contracts for national security functions is difficult without more specific service details, but the price appears within a reasonable range for complex, long-term support.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which theoretically allows for the best price discovery. However, the award to a single entity, General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc., warrants further investigation into the bidding process and the number of proposals received.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential national security functions. The competitive award process aims to ensure value for money, but ongoing monitoring is needed to confirm cost-effectiveness.

Public Impact

Enhances national security by supporting critical research and lead generation efforts. Ensures continuity of essential program management functions within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Leverages private sector expertise for specialized national security tasks. Potential for improved intelligence gathering and threat assessment through dedicated program support.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of transparency on specific deliverables and performance metrics.
Potential for vendor lock-in given the long duration and specialized nature of support.
Limited visibility into the competitive landscape beyond the initial award.

Positive Signals

Supports a vital national security mission.
Awarded through a full and open competition process.
Utilizes a firm fixed-price contract type, providing cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically supporting program management for national security initiatives. Spending in this area is often high due to the complexity and critical nature of the services required, with benchmarks varying widely based on scope and duration.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small businesses were not directly awarded this contract, as it went to General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is crucial for a contract of this magnitude and duration. The Department of Homeland Security, specifically U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is responsible for ensuring performance and accountability. Regular reviews and performance metrics are essential to guarantee taxpayer value.

Related Government Programs

Automatic Environmental Control Manufacturing for Residential, Commercial, and Appliance Use
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Programs

Risk Flags

Sole awardee raises questions about competition.
Long contract duration (nearly 5 years) increases long-term risk.
Lack of detailed service description limits independent assessment.
Potential for vendor lock-in.
Need for robust oversight to ensure value and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $52.9 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. CR - NATIONAL SECURITY RESEARCH AND LEAD GENERATION TEAM PROGRAM MANAGEMENT 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. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $52.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-08-08. End: 2017-08-31.

What specific research and lead generation activities are encompassed by this contract, and how do they directly contribute to national security objectives?

The contract likely involves supporting intelligence analysis, data management, and operational planning related to national security threats. Specific activities could include identifying potential security risks, developing lead generation strategies for intelligence gathering, and managing research projects. The direct contribution lies in providing the necessary program management infrastructure and expertise to enable ICE and DHS to effectively execute these critical functions, ultimately enhancing border security and counter-terrorism efforts.

Given the award to a single entity, what measures were in place to ensure genuine competition and prevent potential price inflation or suboptimal service delivery?

While awarded under 'full and open competition,' the single award necessitates scrutiny. Agencies typically use detailed Statements of Work (SOWs), robust evaluation criteria, and pre-bid conferences to encourage multiple bids. Post-award, contract performance monitoring, regular progress reports, and defined performance metrics are vital to ensure the contractor meets expectations and provides value. Any indication of limited vendor pool or lack of competitive proposals during the bidding phase would be a concern.

How does the firm fixed-price contract type mitigate risks associated with scope creep and cost overruns for this long-term national security program?

A firm fixed-price (FFP) contract establishes a ceiling price that the contractor must adhere to, regardless of their actual costs. This significantly shifts the cost risk to the contractor, providing the government with cost certainty. For a long-term program like this, FFP helps prevent scope creep by clearly defining deliverables and discouraging the addition of unbudgeted tasks. However, it requires a very well-defined SOW upfront to avoid disputes or the contractor potentially cutting corners on quality to maintain profitability.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Automatic Environmental Control Manufacturing for Residential, Commercial, and Appliance Use

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

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp

Address: 15036 CONFERENCE CENTER DR, CHANTILLY, VA, 20151

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $55,210,294

Exercised Options: $54,855,084

Current Obligation: $52,935,196

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS07F0475V

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline