General Dynamics IT awarded $18.4M contract for US-VISIT ADIS Support by DHS

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,404,852 ($18.4M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2008-04-09

End Date: 2011-04-08

Contract Duration: 1,094 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: US-VISIT ADIS SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22209

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $18.4 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: US-VISIT ADIS SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded for IT support services, aligning with Computer Facilities Management Services. 2. The contract duration spans nearly three years, indicating a significant commitment. 3. Awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can present cost control challenges. 5. This award represents a portion of broader IT spending within the Department of Homeland Security. 6. The geographic focus is Virginia, a hub for federal contracting.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $18.4 million over approximately three years for IT support services appears moderate for a federal contract of this nature. Benchmarking against similar contracts for Computer Facilities Management Services is necessary to fully assess value for money. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type introduces potential for cost overruns if not managed diligently, as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. Without detailed performance metrics and cost breakdowns, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents excellent value, but the competitive award process offers some assurance.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded through a full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 3 bidders suggests a reasonable level of competition for this specific requirement. A competitive process generally helps in achieving fair market prices and encourages contractors to offer their best value propositions. The specific details of the solicitation and evaluation criteria would provide further insight into the robustness of the competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process as it typically drives down costs and ensures that the government receives services at a fair market price, maximizing the value of public funds.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Department of Homeland Security, specifically the US-VISIT program, which relies on the Automated Data Interchange System (ADIS) for critical functions. The services delivered are essential for the maintenance and operation of the ADIS, supporting border security and immigration processes. The geographic impact is concentrated in Virginia, where the contractor's operations supporting this contract are likely based. This contract supports IT professionals and potentially other roles within General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc., contributing to the federal IT workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to higher costs if not closely monitored.
The duration of the contract (nearly 3 years) requires sustained oversight to ensure continued value.
Limited public information on specific performance metrics makes it challenging to assess effectiveness independently.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive marketplace.
The contract is with a large, established IT services provider (General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.).
The contract supports a critical national security program (US-VISIT).

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically focusing on IT services and facilities management. The market for such services is large and highly competitive, with numerous large and small businesses vying for federal contracts. Comparable spending benchmarks for IT support services within federal agencies can vary widely based on scope, duration, and complexity. This contract's value of $18.4 million over three years is within a typical range for specialized IT support for a significant government system like ADIS.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting goals for small businesses in the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem appears minimal for this specific award. However, as a large prime contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. may engage small businesses as subcontractors on other projects, but this contract's data does not indicate such a requirement or outcome.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of Homeland Security's contracting officers and program managers. They are responsible for monitoring contractor performance, ensuring compliance with contract terms, and managing costs, especially given the CPFF structure. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract's performance requirements and payment terms. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, although detailed performance reports are typically internal to the agency.

Related Government Programs

US-VISIT Program
Department of Homeland Security IT Services
Automated Data Interchange System (ADIS)
Computer Facilities Management Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
Contract duration necessitates ongoing performance monitoring.
Potential for scope creep in IT service contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $18.4 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. US-VISIT ADIS 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 (Office of Procurement Operations).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $18.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-04-09. End: 2011-04-08.

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

General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. (GDIT) is a major federal IT contractor with a long history of serving various government agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). They have held numerous large and complex contracts across a wide range of IT services, including infrastructure management, cybersecurity, software development, and mission support. GDIT's extensive experience suggests a strong understanding of federal procurement processes and requirements. Their past performance with DHS likely includes support for various critical systems and programs, similar to the US-VISIT ADIS support contract. While specific performance ratings for individual contracts are often not public, GDIT's continued success in winning significant federal awards indicates a generally positive track record and capability to meet government needs.

How does the $18.4 million contract value compare to similar IT support contracts for border and immigration systems?

The $18.4 million contract value for US-VISIT ADIS Support awarded to General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. over approximately three years represents a moderate investment for specialized IT services supporting a critical national security system. Comparing this value requires careful consideration of the specific services rendered, the system's complexity, and the duration. Contracts for similar functions, such as managing large databases, ensuring system uptime, and providing technical support for border control or immigration processing systems within agencies like Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), can range from a few million to tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars annually, depending on scale and scope. This $18.4M award appears to be for a specific component or phase of ADIS support, and its value seems reasonable within the context of federal IT spending for such essential, albeit potentially niche, functions.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for IT services?

The primary risk associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract, like the one awarded to General Dynamics for US-VISIT ADIS Support, is the potential for cost overruns. In a CPFF structure, the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred during the performance of the contract, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. While the fee is fixed, the total cost is variable. If the contractor's costs exceed initial estimates due to inefficiencies, scope creep, or unforeseen technical challenges, the government bears the financial burden. This necessitates robust oversight from the government to ensure costs are reasonable, allocable, and allowable. The risk for the government is paying more than anticipated, while the contractor has less incentive to control costs compared to fixed-price contracts, as their profit margin is guaranteed.

How effective is the Automated Data Interchange System (ADIS) in supporting US-VISIT's mission, and what is the role of this contract in ensuring that effectiveness?

The Automated Data Interchange System (ADIS) is a critical component of the U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) program, designed to track the entry and exit of foreign visitors and immigrants. Its effectiveness is crucial for national security, border management, and immigration enforcement. ADIS consolidates data from various sources to provide a comprehensive view of an individual's status in the United States. This contract for ADIS Support, awarded to General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc., plays a vital role in ensuring ADIS's effectiveness by providing the necessary IT infrastructure management, maintenance, and technical support. Without reliable IT support, the system could experience downtime, data integrity issues, or performance degradation, thereby undermining US-VISIT's mission. The contract ensures the system remains operational, secure, and capable of processing the vast amounts of data required.

What are the historical spending patterns for US-VISIT ADIS support or similar IT services within DHS?

Historical spending patterns for US-VISIT ADIS support and similar IT services within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) indicate a consistent and significant investment in maintaining and upgrading critical border security and immigration technology. The US-VISIT program itself has undergone various phases and technological evolutions, requiring ongoing funding for system development, integration, and operational support. Spending on IT services within DHS, in general, is substantial, reflecting the agency's broad mandate and reliance on technology for its diverse missions. Contracts for system maintenance, data management, and infrastructure support, like the one awarded to General Dynamics, are recurring needs. While the specific $18.4 million figure for this particular delivery order is a snapshot, broader DHS IT spending often runs into billions of dollars annually, encompassing cybersecurity, data analytics, and large-scale system operations. Tracking historical data for ADIS specifically would reveal trends in system upgrades, maintenance costs, and contractor support needs over time.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Facilities Management 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: HSHQVT-08-Q-00001

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Csra LLC (UEI: 080011988)

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

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $18,447,275

Exercised Options: $18,404,852

Current Obligation: $18,404,852

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSHQDC06D00021

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline