DoD Spends $27.6M on Software Maintenance, Awarded to General Dynamics IT Under Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,575,245 ($27.6M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2017-11-06

End Date: 2019-03-31

Contract Duration: 510 days

Daily Burn Rate: $54.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE SERVICE

Place of Performance

Location: FALLS CHURCH, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22042

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $27.6 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE SERVICE Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $27.6 million for software maintenance. 2. Awarded to a large, established contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology. 3. Procured under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract duration spans over 1.5 years, indicating ongoing service needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $27.6 million for software maintenance appears reasonable given the duration and the nature of IT services. Benchmarking against similar large-scale software maintenance contracts would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically leads to more competitive pricing and better value for the government. The existence of multiple bids and the selection process would further clarify the price discovery effectiveness.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally maximizes taxpayer value by ensuring the government receives the best possible price and service through a competitive process.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operation of critical software systems for the Defense Health Agency. Supports the technological infrastructure of a major government health program. The investment in maintenance signifies a commitment to the longevity and reliability of existing IT assets.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Potential for vendor lock-in if maintenance is highly specialized.
  • Risk of cost escalation in future contract renewals.
  • Dependence on a single contractor for critical software support.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded through a competitive process.
  • Supports a vital government health agency.
  • Clear contract duration and defined scope.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically computer related services. Spending benchmarks for software maintenance can vary widely based on the complexity and criticality of the software, but $27.6 million over 1.5 years suggests a substantial system or suite of applications.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to General Dynamics Information Technology, a large prime contractor. There is no indication that small businesses were involved as subcontractors on this specific award, which is common for large IT service contracts.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which implies a structured procurement process with oversight. Further review of the specific solicitation and award documentation would detail the oversight mechanisms employed.

Related Government Programs

  • Other Computer Related Services
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Defense Health Agency Programs

Risk Flags

  • Contract duration is relatively short (1.5 years), potentially leading to frequent re-competition costs.
  • Lack of detail on specific software systems supported.
  • No explicit mention of small business participation.
  • Contract ended in 2019, requiring assessment of subsequent actions.

Tags

other-computer-related-services, department-of-defense, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $27.6 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE SERVICE

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 (Defense Health Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $27.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-11-06. End: 2019-03-31.

What specific software systems are covered under this maintenance contract, and what is their criticality to the Defense Health Agency's operations?

The contract covers software maintenance services for unspecified systems critical to the Defense Health Agency. Understanding the specific applications, such as electronic health records or logistical support systems, is crucial to assessing the true value and risk associated with this $27.6 million expenditure. Without this detail, it's difficult to gauge the impact of potential disruptions or the necessity of the maintenance provided.

How did the competitive bidding process ensure the best possible price for these software maintenance services, given the $27.6 million award?

The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition,' suggesting that multiple vendors were invited to bid. The effectiveness of this process in securing the best price depends on the number of bids received, the evaluation criteria used, and the negotiation strategies employed by the agency. A detailed analysis of the bid submissions and award justification would reveal the extent to which competition drove down costs.

What is the plan for ensuring the continued effectiveness and security of the software systems beyond the current contract's end date in March 2019?

The contract ended in March 2019, so the current effectiveness and security depend on subsequent actions. The Defense Health Agency would need to have either re-competed the contract, extended it, or transitioned to new systems. The lack of information on post-2019 activities raises questions about long-term planning and potential gaps in support or modernization efforts.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesComputer Systems Design and Related ServicesOther Computer Related Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONSADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp (UEI: 001381284)

Address: 3211 JERMANTOWN RD, FAIRFAX, VA, 22030

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $27,575,245

Exercised Options: $27,575,245

Current Obligation: $27,575,245

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F080CA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline

Start Date: 2017-11-06

Current End Date: 2019-03-31

Potential End Date: 2019-03-31 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2019-01-31

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