DoD awards $40.8M for ISR support services, with 2 bids received under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $40,843,007 ($40.8M)

Contractor: Mantech Advanced Systems International, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2015-08-07

End Date: 2019-01-30

Contract Duration: 1,272 days

Daily Burn Rate: $32.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF THIS TASK ORDER IS FOR THE AWARD OF A ONE BASE YEAR PLUS OPTION YEAR FOR OVERSEAS CONTINGENCY OPERATION INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE AND RECONNAISSANCE SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE DISTRIBUTED COMMON GROUND SYSTEM ARMY OVERSEAS CONTINGENCY SUPPORT TEAM IN ALL OCO LOCATIONS WORLDWIDE

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22033

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $40.8 million to MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF THIS TASK ORDER IS FOR THE AWARD OF A ONE BASE YEAR PLUS OPTION YEAR FOR OVERSEAS CONTINGENCY OPERATION INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE AND RECONNAISSANCE SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE DISTRIBUTED COMMON GROUND SYSTEM ARMY OVERSEAS CONTINGENCY SUPPORT TEAM IN ALL OCO LOCATIONS… Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the specialized nature of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support. 2. Competition dynamics show a limited number of bidders, potentially impacting price discovery. 3. Risk indicators include the extended performance period and reliance on a single awardee. 4. Performance context is within overseas contingency operations, highlighting the need for adaptable ISR capabilities. 5. Sector positioning is within defense engineering services, a critical component of military operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's total value of approximately $40.8 million over a 1272-day period suggests a moderate per-diem cost for specialized ISR support. Benchmarking against similar intelligence support contracts is challenging due to the unique nature of Distributed Common Ground System Army (DCGS-A) overseas operations. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type allows for cost control while incentivizing efficient performance.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. However, only two bids were received, which is a relatively low number for a contract of this magnitude and scope. This limited competition may suggest a specialized market or high barriers to entry for potential bidders, potentially leading to less aggressive pricing than if more bidders had participated.

Taxpayer Impact: While full and open competition was utilized, the low number of bids means taxpayers may not have benefited from the most competitive pricing achievable with broader participation.

Public Impact

Intelligence analysts and military personnel operating in overseas contingency locations benefit from enhanced ISR data processing and dissemination. Services delivered include critical support for the DCGS-A, enabling better situational awareness and decision-making. Geographic impact is worldwide, covering all areas designated as overseas contingency operations. Workforce implications include the need for specialized technical and analytical personnel to support ISR functions.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition (2 bidders) may have resulted in higher costs for taxpayers.
The CPFF contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed.
Performance in overseas contingency operations presents inherent logistical and security risks.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, adhering to procurement regulations.
The contract supports a critical intelligence system (DCGS-A) vital for national security.
The fixed fee component provides some cost certainty for the government.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting defense intelligence and information systems. The market for specialized ISR support services is highly concentrated, with a few key players possessing the necessary technical expertise and security clearances. Spending in this area is driven by evolving global threats and the military's need for advanced intelligence gathering and analysis capabilities.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. This suggests that the primary awardee is likely a large business, and the specialized nature of the services may limit opportunities for small business participation in direct subcontracting roles.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is likely managed by the Department of the Army contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures would be tied to contract performance metrics and deliverables. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though specific performance details may be classified due to the nature of intelligence support.

Related Government Programs

Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Services
Defense Information Systems Support
Distributed Common Ground System Army (DCGS-A)
Overseas Contingency Operations Support

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Potential for cost overruns (CPFF)
Performance in high-risk OCO environments

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $40.8 million to MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF THIS TASK ORDER IS FOR THE AWARD OF A ONE BASE YEAR PLUS OPTION YEAR FOR OVERSEAS CONTINGENCY OPERATION INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE AND RECONNAISSANCE SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE DISTRIBUTED COMMON GROUND SYSTEM ARMY OVERSEAS CONTINGENCY SUPPORT TEAM IN ALL OCO LOCATIONS WORLDWIDE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $40.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2015-08-07. End: 2019-01-30.

What is the track record of MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. with similar intelligence support contracts?

MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. has a history of performing various defense and intelligence-related contracts. While specific details on prior ISR support for DCGS-A are not provided in this data snippet, their experience likely encompasses complex technical services for government agencies. A deeper dive into their contract history would reveal the scope, value, and performance ratings on previous, similar engagements to better assess their capability and reliability for this specific task order.

How does the $40.8 million award compare to historical spending on DCGS-A support?

The provided data indicates a single task order award of $40.8 million for overseas contingency operations support for DCGS-A. To compare this to historical spending, one would need to analyze total contract obligations for DCGS-A support over multiple fiscal years, potentially across different contract vehicles and agencies. This single award represents a portion of the overall investment in DCGS-A capabilities, and its significance can only be assessed within the broader context of the system's lifecycle costs and sustainment expenditures.

What are the primary risks associated with providing ISR support in overseas contingency operations?

Providing ISR support in overseas contingency operations entails significant risks, including heightened security threats to personnel and equipment, logistical challenges in remote or austere environments, and the potential for rapid changes in operational requirements. Furthermore, the sensitive nature of intelligence data necessitates robust cybersecurity measures and strict adherence to handling protocols. Political instability and evolving mission objectives in OCO locations can also impact contract performance and necessitate adaptive strategies from the contractor.

How effective is the DCGS-A system in supporting current intelligence requirements?

The effectiveness of the Distributed Common Ground System Army (DCGS-A) is crucial for processing and disseminating intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data. While specific performance metrics for this contract are not detailed, the continued investment and ongoing support indicate its perceived value to military operations. User feedback, operational success stories, and independent assessments would provide a clearer picture of its effectiveness in meeting current intelligence demands and adapting to new threats.

What is the typical cost structure for intelligence support services of this nature?

Intelligence support services, particularly those involving ISR and complex systems like DCGS-A, often utilize Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) or Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) contract types. These structures acknowledge the inherent uncertainties and specialized labor involved. The 'cost plus' element covers direct and indirect costs, while the 'fixed fee' or 'incentive fee' provides the contractor's profit. Benchmarking requires comparing not just total contract value but also labor rates, overhead, and fee percentages against similar specialized defense contracts.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering 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

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Mantech International Corporation

Address: 12015 LEE JACKSON MEMORIAL HWY, FAIRFAX, VA, 22033

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $55,410,643

Exercised Options: $40,843,007

Current Obligation: $40,843,007

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 11

Total Subaward Amount: $27,790,178

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W15P7T06DE403

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline