Marine Corps' $578M Tactical Data Network Replacement Augments Communications Infrastructure
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $57,878,442 ($57.9M)
Contractor: General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2006-11-22
End Date: 2013-08-26
Contract Duration: 2,469 days
Daily Burn Rate: $23.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: THE TACTICAL DATA NETWORK (TDN) DATA DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS REPLACEMENT (DDS-R) AUGMENTS THE EXISTING MARINE AIR-GROUND TASK FORCE (MAGTF) COMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE BY FORMING THE COMMUNICATIONS BACKBONE FOR MAGTF TACTICAL DATA SYSTEMS AND THE DEFENSE MESSAGING SYSTEM (DMS). THE TDN SYSTEMS CONSISTS OF A NETWORK OF GATEWAYS AND SERVERS INTERCONNECTED WITH ONE ANOTHER AND THEIR SUBSCRIBERS VIA A COMBINATION OF COMMON-USER, LONG-HAUL TRANSMISSIONS SYSTEMS ALONG WITH THE LOCAL AREA NETWORKS (LANS) AND SWITCHED TELEPHONE SYSTEMS. ON JANUARY 04, 2006, THE DEPUTY COMMANDANT FOR MARINE CORPS COMBAT DEVELOPMENT COMMAND (MCCDC) ISSUED AN URGENT UNIVERSAL NEEDS STATEMENT (UUNS) FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF 150 TDN DDS-R UNITS TO MEET THE DATA SYSTEMS SHORTFALL FOR MARINE CORPS UNITS PARTICIPATING IN OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF).
Place of Performance
Location: TAUNTON, BRISTOL County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02780
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $57.9 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: THE TACTICAL DATA NETWORK (TDN) DATA DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS REPLACEMENT (DDS-R) AUGMENTS THE EXISTING MARINE AIR-GROUND TASK FORCE (MAGTF) COMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE BY FORMING THE COMMUNICATIONS BACKBONE FOR MAGTF TACTICAL DATA SYSTEMS AND THE DEFENSE MESSAGING SYSTEM (DMS). T… Key points: 1. The Tactical Data Network (TDN) Data Distribution Systems Replacement (DDS-R) is crucial for MAGTF tactical data systems and Defense Messaging System. 2. General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc. is the contractor for this $578.8 million contract. 3. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 4. This system addresses a critical data systems shortfall for Marine Corps units. 5. The project spans over 8 years, from November 2006 to August 2013.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $578.8 million over approximately 8 years suggests a significant investment in critical communication infrastructure. Benchmarking against similar large-scale defense network projects would provide further context on its value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust process for price discovery and selection of the best value provider. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process likely ensured taxpayer funds were used efficiently for this essential military communication system.
Public Impact
Enhances battlefield communication and data sharing for Marine Air-Ground Task Forces. Supports the Defense Messaging System, a key component of military communication. Addresses urgent needs identified by the Marine Corps Combat Development Command. Provides a critical upgrade to existing tactical data systems.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration (over 8 years) could lead to cost overruns or technology obsolescence.
- Reliance on a single contractor for a critical system warrants close monitoring.
- Urgent Needs Statement (UUNS) may indicate rushed procurement, potentially impacting thoroughness.
Positive Signals
- Awarded via full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
- Addresses a clearly defined and urgent operational need.
- Augments existing infrastructure, potentially leveraging current investments.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Computer Systems Design Services, a significant sector within defense IT. Spending benchmarks for similar large-scale network infrastructure projects in the DoD are typically in the hundreds of millions to billions of dollars.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the primary contractor is General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc. There is no explicit information provided regarding small business participation or subcontracting in this data.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Department of the Navy, under the Department of Defense. Oversight would involve monitoring performance, cost, and adherence to contract terms throughout the project's lifecycle.
Related Government Programs
- Computer Systems Design Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Contract duration exceeding 8 years.
- Potential for technology obsolescence.
- Urgent Needs Statement may imply rushed procurement.
- Reliance on a single prime contractor for a critical system.
Tags
computer-systems-design-services, department-of-defense, ma, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $57.9 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC.. THE TACTICAL DATA NETWORK (TDN) DATA DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS REPLACEMENT (DDS-R) AUGMENTS THE EXISTING MARINE AIR-GROUND TASK FORCE (MAGTF) COMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE BY FORMING THE COMMUNICATIONS BACKBONE FOR MAGTF TACTICAL DATA SYSTEMS AND THE DEFENSE MESSAGING SYSTEM (DMS). THE TDN SYSTEMS CONSISTS OF A NETWORK OF GATEWAYS AND SERVERS INTERCONNECTED WITH ONE ANOTHER AND THEIR SUBSCRIBERS VIA A COMBINATION OF COMMON-USER, LONG-HAUL TRANSMISSIONS SYSTEMS ALONG WITH THE LOCAL AREA NETWORKS (LAN
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $57.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-11-22. End: 2013-08-26.
What was the specific data systems shortfall identified by the UUNS, and how did the DDS-R directly address it?
The UUNS highlighted a critical shortfall in data systems for Marine Corps units engaged in operations, impacting their ability to effectively utilize tactical data. The DDS-R was procured to serve as the communications backbone, interconnecting gateways and servers via various transmission systems to ensure seamless data flow for MAGTF tactical data systems and the Defense Messaging System, thereby directly mitigating the identified deficiency.
Given the 8-year duration, what measures were in place to manage technological obsolescence and ensure the system remained effective?
While the provided data doesn't detail specific obsolescence management plans, long-duration defense contracts often include provisions for technology refresh, phased upgrades, and performance-based requirements. The competitive nature of the award might have incentivized the contractor to propose solutions with a longer relevant lifespan or incorporate modular designs for easier updates.
How did the 'full and open competition' process ensure the best possible price discovery for this substantial $578.8 million contract?
Full and open competition allows any interested and capable vendor to submit a bid, fostering a competitive environment. This typically drives down prices as contractors vie for the award. The process likely involved detailed technical and cost proposals, allowing the government to compare offers and select the one providing the best overall value, balancing cost, performance, and risk.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services
Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: M6785406R7017
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp (UEI: 001381284)
Address: 400 JOHN QUINCY ADAMS RD, TAUNTON, MA, 04
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $171,024,596
Exercised Options: $57,878,442
Current Obligation: $57,878,442
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-11-22
Current End Date: 2013-08-26
Potential End Date: 2013-08-26 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2013-08-26
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