DoD Awards $6.1M for Tech & Logistics Support to Bowhead, Limiting Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,135,187 ($6.1M)

Contractor: Bowhead Weapons Development Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-07-01

End Date: 2027-01-31

Contract Duration: 944 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.5K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: REQUIREMENT FOR TECHNOLOGY & LOGISTICS SUPPORT SERVICES TO ASSIST ACROSS PRODUCT MANAGER DATA ENVIRONMENT & INTEGRATION. SUPPORT AREAS INCLUDE ENGINEERING, LOGISTICS, AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT.

Place of Performance

Location: QUANTICO, PRINCE WILLIAM County, VIRGINIA, 22134

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $6.1 million to BOWHEAD WEAPONS DEVELOPMENT SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: REQUIREMENT FOR TECHNOLOGY & LOGISTICS SUPPORT SERVICES TO ASSIST ACROSS PRODUCT MANAGER DATA ENVIRONMENT & INTEGRATION. SUPPORT AREAS INCLUDE ENGINEERING, LOGISTICS, AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT. Key points: 1. Significant contract value for specialized IT and logistics support. 2. Limited competition raises questions about price discovery and potential value. 3. Risk of overpayment due to sole-source award. 4. IT services sector sees continued demand for integrated support.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $6.1M for 944 days of support is difficult to benchmark without detailed scope and comparable sole-source awards. The lack of competition suggests potential for higher pricing than if it were competitively bid.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

Awarded as 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION', indicating a sole-source or limited competition scenario. This limits price discovery and may result in less favorable terms for the government compared to an open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competitive bidding could lead to taxpayers paying a premium for these technology and logistics support services.

Public Impact

Taxpayers may be overpaying due to the absence of competitive bidding. Essential technology and logistics support for a critical DoD program. Potential for reduced innovation and service quality without market pressure.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition
Lack of price benchmark
Potential for cost overruns

Positive Signals

Essential support for DoD operations
Clear contract duration

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Computer Systems Design Services sector, which is experiencing high demand for integrated IT, engineering, and program management support, particularly within the defense industry. Benchmarks are difficult without specific service details.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation (sb) is false, meaning this contract was not awarded to a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting goals for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be crucial to ensure the contractor delivers the required technology and logistics support effectively and efficiently, especially given the limited competition. The Department of the Navy will need to monitor performance closely.

Related Government Programs

Computer Systems Design Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award limits price competition.
Potential for cost overruns without competitive pressure.
Lack of transparency in the procurement process.
Dependency on a single contractor for critical support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $6.1 million to BOWHEAD WEAPONS DEVELOPMENT SOLUTIONS LLC. REQUIREMENT FOR TECHNOLOGY & LOGISTICS SUPPORT SERVICES TO ASSIST ACROSS PRODUCT MANAGER DATA ENVIRONMENT & INTEGRATION. SUPPORT AREAS INCLUDE ENGINEERING, LOGISTICS, AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BOWHEAD WEAPONS DEVELOPMENT SOLUTIONS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $6.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-07-01. End: 2027-01-31.

What specific factors justified the 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' designation, and were alternatives explored?

The justification for a sole-source or limited competition award typically involves unique capabilities, urgent needs, or lack of available sources. Without further documentation, it's unclear if these criteria were met or if alternative acquisition strategies were considered to foster competition and potentially achieve better pricing.

How will the Department of the Navy ensure fair pricing and value for money in this limited competition scenario?

The Navy should employ robust contract surveillance, performance monitoring, and potentially independent cost analysis to validate the contractor's pricing and ensure value. Regular reviews of deliverables against the contract requirements and market research on similar services can help mitigate risks associated with limited competition.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will they be measured to ensure effectiveness?

Key performance indicators should align with the engineering, logistics, and program management support areas. Examples include system uptime, response times for technical issues, successful integration of new technologies, and adherence to project timelines. The Navy must establish clear, measurable KPIs and a rigorous process for tracking and evaluating performance.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6564 LOISDALE CT STE 900, SPRINGFIELD, VA, 22150

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,230,307

Exercised Options: $6,135,187

Current Obligation: $6,135,187

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $1,389,291

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: M6785424D7602

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline