DoD's NAWCAD Spends $125.9M on C4I Systems via Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $125,884,268 ($125.9M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2012-05-16

End Date: 2016-03-05

Contract Duration: 1,389 days

Daily Burn Rate: $90.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: THE NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER AIRCRAFT DIVISION (NAWCAD), PATUXENT RIVER, WEBSTER FIELD, IS ENGAGED IN THE DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, INTEGRATION, ACQUISITION, TRAINING, TEST AND EVALUATION, INSTALLATION, FIELDING, CERTIFICATION, MAINTENANCE, LOGISTICS SUPPORT, AND MODERNIZATION OF COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS, COMPUTERS, AND INTELLIGENCE (C4I) SYSTEMS WHICH MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (DOD) AND FEDERAL/GOVERNMENT AGENCIES.

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT INIGOES, SAINT MARYS County, MARYLAND, 20684

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $125.9 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: THE NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER AIRCRAFT DIVISION (NAWCAD), PATUXENT RIVER, WEBSTER FIELD, IS ENGAGED IN THE DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, INTEGRATION, ACQUISITION, TRAINING, TEST AND EVALUATION, INSTALLATION, FIELDING, CERTIFICATION, MAINTENANCE, LOGISTICS SUPPORT, AND MODERNIZATION OF COMM… Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical C4I systems for defense and federal agencies. 2. General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. is the primary contractor. 3. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting market availability. 4. Engineering services sector, with a focus on complex system integration.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $125.9M for C4I systems appears reasonable given the scope of design, development, and modernization. Benchmarking against similar large-scale defense IT integration 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, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value offering.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down costs and improves service quality.

Public Impact

Enhances critical command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) capabilities for the Department of Defense. Supports modernization efforts, ensuring federal agencies have up-to-date and effective communication and information systems. The investment contributes to national security by strengthening the technological infrastructure of defense operations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns in complex C4I system development.
Risk of technological obsolescence if modernization cycles are not maintained.
Dependence on a single contractor (General Dynamics IT) for a significant portion of the work.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, maximizing potential for competitive pricing.
Focus on modernization suggests an effort to keep systems current.
Broad scope of services indicates a comprehensive approach to C4I needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector (NAICS 541330), specifically focusing on complex C4I systems. Spending in this area is substantial within the DoD, driven by the need for advanced technological capabilities and ongoing modernization efforts.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). While large prime contractors often utilize small business subcontractors, this specific award does not directly benefit small businesses as prime recipients.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), a key procurement entity within the Department of the Navy. Oversight would typically involve program managers monitoring performance, cost, and schedule adherence.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Long contract duration (2012-2016) may indicate potential for scope creep or outdated technology by completion.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess true value for money.
High concentration of spending on C4I systems could be a single point of failure if not diversified.
No indication of small business participation as prime contractors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $125.9 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. THE NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER AIRCRAFT DIVISION (NAWCAD), PATUXENT RIVER, WEBSTER FIELD, IS ENGAGED IN THE DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, INTEGRATION, ACQUISITION, TRAINING, TEST AND EVALUATION, INSTALLATION, FIELDING, CERTIFICATION, MAINTENANCE, LOGISTICS SUPPORT, AND MODERNIZATION OF COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS, COMPUTERS, AND INTELLIGENCE (C4I) SYSTEMS WHICH MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (DOD) AND FEDERAL/GOVERNMENT AGENCIES.

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 (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $125.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-05-16. End: 2016-03-05.

What is the specific breakdown of costs for design, development, integration, and maintenance within this $125.9M contract?

The provided data does not detail the cost allocation across the various services like design, development, integration, acquisition, training, test and evaluation, installation, fielding, certification, maintenance, logistics support, and modernization. A more granular breakdown would be necessary to assess the value and efficiency of each component of the C4I system lifecycle.

How does the performance of General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. on this contract compare to industry benchmarks for similar C4I system development projects?

Performance metrics such as on-time delivery, adherence to budget, and system effectiveness are not detailed in the provided data. Benchmarking against industry standards for C4I system development would require access to performance reports, user feedback, and post-award audits to evaluate GDIT's success relative to comparable projects.

What measures are in place to ensure the C4I systems remain effective and secure against evolving cyber threats throughout their lifecycle?

The contract mentions modernization and maintenance, which are crucial for maintaining effectiveness and security. However, specific details on cybersecurity protocols, threat modeling, regular security audits, and proactive vulnerability management are not provided. Continuous investment in updated security features and rapid patching are essential.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: N0002411R3003

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp (UEI: 001381284)

Address: 3150 FAIRVIEW PARK DR STE 100, FALLS CHURCH, VA, 22042

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $139,342,088

Exercised Options: $139,342,088

Current Obligation: $125,884,268

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 339

Total Subaward Amount: $23,428,675

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017804D4012

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline