DoD's $24.5M NAVAIR contract for airborne networking support services awarded to Science Applications International Corporation
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $24,509,397 ($24.5M)
Contractor: Science Applications International Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2011-06-14
End Date: 2016-02-07
Contract Duration: 1,699 days
Daily Burn Rate: $14.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: NAVAIR PMA-209 COMMUNICATIONS AND AIRBORNE NETWORKING (CAN) TEAM SUPPORT SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: PATUXENT RIVER, SAINT MARYS County, MARYLAND, 20670
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $24.5 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION for work described as: NAVAIR PMA-209 COMMUNICATIONS AND AIRBORNE NETWORKING (CAN) TEAM SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in critical communication and networking capabilities for naval aviation. 2. The full and open competition suggests a robust market for these specialized engineering services. 3. The cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type may introduce cost underrun/overrun risks. 4. Performance period of nearly 5 years indicates a long-term need for these support services. 5. The contract is categorized under Engineering Services, aligning with the technical demands of airborne networking. 6. The award to a single contractor, Science Applications International Corporation, warrants scrutiny of performance and pricing.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific performance metrics or comparable contract data. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure necessitates careful oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable and the fixed fee is justified by the scope of work. While the total value is substantial, its effectiveness hinges on the successful delivery of complex engineering services for airborne networking systems.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is generally expected to yield fair market pricing and encourage innovation. The number of bidders is not specified, but the open nature of the competition suggests a healthy level of interest in providing these specialized services to the Department of the Navy.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the competitive process, which should drive down costs and ensure the government receives the best value for its investment in critical naval aviation support.
Public Impact
Naval aviation personnel benefit from enhanced communication and airborne networking capabilities, improving operational effectiveness. The services delivered are crucial for the maintenance, integration, and advancement of complex communication systems on naval aircraft. The primary geographic impact is within Department of Defense facilities and operational areas where naval aviation operates. The contract supports a specialized workforce of engineers and technical experts in the field of aerospace and communications.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.
- The long performance period could present challenges in adapting to rapidly evolving technologies.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical support services may pose a risk if performance falters.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment.
- The contract addresses a critical need for advanced airborne networking and communication support.
- The contractor, Science Applications International Corporation, is a well-established entity in defense contracting.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting the aerospace and defense industry's need for advanced communication and networking solutions. The market for such services is characterized by high technical barriers to entry and significant government investment. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other large-scale defense contracts focused on system integration, software development, and technical support for complex military platforms.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting goals for small businesses. This suggests that the primary award went to a large business, and the direct impact on the small business ecosystem may be limited unless SAIC actively engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the purview of the Department of the Navy's contracting officers and program managers within NAVAIR. Accountability measures would be defined in the contract's terms and conditions, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance data may be restricted.
Related Government Programs
- NAVAIR PMA-209 Programs
- Naval Air Systems Command Support Services
- Department of Defense Communication Systems
- Airborne Electronic Warfare Systems Support
- Aerospace Engineering Services Contracts
Risk Flags
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type may lead to cost overruns.
- Long performance period could result in technology obsolescence.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical support.
Tags
defense, department-of-defense, department-of-the-navy, navair, engineering-services, full-and-open-competition, cost-plus-fixed-fee, delivery-order, large-contract, aerospace, communications, networking
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $24.5 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION. NAVAIR PMA-209 COMMUNICATIONS AND AIRBORNE NETWORKING (CAN) TEAM SUPPORT SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $24.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2011-06-14. End: 2016-02-07.
What is the track record of Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) in delivering similar airborne networking and communication support services to the Department of Defense?
Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) has a substantial track record with the Department of Defense, including extensive experience in providing engineering, IT, and technical support services. For NAVAIR specifically, SAIC has been involved in various programs related to aviation systems, including communications, networking, and electronic warfare. Their past performance on similar contracts would be a key factor in their selection for this award. A review of their contract history would likely reveal numerous awards for complex system integration, software development, and lifecycle support for military platforms. While specific details of past performance on airborne networking are proprietary, SAIC's general reputation and extensive experience suggest a capacity to handle such requirements. However, a deeper dive into past performance reviews and any documented issues on prior NAVAIR contracts would provide a more comprehensive assessment.
How does the $24.5 million contract value compare to other similar airborne networking support service contracts awarded by the Department of the Navy?
The $24.5 million contract value for NAVAIR's PMA-209 Communications and Airborne Networking (CAN) Team Support Services is a significant, but not extraordinary, figure for specialized engineering support within the Department of Defense. Comparable contracts for airborne networking, system integration, and communication support services can range from tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the scope, duration, and complexity. For instance, contracts involving the development and sustainment of entire communication suites for major aircraft platforms or the integration of new networking technologies across multiple fleet assets often exceed this value. This particular contract, with a duration of approximately 1700 days (around 4.6 years), suggests a steady, ongoing need for support rather than a large-scale development effort. Therefore, while substantial, its value is likely aligned with mid-to-large scale sustainment and engineering support contracts within the naval aviation domain.
What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this specific service?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for airborne networking support services presents several risks. For the government, the primary risk is that the contractor may not be sufficiently incentivized to control costs, as the fee is fixed regardless of the final cost incurred. This can lead to potential cost overruns if the contractor's actual expenses exceed initial estimates, although the government only pays the actual costs incurred plus the agreed-upon fixed fee. The contractor, on the other hand, bears the risk if their actual costs significantly exceed their estimates, as their profit is capped by the fixed fee. This could lead to reduced profitability or even a loss if cost management is poor. For this specific contract, the complexity of airborne networking systems means that unforeseen technical challenges or scope creep could easily inflate costs, requiring careful monitoring and change management by the government to mitigate financial risks.
How effective is the full and open competition process in ensuring value for money for specialized engineering services like airborne networking?
Full and open competition is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value for money in government contracting, including for specialized engineering services like airborne networking. By allowing all responsible sources to submit bids, it fosters a competitive environment that drives down prices, encourages innovation, and ensures that the government can select the offer that provides the best overall value, not just the lowest price. For complex services, 'best value' often includes technical approach, past performance, and management approach alongside price. In the context of airborne networking, a competitive process allows the Navy to evaluate different technical solutions and contractor capabilities, potentially leading to more advanced and cost-effective systems. However, the effectiveness is contingent on the clarity of the solicitation, the evaluation criteria, and the government's ability to accurately assess technical proposals and price reasonableness.
What are the historical spending patterns for airborne networking and communication support services within NAVAIR or the Department of the Navy?
Historical spending patterns for airborne networking and communication support services within NAVAIR and the Department of the Navy generally show a consistent and significant investment. These expenditures are driven by the continuous need to upgrade, maintain, and integrate communication and data-sharing capabilities across a wide range of naval aircraft platforms. Spending often fluctuates based on major platform modernization programs, the introduction of new technologies (like secure data links, satellite communications, or advanced tactical data networks), and the lifecycle sustainment needs of existing systems. Contracts in this area can range from individual delivery orders for specific system upgrades to large, multi-year prime contract vehicles covering a broad spectrum of engineering, logistics, and technical support. The overall trend indicates a sustained demand for these services, reflecting the critical role of robust communication networks in modern naval operations.
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
Solicitation ID: N0002410R3267
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 12010 SUNSET HILLS RD, RESTON, VA, 20190
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $45,178,994
Exercised Options: $39,850,480
Current Obligation: $24,509,397
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 2
Total Subaward Amount: $60,196
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: N0017804D4119
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2011-06-14
Current End Date: 2016-02-07
Potential End Date: 2016-02-07 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-10-18
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