DoD's $153M R&D Contract for Submarine Digital Systems Awarded to General Dynamics Mission Systems
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $10,215,908 ($10.2M)
Contractor: General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2002-11-08
End Date: 2008-09-30
Contract Duration: 2,153 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.7K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: 200304!030432!1700!BZ006 !NAVAL SEA SYSTEMS COMMAND !N0002403C6100 !A!N! !N! !20021108!20071108!153245857!116187758!001381284!N!DIGITAL SYSTEM RESOURCES, INC !12450 FAIR LAKES CIRCLE, S!FAIRFAX !VA!22033!26496!600!51!FAIRFAX !FAIRFAX (CITY) !VIRGINIA !+000002535000!N!N!000047514124!1904!SUBMARINES !A7 !ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION !2000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !N!Z!D!N!U!1!001!N!5A!Z!Y!Z! ! !N!B!N!N! ! !Z! !A!A!000!D!B!N! ! ! ! ! ! !0001! !
Place of Performance
Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22033
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $10.2 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: 200304!030432!1700!BZ006 !NAVAL SEA SYSTEMS COMMAND !N0002403C6100 !A!N! !N! !20021108!20071108!153245857!116187758!001381284!N!DIGITAL SYSTEM RESOURCES, INC !12450 FAIR LAKES CIRCLE, S!FAIRFAX !VA!22033!26496!600!51!FAIRFAX !FAIRF… Key points: 1. The contract, valued at $153.2 million, focuses on research and development for submarine digital systems. 2. Awarded to General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc., this contract highlights a significant investment in defense technology. 3. The 'NOT COMPETED' status raises questions about the procurement process and potential missed opportunities for other vendors. 4. The sector is Research and Development, specifically within the Defense industry, indicating a focus on advanced technological capabilities.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $153.2 million for R&D in submarine digital systems appears substantial. Without specific benchmarks for similar R&D contracts in this specialized area, a direct pricing assessment is difficult. However, the lack of competition could suggest a premium was paid.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was awarded on a sole-source basis ('NOT COMPETED'), indicating that only one vendor was considered. This limits price discovery and may not result in the most cost-effective solution for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition in awarding this significant contract may lead to higher costs for taxpayers compared to a competitively bid contract.
Public Impact
Enhances critical submarine capabilities through advanced digital systems. Supports national security by investing in cutting-edge defense technology. Potential for job creation within the defense technology sector. Raises concerns about the fairness and efficiency of the procurement process.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for overpricing due to sole-source award
- Limited transparency in the procurement process
Positive Signals
- Investment in advanced defense technology
- Focus on critical submarine systems
- Potential for technological advancement
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically for the Department of Defense. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority but requires careful oversight to ensure value for money, especially in sole-source procurements.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to a large business, General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the provided data, suggesting limited direct impact on the small business sector for this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The 'NOT COMPETED' designation warrants further oversight to ensure the justification for a sole-source award was robust and that the pricing is fair and reasonable. Accountability for the procurement decision rests with the Department of Defense.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competitive bidding
- Potential for inflated costs
- Limited transparency in award process
- No clear indication of small business participation
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, va, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $10.2 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC.. 200304!030432!1700!BZ006 !NAVAL SEA SYSTEMS COMMAND !N0002403C6100 !A!N! !N! !20021108!20071108!153245857!116187758!001381284!N!DIGITAL SYSTEM RESOURCES, INC !12450 FAIR LAKES CIRCLE, S!FAIRFAX !VA!22033!26496!600!51!FAIRFAX !FAIRFAX (CITY) !VIRGINIA !+000002535000!N!N!000047514124!1904!SUBMARINES !A7 !ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION !2000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B
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 (Defense Contract Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $10.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2002-11-08. End: 2008-09-30.
What was the specific justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and were alternative solutions or vendors considered?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent needs that only one vendor can meet. Without access to the specific justification documentation, it's impossible to confirm the rationale. However, the 'NOT COMPETED' status suggests that a formal competitive process was bypassed, raising questions about whether other qualified vendors were overlooked or if the requirements were narrowly defined to favor a single source.
How does the contract's pricing compare to industry benchmarks for similar R&D efforts in submarine technology, given the lack of competition?
Benchmarking this contract's pricing is challenging due to its specialized nature and the absence of competitive bids. Sole-source contracts often lack the downward price pressure inherent in competitive bidding. While General Dynamics is a major defense contractor, the $153.2 million value for R&D without competition raises concerns about potential overpricing. Independent cost analysis or comparison with historical sole-source R&D contracts in similar defense domains would be necessary for a more definitive assessment.
What are the expected technological advancements or capabilities resulting from this $153.2 million investment in submarine digital systems?
This significant investment is expected to yield advancements in submarine operational capabilities, potentially including enhanced command and control, improved sensor processing, more robust communication systems, and greater data integration. The focus on 'digital systems' suggests modernization efforts aimed at increasing efficiency, survivability, and mission effectiveness in complex underwater environments. Specific outcomes would depend on the detailed technical objectives outlined in the contract.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Product/Service Code: SHIPS, SMALL CRAFT, PONTOON, DOCKS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Contractor Details
Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp (UEI: 001381284)
Address: 12450 FAIR LAKES CIR STE 800, FAIRFAX, VA, 22033
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2002-11-08
Current End Date: 2008-09-30
Potential End Date: 2008-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2018-02-06
More Contracts from General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc.
- 200410!005969!2100!w15p7t!usa Communications-Electronics !w15p7t04ce405 !A!N! !N! ! !20040716!20111230!046863929!046863929!001381284!n!general Dynamics Decision Syst!8201 E Mcdowell Road !scottsdale !az!85257!65000!013!04!scottsdale !maricopa !arizona !+000010000000!n!n!000000000000!ac63!rdte/Electronics&communication Eq-Adv Tech DEV !A7 !electronics and Communication Equip !360 !jtrs Cluster I !541330!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!b! !A!N!Z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! ! ! ! !0001! ! — $1.5B (Department of Defense)
- Federal Contract — $1.4B (Department of Defense)
- THE Space Network (SN) Consists of a Space Segment Comprised of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (tdrss), and a Ground Segment (sngs). the SN Provides the Capability for Global Space-To-Ground Telecommunications and Tracking Coverage for LOW Earth Orbit (LEO) and Near-Earth Spaceflight Missions, Including Both Robotic and Human Space Flight. the Sngs Includes Facilities and Systems Located AT the White Sands Complex (WSC) AT LAS Cruces, NM the Guam Remote Ground Terminal (grgt) AT Guam and Space Network Expansion (SNE) East AT Blossom Point, MD. the Purpose of the Sgss Project IS to Implement a Modern Ground Segment That Will Enable the SN to Continue to Deliver High Quality Services to the SN Community, Meet Stakeholder Requirements, and Significantly Reduce Required Operations and Maintenance Resources — $1.2B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Federal Contract — $1.2B (Department of Defense)
- SDA Tranche 1 Operations and Integration — $861.6M (Department of Defense)
View all General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc. federal contracts →
Other Department of Defense Contracts
- Federal Contract — $51.3B (Humana Government Business Inc)
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- SSN 802 and 803 Long Lead Time Material — $34.7B (Electric Boat Corporation)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- KC-X Modernization Program — $32.0B (THE Boeing Company)