DoD Awards $51.3M R&D Contract to General Dynamics Mission Systems for Physical Sciences Research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $51,288,242 ($51.3M)
Contractor: General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2008-09-10
End Date: 2017-03-31
Contract Duration: 3,124 days
Daily Burn Rate: $16.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SERVICES (YEAR 1)
Place of Performance
Location: MANASSAS, PRINCE WILLIAM County, VIRGINIA, 20110
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $51.3 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: SERVICES (YEAR 1) Key points: 1. Significant investment in R&D for physical sciences, indicating a focus on technological advancement. 2. General Dynamics Mission Systems, a major defense contractor, secured this award. 3. The contract spans nearly 9 years, suggesting a long-term project or phased development. 4. The R&D category (NAICS 541712) is crucial for national security and technological superiority.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $51.3M over nearly 9 years appears reasonable for specialized R&D services. Benchmarking against similar long-term, complex R&D contracts is difficult without more specific project details.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing by allowing all eligible vendors to bid.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for critical research and development.
Public Impact
Supports advanced research and development in physical sciences, potentially leading to new defense technologies. Invests in a major defense contractor, contributing to the defense industrial base. Long contract duration implies sustained effort and potential for significant technological breakthroughs.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration could lead to scope creep or cost overruns if not managed effectively.
- Reliance on a single large contractor may limit future competition or innovation from smaller entities.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting fair market pricing.
- Focus on R&D aligns with strategic defense priorities.
- Contract value is substantial, indicating a significant project.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical sciences. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining a technological edge in defense, with benchmarks varying widely based on project complexity and duration.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to a large business (General Dynamics Mission Systems), and there is no explicit indication of small business subcontracting goals or participation in the provided data. This suggests limited direct impact for small businesses on this specific prime contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), indicating established oversight mechanisms. The long duration necessitates continuous monitoring to ensure adherence to scope, budget, and performance standards.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration increases risk of cost escalation and scope creep.
- Potential for vendor lock-in due to specialized nature of R&D.
- Dependence on a single large contractor may limit broader innovation.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in summary data requires further investigation.
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 $51.3 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC.. SERVICES (YEAR 1)
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 $51.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-09-10. End: 2017-03-31.
What specific R&D advancements are expected from this contract, and how do they align with current defense modernization priorities?
The provided data does not specify the exact R&D advancements. However, contracts in NAICS 541712 for the Department of Defense typically focus on areas like advanced materials, propulsion systems, sensor technology, or cyber capabilities that directly support modernization efforts and enhance warfighter effectiveness.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will success be measured over its nearly 9-year duration?
Key performance indicators are not detailed in the provided data. Typically, for R&D contracts, success is measured by milestones achieved, prototypes developed, successful testing results, and the eventual transition of technology to operational use. The contracting agency would establish specific metrics and review processes.
How does the $51.3M award compare to typical R&D spending for similar projects within the Department of Defense?
The $51.3M award over nearly 9 years represents a significant but not extraordinary investment for a complex R&D initiative within the DoD. Benchmarking is challenging without knowing the specific technological domain, but it falls within the range of major research programs aimed at developing next-generation capabilities.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: N0002408R6272
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 9500 INNOVATION DR, MANASSAS, VA, 20110
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $53,746,806
Exercised Options: $52,308,240
Current Obligation: $51,288,242
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-09-10
Current End Date: 2017-03-31
Potential End Date: 2017-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-01-12
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