DoD's $30.5M DDG 1000 IDE Support Services Contract Awarded to Forethought, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $30,542,156 ($30.5M)

Contractor: Forethought, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2013-01-31

End Date: 2020-09-30

Contract Duration: 2,799 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: DDG 1000 IDE SUPPORT SERVICES (CY13)

Place of Performance

Location: MALVERN, CHESTER County, PENNSYLVANIA, 19355

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $30.5 million to FORETHOUGHT, INC. for work described as: DDG 1000 IDE SUPPORT SERVICES (CY13) Key points: 1. Contract awarded for IDE support services for the DDG 1000 program. 2. Forethought, Inc. is the contractor for this $30.5 million contract. 3. The contract spans from January 2013 to September 2020. 4. This is a firm-fixed-price contract, indicating defined costs. 5. The contract was awarded under full and open competition.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The firm-fixed-price contract type suggests a clear understanding of costs. The duration of the contract (2799 days) is substantial, and the total value of $30.5M needs to be benchmarked against similar complex system support contracts to fully assess value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value. The price discovery process is likely robust given this method.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally leads to more competitive pricing, potentially resulting in better value for taxpayer dollars compared to sole-source or limited competition scenarios.

Public Impact

Supports a critical naval shipbuilding program (DDG 1000). Ensures continued development and integration of essential systems. Long-term contract provides stability for the contractor and program. Potential for follow-on work or related contracts.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Contract duration is long, potentially leading to scope creep or cost overruns if not managed tightly.
  • Reliance on a single contractor for critical support services.
  • Firm-fixed-price can be disadvantageous if unforeseen technical challenges arise.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
  • Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty.
  • Long contract duration allows for sustained support and development.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT and professional services sector, specifically computer systems design. Spending in this area is significant across the DoD for complex system development and support. Benchmarks for similar large-scale, long-duration IT support contracts are crucial for detailed cost analysis.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, small businesses were likely not primary awardees, though they may have participated as subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract's long duration and significant value necessitate robust oversight from the Department of the Navy to ensure performance, manage risks, and control costs. Regular performance reviews and adherence to contract terms are critical for accountability.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

  • Long contract duration increases risk of cost escalation or scope creep.
  • Firm-fixed-price can be problematic for evolving IT projects.
  • Lack of small business set-aside may limit broader economic participation.
  • Reliance on a single contractor for critical support.

Tags

computer-systems-design-services, department-of-defense, pa, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $30.5 million to FORETHOUGHT, INC.. DDG 1000 IDE SUPPORT SERVICES (CY13)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FORETHOUGHT, 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 $30.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2013-01-31. End: 2020-09-30.

What was the competitive landscape like during the bidding process for this contract, and how did it influence the final price?

The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition,' indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This competitive environment generally drives down prices as contractors vie for the award. The specific number of bidders and the range of proposals would provide a clearer picture of the price discovery achieved and whether the final price represents good value.

What are the primary risks associated with a long-term, firm-fixed-price contract for complex IT support services like the DDG 1000 IDE?

A key risk is that unforeseen technical challenges or scope changes inherent in complex IT projects can strain the fixed-price structure, potentially leading to contractor claims or reduced quality if not managed proactively. Additionally, the long duration increases the risk of technological obsolescence or shifts in requirements that may not be adequately captured in the initial contract.

How effectively does this contract support the overall value and technological advancement goals of the DDG 1000 program?

The contract's effectiveness hinges on Forethought, Inc.'s ability to deliver the specified IDE support services consistently and on time throughout its long duration. Successful execution should ensure the seamless integration and operation of critical systems for the DDG 1000. Continuous monitoring of performance metrics and alignment with program milestones are essential to gauge its contribution to the program's value and technological goals.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesComputer Systems Design and Related ServicesComputer Systems Design Services

Product/Service Code: SHIPS, SMALL CRAFT, PONTOON, DOCKS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 28 SUGAR RIDGE LN, MALVERN, PA, 19355

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $30,542,156

Exercised Options: $30,542,156

Current Obligation: $30,542,156

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F0067X

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline

Start Date: 2013-01-31

Current End Date: 2020-09-30

Potential End Date: 2020-09-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-02-28

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