DoD's SEWIP Block 1B3 Systems contract awarded to General Dynamics for $57M over 5 years
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $57,017,060 ($57.0M)
Contractor: General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2015-11-30
End Date: 2021-11-30
Contract Duration: 2,192 days
Daily Burn Rate: $26.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: SEWIP BLOCK 1B3 SYSTEMS FY15-19
Place of Performance
Location: PITTSFIELD, BERKSHIRE County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01201
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $57.0 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: SEWIP BLOCK 1B3 SYSTEMS FY15-19 Key points: 1. The contract value is $57.02 million over its 5-year duration. 2. General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc. is the sole awardee. 3. The contract type is a definitive contract with a firm fixed price. 4. This falls under the Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The firm fixed price contract type suggests a degree of price certainty. However, without specific cost breakdowns or comparisons to similar systems, assessing the overall value for money is challenging.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically promotes competitive pricing. The definitive contract structure with a firm fixed price indicates a clear understanding of scope and cost.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is intended to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment for the award.
Public Impact
This contract supports the Department of the Navy's electronic warfare capabilities. The systems are crucial for search, detection, and navigation for naval operations. The duration of the contract spans five years, indicating a long-term need for these systems. The firm fixed price contract aims to control costs for the government.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of detailed cost performance data.
- Limited insight into the specific technological advancements or upgrades included.
- No clear indication of small business participation.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Firm fixed price contract type.
- Long-term contract duration suggests sustained operational need.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT and Defense sectors, specifically related to advanced sensor and navigation systems. Spending benchmarks for similar complex defense systems can vary widely based on technological sophistication and quantity.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small business participation was not a stated factor in this contract award (ss: false, sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were pursued.
Oversight & Accountability
The definitive contract structure and firm fixed price suggest a degree of oversight in defining terms and costs upfront. However, ongoing performance monitoring and cost control mechanisms are not detailed in this summary.
Related Government Programs
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of detailed cost breakdown.
- Limited information on performance metrics.
- No clear indication of small business utilization.
- Potential for technological obsolescence over the contract duration.
- Dependence on a single contractor for a critical system.
Tags
search-detection-navigation-guidance-aer, department-of-defense, ma, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $57.0 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC.. SEWIP BLOCK 1B3 SYSTEMS FY15-19
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 (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $57.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2015-11-30. End: 2021-11-30.
What is the specific technological capability provided by SEWIP Block 1B3 Systems, and how does it compare to previous blocks or competitor systems?
SEWIP Block 1B3 Systems are designed to enhance the Navy's electronic warfare capabilities, focusing on detecting and identifying threats. While specific technical details are often classified, Block 1B3 represents an upgrade over previous iterations, likely incorporating improved sensor technology and processing power to counter evolving threats more effectively than earlier versions or potentially less advanced competitor systems.
Given the firm fixed price, what mechanisms are in place to ensure the contractor maintains cost efficiency and avoids scope creep over the five-year contract period?
While a firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty, the government typically relies on contract clauses for performance monitoring, quality assurance, and change control. Mechanisms may include regular progress reviews, acceptance testing, and strict procedures for any proposed contract modifications. Effective oversight by the contracting officer and technical team is crucial to manage performance and prevent unapproved cost increases.
How does the $57 million expenditure for SEWIP Block 1B3 Systems align with the overall modernization budget for naval electronic warfare systems?
The $57 million expenditure represents a significant investment in a specific component of naval electronic warfare. To assess alignment, it needs to be compared against the total allocated budget for naval EW modernization, which includes other blocks of SEWIP, different EW systems, research and development, and sustainment costs. Without this broader context, it's difficult to determine if this specific contract is disproportionately large or appropriately funded.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: N0002414R5352
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp
Address: 100 PLASTICS AVE, PITTSFIELD, MA, 01201
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $59,853,752
Exercised Options: $57,017,060
Current Obligation: $57,017,060
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 19
Total Subaward Amount: $20,778,842
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2015-11-30
Current End Date: 2021-11-30
Potential End Date: 2021-11-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-09-12
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