DoD Awards $16.7M for Common Weapons Launchers to General Dynamics, Limiting Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $16,699,085 ($16.7M)
Contractor: General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-08-22
End Date: 2030-08-27
Contract Duration: 1,831 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.1K/day
Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: COMMON WEAPONS LAUNCHER
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20010
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $16.7 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: COMMON WEAPONS LAUNCHER Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $16.7 million awarded. 2. Sole-source award to General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc. raises competition concerns. 3. Contract duration extends to August 2030, indicating long-term need. 4. Focus on Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance systems highlights critical defense capabilities.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Without available benchmark data, assessing the pricing's fairness against similar contracts is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract is listed as 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION,' suggesting a sole-source or limited competition award. This limits price discovery and potentially increases costs for taxpayers.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in higher costs for taxpayers compared to a fully competitive procurement process.
Public Impact
Ensures continued availability of critical weapons launcher technology for the Navy. Supports a major defense contractor, potentially impacting jobs and the defense industrial base. Long-term contract may signal future reliance on this specific system.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Lack of public pricing benchmarks
Positive Signals
- Addresses a specific defense need
- Long-term contract provides stability
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the 'Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing' sector. Spending in this area is critical for national defense, with significant government investment typically seen in advanced technology and system integration.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses in this contract. The award to a large prime contractor like General Dynamics suggests limited direct opportunities for small businesses unless they are subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is awarded by the Department of the Navy, a component of the Department of Defense. Oversight would typically involve program management reviews, financial audits, and performance monitoring to ensure contract compliance and value.
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
- Limited competition
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Lack of public pricing benchmarks
- Long contract duration without clear performance metrics
Tags
search-detection-navigation-guidance-aer, department-of-defense, dc, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $16.7 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC.. COMMON WEAPONS LAUNCHER
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 $16.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-08-22. End: 2030-08-27.
What is the justification for limiting competition on this common weapons launcher contract?
The justification for limiting competition is not provided in the data. Typically, such limitations are based on factors like unique technical requirements, proprietary technology, or the existence of only one responsible source. Further investigation would be needed to understand the specific rationale and ensure it aligns with federal procurement regulations.
What are the potential risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for this system?
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts carry risks of cost overruns if the contractor's costs exceed projections, as the government absorbs these increases. The fixed fee provides profit incentive, but without robust oversight and clear cost controls, the government may pay more than necessary. This necessitates diligent monitoring of expenditures and performance.
How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of naval operations?
This contract ensures the continued availability and potential upgrades of common weapons launchers, which are integral to the operational effectiveness of naval platforms. Reliable and advanced launching systems are crucial for mission success, from defensive capabilities to offensive power projection, thereby directly supporting the Navy's strategic objectives.
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: FIRE CONTROL EQPT.
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: N0002425R6208
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Wico Limited
Address: 9500 INNOVATION DR, MANASSAS, VA, 20110
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $229,999,491
Exercised Options: $22,574,522
Current Obligation: $16,699,085
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-08-22
Current End Date: 2030-08-27
Potential End Date: 2030-08-27 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-17
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