DoD's Naval Operational Architecture gets $12.5M boost for network and data development from PMAT

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,480,477 ($12.5M)

Contractor: Programs Management Analytics & Technologies Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-10-16

End Date: 2026-10-15

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 16

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: THE DON, NAVWAR PROJECT OVERMATCH OFFICE IS ACQUIRING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF NETWORKS, INFRASTRUCTURE, DATA ARCHITECTURE, TOOLS AND ANALYTICS IN SUPPORT OF NAVAL OPERATIONAL ARCHITECTURE (NOA).

Place of Performance

Location: SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92110

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $12.5 million to PROGRAMS MANAGEMENT ANALYTICS & TECHNOLOGIES INC for work described as: THE DON, NAVWAR PROJECT OVERMATCH OFFICE IS ACQUIRING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF NETWORKS, INFRASTRUCTURE, DATA ARCHITECTURE, TOOLS AND ANALYTICS IN SUPPORT OF NAVAL OPERATIONAL ARCHITECTURE (NOA). Key points: 1. Contract supports critical naval network and data infrastructure modernization. 2. Focus on advanced analytics and tools for operational advantage. 3. Competition level indicates potential for fair pricing. 4. Contract duration suggests a sustained need for these services. 5. Geographic concentration in California may impact regional workforce. 6. Contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) requires careful oversight of costs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $12.5 million for 2 years appears reasonable for specialized engineering and program management services supporting a complex defense initiative. Benchmarking against similar large-scale IT and network development contracts within the DoD suggests this is within expected parameters. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure necessitates diligent oversight to ensure costs remain controlled and aligned with the project's objectives, but it allows for flexibility in evolving technical requirements.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of 16 bids suggests a robust competitive environment. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensures the government receives proposals from a wide range of capable contractors, potentially leading to better value.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process for this contract helps ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs and encouraging innovation among bidders.

Public Impact

Naval forces will benefit from enhanced operational capabilities through improved networks and data architecture. Services delivered will focus on the development of critical IT infrastructure, tools, and analytics. The primary geographic impact is in California, where the contractor is located. The contract supports a specialized technical workforce in engineering and program management.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require rigorous monitoring to prevent cost overruns.
The duration of the contract (729 days) necessitates ongoing performance management.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical infrastructure development could pose a risk if not managed effectively.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition suggests a healthy market and potential for competitive pricing.
The large number of bids (16) indicates strong industry interest and capability.
The contract supports a key strategic initiative for the Navy, aligning with modernization goals.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting IT infrastructure and program management for defense applications. The market for defense IT modernization and network development is substantial, driven by the need for advanced capabilities and cybersecurity. Comparable spending benchmarks in this area often involve multi-year, multi-million dollar contracts for system integration, software development, and network engineering.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting goals for small businesses. Given the nature of the services (complex engineering and program management), it is possible that larger prime contractors will be involved. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation through subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Project Overmatch Office, given its focus. Accountability measures will be embedded within the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, requiring detailed cost reporting and performance metrics. Transparency will be facilitated through contract reporting mechanisms, and potential Inspector General oversight would apply to ensure proper use of funds.

Related Government Programs

Naval Operational Architecture (NOA)
Project Overmatch
Defense Information Systems Network (DISN)
Naval Enterprise Networks (NEN)

Risk Flags

Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF)
Performance Monitoring Intensity
Dependency on Single Contractor

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $12.5 million to PROGRAMS MANAGEMENT ANALYTICS & TECHNOLOGIES INC. THE DON, NAVWAR PROJECT OVERMATCH OFFICE IS ACQUIRING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF NETWORKS, INFRASTRUCTURE, DATA ARCHITECTURE, TOOLS AND ANALYTICS IN SUPPORT OF NAVAL OPERATIONAL ARCHITECTURE (NOA).

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PROGRAMS MANAGEMENT ANALYTICS & TECHNOLOGIES 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 $12.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-10-16. End: 2026-10-15.

What is the track record of PROGRAMS MANAGEMENT ANALYTICS & TECHNOLOGIES INC (PMAT) with the Department of Defense?

PROGRAMS MANAGEMENT ANALYTICS & TECHNOLOGIES INC (PMAT) has a history of performing services for the Department of Defense, though specific details on past performance metrics for this particular contract vehicle are not provided in the summary data. As a recipient of this significant award, PMAT is expected to leverage its expertise in program management and technology services. A deeper dive into PMAT's contract history, including past performance evaluations and any prior work related to naval networks or data architecture, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their capabilities and reliability for this specific project. Reviewing their award history and any publicly available performance reviews would be crucial for assessing their suitability.

How does the $12.5 million value compare to similar naval IT infrastructure contracts?

The $12.5 million contract value for two years of support services for network, infrastructure, data architecture, tools, and analytics development appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized defense IT projects. Large-scale naval IT modernization efforts, especially those involving advanced networking and data architecture, often command significant budgets. Contracts for similar scope, such as system integration, cybersecurity enhancements, or the development of new operational platforms, can range from several million to tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars over their lifecycle. This specific award's value suggests a focused effort on key components of the Naval Operational Architecture rather than a complete overhaul, making it comparable to other targeted modernization initiatives.

What are the primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract?

The primary risk associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract is the potential for cost overruns. While the 'fixed fee' component provides the contractor with a defined profit margin, the 'cost plus' element means the government reimburses the contractor for allowable costs incurred. If costs escalate beyond initial projections due to unforeseen technical challenges, scope creep, or inefficient management by the contractor, the total contract value could increase significantly. Effective oversight, stringent cost controls, and clear definition of allowable costs are critical to mitigating this risk. The government must actively monitor expenditures and ensure that all costs are reasonable, allocable, and necessary for the project's completion.

How effective is full and open competition in ensuring value for taxpayer money in defense IT contracts?

Full and open competition is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value for taxpayer money in defense IT contracts. By allowing all responsible sources to submit bids, it fosters a competitive environment that drives down prices, encourages innovation, and ensures the government can select the best-value solution. The requirement for multiple bidders (in this case, 16) increases the likelihood that proposals will be competitively priced and technically sound. While it requires more effort in proposal evaluation, the potential savings and improved outcomes typically outweigh the administrative burden, leading to better utilization of public funds compared to sole-source or limited competition scenarios.

What is the historical spending trend for Naval Operational Architecture (NOA) related initiatives?

Historical spending trends for Naval Operational Architecture (NOA) related initiatives indicate a sustained and significant investment by the Department of the Navy in modernizing its C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) capabilities. While specific figures for NOA alone may vary, overall spending on naval network modernization, data management, and integrated systems has been in the billions of dollars annually over the past decade. These investments are driven by the need to maintain information superiority in complex operational environments. Trends show a shift towards cloud-based solutions, AI/ML integration, and enhanced cybersecurity, requiring continuous funding for research, development, and procurement of related services and technologies.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: N0003923R3006

Offers Received: 16

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1348 BAYONNE ST, NORFOLK, VA, 23505

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $210,964,600

Exercised Options: $66,513,964

Current Obligation: $12,480,477

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017819D8345

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline