DoD's $39M contract for acoustic research support in Idaho awarded to General Dynamics IT

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $38,971,738 ($39.0M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2021-01-29

End Date: 2026-01-28

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $21.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: PROVIDE SCIENTIFIC, ENGINEERING, AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, AND LOGISTICS AT THE ACOUSTIC RESEARCH DETACHMENT (ARD) IN BAYVIEW, ID.

Place of Performance

Location: BAYVIEW, KOOTENAI County, IDAHO, 83803

State: Idaho Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $39.0 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: PROVIDE SCIENTIFIC, ENGINEERING, AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, AND LOGISTICS AT THE ACOUSTIC RESEARCH DETACHMENT (ARD) IN BAYVIEW, ID. Key points: 1. Contract provides essential scientific, engineering, and technical support for operations, maintenance, repair, and logistics at a key naval facility. 2. The contract's duration of five years suggests a stable, long-term need for these specialized services. 3. Awarded via full and open competition, indicating a broad market solicitation for this requirement. 4. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure allows for flexibility while maintaining cost control through a defined fee. 5. General Dynamics Information Technology, a large established contractor, is well-positioned to handle complex technical support requirements. 6. The contract is a delivery order, implying it is part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $39 million over five years averages to about $7.8 million annually. Benchmarking this against similar scientific and engineering support contracts for specialized research facilities is challenging without more specific data on the scope of services. However, the fixed fee component within the cost-plus structure suggests an effort to manage contractor profit margins. The overall value appears reasonable for providing comprehensive technical support to a dedicated research detachment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded through full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The fact that it was competed suggests that the Department of the Navy actively sought the best value from the market. The number of bidders is not specified, but full and open competition generally promotes a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service offerings.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition as it typically drives down costs and encourages innovation by allowing a wide range of contractors to compete for government business.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of the Navy and its research initiatives, ensuring the continued operation and effectiveness of the Acoustic Research Detachment. Services delivered include operations, maintenance, repair, and logistics support, crucial for the functioning of specialized acoustic research equipment and facilities. The geographic impact is localized to Bayview, Idaho, supporting the specific mission of the Acoustic Research Detachment located there. Workforce implications include the potential for employment opportunities for scientists, engineers, technicians, and support staff in the Bayview, Idaho area, either directly by the contractor or indirectly.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns inherent in cost-plus contracts if not rigorously managed.
Dependence on a single large contractor for critical support functions at a specialized facility.
The specific nature of acoustic research may require highly specialized and potentially scarce technical expertise.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust market assessment and competitive pricing.
General Dynamics Information Technology is a large, experienced contractor with a proven track record in government IT and technical support.
The fixed fee component in the contract structure provides a degree of cost predictability and control.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting specialized scientific and technical operations. The market for such services is often characterized by a mix of large defense contractors and niche technical support firms. The Department of Defense is a significant consumer of engineering and technical support services, with spending often driven by the need for specialized expertise in areas like acoustics, which are critical for naval operations and research.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). General Dynamics Information Technology is a large business. While there is no direct small business set-aside, the prime contractor may engage small businesses for subcontracting opportunities to fulfill specific needs or meet diversity goals, though this is not explicitly detailed in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program office within the Department of the Navy. Performance monitoring, quality assurance, and financial reviews are standard oversight mechanisms. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Naval Research Programs
Defense Scientific and Technical Support Services
Department of Defense Research and Development Facilities
Engineering and Technical Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost Overrun Risk (Cost-Plus Contract)
Technical Expertise Scarcity
Operational Continuity Risk
Security and Data Integrity Risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $39.0 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. PROVIDE SCIENTIFIC, ENGINEERING, AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, AND LOGISTICS AT THE ACOUSTIC RESEARCH DETACHMENT (ARD) IN BAYVIEW, ID.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, 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 $39.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-01-29. End: 2026-01-28.

What is the historical spending pattern for acoustic research support at the Bayview, ID facility?

Analyzing historical spending for this specific facility requires access to detailed procurement data beyond this single contract award. However, the current contract's duration (5 years) and value ($39M) suggest a consistent and significant investment in maintaining the Acoustic Research Detachment's capabilities. Previous contracts for similar support would likely have been awarded to incumbent or competing firms, reflecting the ongoing need for specialized scientific, engineering, and logistical services. Understanding the trend would involve examining contract awards for this facility over the past decade or more, looking for patterns in contract types, values, and awarded contractors to identify any shifts in spending or contractor dominance.

How does the pricing structure (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) compare to other similar technical support contracts?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing structure is common for research and development or complex technical support services where the exact scope or costs are difficult to define upfront. In a CPFF contract, the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. This structure aims to provide flexibility for evolving requirements while incentivizing the contractor to control costs to protect their fixed profit margin. Compared to fixed-price contracts, CPFF can be more expensive if costs escalate significantly, but it offers greater adaptability. Compared to Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF), the profit is fixed rather than variable based on performance targets, potentially offering less incentive for exceptional cost efficiency but greater predictability for both parties.

What is General Dynamics Information Technology's track record with similar Department of Defense contracts?

General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) is a major federal contractor with extensive experience supporting the Department of Defense across a wide array of services, including IT, engineering, and technical support. They have a significant history of managing large, complex contracts for various military branches. Their track record typically involves providing mission-critical support, systems integration, and operational sustainment. While specific performance metrics for individual contracts are often proprietary or found in detailed past performance reviews, GDIT's continued success in winning large DoD contracts suggests a generally positive performance history and capability to meet demanding requirements, including those involving specialized scientific and research facilities.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) likely used to evaluate contractor performance on this contract?

Key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract would likely focus on the successful execution of operations, maintenance, repair, and logistics at the Acoustic Research Detachment. Specific KPIs could include: timeliness and effectiveness of maintenance and repair actions, availability of critical systems and equipment, adherence to safety protocols, efficiency of logistical support (e.g., supply chain management, inventory control), quality of scientific and engineering support provided, and responsiveness to operational needs. Performance would also be assessed against budget adherence, particularly concerning the 'cost' portion of the CPFF structure, and the achievement of any specific technical milestones or service levels defined in the contract's Performance Work Statement (PWS).

Are there any known risks associated with supporting specialized acoustic research facilities?

Supporting specialized acoustic research facilities like the Acoustic Research Detachment presents unique risks. These can include the need for highly specialized and potentially scarce technical expertise, the complexity and sensitivity of the research equipment requiring meticulous maintenance and operation, stringent security requirements due to the nature of the research, and potential environmental or safety hazards associated with specialized testing or equipment. Furthermore, the long-term nature of such research can lead to evolving technological requirements, necessitating adaptability from the support contractor. Ensuring the continuity of operations and the integrity of sensitive research data are paramount risks that must be actively managed.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: N0016720R3000

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp

Address: 3150 FAIRVIEW PARK DR STE 100, FALLS CHURCH, VA, 22042

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $49,919,027

Exercised Options: $49,919,027

Current Obligation: $38,971,738

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 29

Total Subaward Amount: $20,667,106

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017819D7693

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline