DoD awards $16.1M for signature measurement and control support to General Dynamics Information Technology

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,109,389 ($16.1M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-05-31

End Date: 2026-05-30

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $22.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: NSWCCD CODE 70 SIGNATURE MEASUREMENT & CONTROL SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: BETHESDA, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20817

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $16.1 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: NSWCCD CODE 70 SIGNATURE MEASUREMENT & CONTROL SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 3. The duration of 729 days indicates a medium-term engagement for these engineering services. 4. The contract is a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. 5. No small business set-aside was utilized, indicating the primary awardee is not a small business. 6. The specific NAICS code 541330 points to engineering services, a critical component of defense operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this $16.1 million contract for signature measurement and control support is challenging without more detailed service descriptions and comparable contract data. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type introduces inherent risk for cost control, as the government pays actual costs plus a fixed fee. While CPFF can be appropriate for research and development or when costs are difficult to estimate, it requires robust oversight to ensure value for money. Without specific performance metrics or comparisons to similar support services, it's difficult to definitively assess if the pricing represents excellent value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of multiple bidders, though the exact number is not specified in the provided data, generally fosters price discovery and can lead to more competitive pricing. The fact that it was competed broadly suggests that the Department of the Navy sought the best available solution and price from the market.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining services at a competitive market rate, preventing potential overpayment that could occur with less competitive solicitations.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Department of the Navy, receiving critical signature measurement and control support. Services delivered are essential for maintaining the stealth and detection capabilities of naval assets. The geographic impact is likely concentrated around naval facilities and operational areas where signature management is crucial. This contract supports specialized engineering roles, potentially impacting a workforce skilled in advanced measurement and control technologies.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize contractor to incur costs without strict adherence to budget if not properly monitored.
Lack of specific performance metrics in the summary data makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness of the support provided.
The contract is a delivery order, suggesting it might be one of many under a larger IDIQ, potentially obscuring the total spending picture for this type of support.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust and fair bidding process.
The contract is for engineering services, which are vital for maintaining technological superiority and operational effectiveness.
The fixed fee component in the CPFF structure provides some level of cost predictability for the government.

Sector Analysis

The engineering services sector, particularly within defense, is characterized by high technical expertise and significant government spending. This contract falls under the engineering services category (NAICS 541330), which encompasses firms that provide engineering consulting and design services. The market for defense engineering support is substantial, driven by the need for advanced capabilities in areas like signature management, which is critical for platform survivability and mission success. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing other contracts for similar specialized engineering support across various defense agencies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, nor does it appear to have a specific small business subcontracting goal explicitly stated in the provided summary. This suggests that the primary awardee, General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc., is likely a large business, and the contract was competed broadly without specific provisions to reserve a portion for small businesses. While large prime contractors often engage small businesses as subcontractors, the absence of a set-aside or explicit subcontracting requirement in this summary means the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this specific award is not immediately apparent and would require further investigation into subcontracting plans.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Navy's contracting and program management offices. As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, rigorous financial oversight and performance monitoring are crucial to ensure the contractor is delivering required services efficiently and that costs are reasonable and allocable. Transparency is typically facilitated through contract reporting systems and regular progress reviews. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected or identified during the contract performance period.

Related Government Programs

Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Contracts
Department of Defense Engineering Services
Signature Management Technology Programs
Cost Plus Fixed Fee Contracts
Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Vehicles

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
Lack of specific performance metrics in summary data hinders value assessment.
Delivery Order implies potential for follow-on work or integration into larger IDIQ vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $16.1 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. NSWCCD CODE 70 SIGNATURE MEASUREMENT & CONTROL SUPPORT

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 $16.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-05-31. End: 2026-05-30.

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

General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), a subsidiary of General Dynamics, has a substantial history of providing IT and engineering services to the Department of Defense across various branches. While specific details on their past performance solely on 'signature measurement and control support' contracts require deeper database analysis, GDIT has been a significant player in areas such as C4ISR systems, cybersecurity, enterprise IT, and complex systems engineering. Their experience often involves integrating advanced technologies and providing sustainment support for critical defense platforms. Examining their contract history for similar technical scopes, particularly within naval aviation or surface warfare, would reveal their capability and past success in managing complex engineering requirements and delivering on performance expectations for the DoD.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure compare to other contract types for engineering services in terms of value for money?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is often used when the scope of work is not well-defined, involves significant research and development, or when cost estimation is inherently difficult. Its primary advantage is flexibility, allowing the contractor to adapt to evolving requirements. However, it presents a higher risk for the government regarding cost control compared to fixed-price contracts. While the 'fixed fee' provides some predictability on profit, the 'cost-plus' element means the government bears the risk of cost overruns. For value for money, CPFF requires stringent oversight, detailed cost accounting, and robust performance metrics to ensure the contractor remains efficient and that the final cost is reasonable. Fixed-price contracts generally offer better value certainty if the scope is well-defined, shifting cost risk to the contractor.

What are the potential risks associated with a CPFF contract for signature measurement and control support?

The primary risk with a CPFF contract for signature measurement and control support is the potential for cost escalation. Since the government reimburses the contractor's allowable costs plus a fixed fee, there's less incentive for the contractor to control expenses rigorously compared to fixed-price contracts. This can lead to the total contract cost exceeding initial estimates if not managed effectively. Another risk is scope creep; the flexibility inherent in CPFF can sometimes lead to the expansion of work beyond the original intent without adequate adjustments to the fee or schedule, further increasing costs. Ensuring detailed cost tracking, regular audits, and clear performance milestones are critical to mitigate these risks and ensure the government receives good value.

What does the 'signature measurement and control' aspect entail in a defense context?

In a defense context, 'signature measurement and control' refers to the processes and technologies used to detect, measure, and manage the various physical characteristics (signatures) that make military platforms (like ships, aircraft, or vehicles) detectable by adversaries. These signatures can include radar cross-section (RCS), infrared (IR) emissions, acoustic noise, magnetic fields, and electronic emissions. Signature management aims to reduce or alter these signatures to enhance survivability by making platforms harder to detect, track, and target. This involves specialized measurement facilities, advanced modeling and simulation, materials science, and engineering design to minimize detectability across different sensor spectrums.

How does this contract fit into the broader landscape of Department of the Navy engineering services spending?

This $16.1 million contract for signature measurement and control support represents a specific, specialized segment within the Department of the Navy's extensive engineering services spending. The Navy procures a vast array of engineering services, ranging from ship design and maintenance to aerospace engineering, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure support. Contracts like this one, focused on niche technical capabilities such as signature management, are crucial for maintaining the technological edge of naval assets. While this individual award is modest compared to the Navy's overall budget, it highlights the ongoing investment in advanced technologies necessary for platform survivability and mission effectiveness in a complex threat environment. Analyzing its place requires comparing it to the total spend on engineering services and specific R&D or sustainment programs.

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: N0016723R3006

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Wico Limited

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: $45,217,275

Exercised Options: $18,974,025

Current Obligation: $16,109,389

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 8

Total Subaward Amount: $16,138,431

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