Naval Surface Warfare Center contract for engineering services awarded to Anteon Corporation for over $797 million

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $29,588,169 ($29.6M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2000-12-14

End Date: 2006-03-31

Contract Duration: 1,933 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: 200103!011384!1700!BW10D !NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER, DA!N0017801C3012 !A!N!*!N! !20001214!20051214!797313673!067641597!945774701!N!ANTEON CORPORATION !3211 JERMANTOWN ROAD !FAIRFAX !VA!22030!26496!600!51!FAIRFAX !FAIRFAX (CITY) !VIRGINIA !+000000280500!N!N!000000000000!H258!EQUIP & MATS TESTING/COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT !S1 !SERVICES !2000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !541330!*!*!3! ! ! !*!*!*!B!*!*!B! !A !N!U!2!001!B! !Z!N!Z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !A!B!A!A!000!A!C!N! ! ! ! ! ! !0001!

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22030

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $29.6 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: 200103!011384!1700!BW10D !NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER, DA!N0017801C3012 !A!N!*!N! !20001214!20051214!797313673!067641597!945774701!N!ANTEON CORPORATION !3211 JERMANTOWN ROAD !FAIRFAX !VA!22030!26496!600!51!FAIRFAX !FAIRF… Key points: 1. Contract awarded for engineering services, including equipment testing and communication equipment. 2. Significant contract value suggests a substantial need for specialized technical support. 3. Contract duration of over 1900 days indicates a long-term requirement. 4. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 5. The contract's focus on equipment testing aligns with broader defense modernization efforts. 6. Geographic concentration in Virginia may indicate a regional hub for naval engineering support.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $797,313,673 over approximately 5 years represents a significant investment in engineering services. While specific performance metrics are not detailed, the duration and scope suggest a sustained need. Benchmarking against similar large-scale engineering support contracts for naval warfare centers would provide a clearer picture of value for money. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure implies that while costs are tracked, the final profit is fixed, which can incentivize efficiency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This competitive environment is generally expected to drive better pricing and service quality. The presence of multiple bidders suggests a healthy market for these types of engineering services, although the specific number of bidders is not provided in the data.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the best value for the government's investment in critical naval engineering support.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of the Navy and its operational readiness, through the provision of essential engineering and testing services. Services delivered include testing of equipment and communication systems, crucial for naval operations. The geographic impact is concentrated in Virginia, likely supporting naval facilities and personnel in the region. Workforce implications include employment for engineers, technicians, and support staff involved in the contract's execution.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns inherent in cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts if not managed diligently.
Dependence on a single contractor for a significant duration could lead to reduced flexibility.
Ensuring continued innovation and technological advancement from the contractor over the contract's life.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
Long contract duration indicates a stable and predictable need for services.
Focus on critical engineering and testing functions supports naval readiness.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting defense-related technical requirements. The market for defense engineering services is substantial, driven by the continuous need for research, development, testing, and evaluation of military equipment. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other large-scale contracts awarded by the Department of Defense for similar technical support services, particularly within naval aviation and surface warfare commands.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting plans for small businesses. The prime contractor, Anteon Corporation, is a large business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was mandated or achieved through subcontracting opportunities, which could impact the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Navy's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures would be defined in the contract terms and conditions, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, though specific performance details may be sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Contracts
Department of Defense Engineering Services
Defense Communication Equipment Procurement
Naval Warfare Center Support Contracts
Cost Plus Fixed Fee Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type carries inherent cost overrun risk.
Long contract duration may reduce flexibility and contractor responsiveness over time.
Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data hinders detailed value assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $29.6 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. 200103!011384!1700!BW10D !NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER, DA!N0017801C3012 !A!N!*!N! !20001214!20051214!797313673!067641597!945774701!N!ANTEON CORPORATION !3211 JERMANTOWN ROAD !FAIRFAX !VA!22030!26496!600!51!FAIRFAX !FAIRFAX (CITY) !VIRGINIA !+000000280500!N!N!000000000000!H258!EQUIP & MATS TESTING/COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT !S1 !SERVICES !2000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !541330!*!*!3! ! ! !*!*!*!B!*!*!B!

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 $29.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2000-12-14. End: 2006-03-31.

What was Anteon Corporation's track record with the Department of Defense prior to this award?

Prior to this award in December 2000, Anteon Corporation had a history of performing various IT and engineering services for the Department of Defense. While specific details of their prior contracts are not in this dataset, their ability to secure a contract of this magnitude suggests a demonstrated capability and a positive performance record with government agencies. Further investigation into their contract history, including past performance evaluations and any reported issues, would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment of their track record.

How does the value of this contract compare to similar engineering support contracts for naval warfare centers?

The contract value of over $797 million is substantial, reflecting a significant long-term requirement for engineering and testing services. To benchmark this, one would compare it to other large-scale contracts awarded by Naval Surface Warfare Centers or similar defense organizations for comparable services over similar timeframes. Without access to a broader database of comparable contracts, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents exceptional value. However, the full and open competition award suggests a market-driven price point.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract of this size and duration?

The primary risks with a CPFF contract of this magnitude and duration include potential cost overruns if the contractor's initial estimates are inaccurate or if unforeseen technical challenges arise. While the fixed fee provides the contractor with a defined profit margin, the government bears the risk of increased costs. Diligent oversight, robust cost tracking, and clear performance metrics are crucial to mitigate these risks. Additionally, ensuring the contractor maintains focus and efficiency over a long period requires strong program management.

How effective are the competition dynamics in ensuring optimal value for taxpayer dollars on this contract?

The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition,' which is designed to maximize competition and theoretically lead to better pricing and value. The effectiveness hinges on the number of qualified bidders and the rigor of the evaluation process. If multiple capable companies competed, it likely drove down costs compared to a sole-source award. However, the specific number of bidders and the evaluation criteria are not detailed here, making a precise assessment of value optimization challenging. Continued monitoring of performance and costs is key.

What is the historical spending pattern for engineering and communication equipment testing services at Naval Surface Warfare Centers?

Historical spending patterns for such services at Naval Surface Warfare Centers typically show consistent investment, driven by the ongoing need to maintain and upgrade naval technology. Large, multi-year contracts like this one are common for specialized support functions. Analyzing past spending data would reveal trends in contract values, types of services procured, and the prevalence of competitive bidding versus sole-source awards. This specific contract represents a significant allocation within that broader spending context.

What are the implications of the contract's focus on 'EQUIP & MATS TESTING/COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT' for naval readiness?

The focus on equipment and materials testing, particularly for communication systems, is critical for naval readiness. It ensures that the technology deployed on naval vessels and platforms is reliable, effective, and meets stringent operational requirements. Thorough testing identifies potential failures before deployment, reducing risks at sea and enhancing the effectiveness of communication networks, which are vital for command and control, situational awareness, and overall mission success.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: QUALITY CONTROL, TEST, INSPECTION › EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS TESTING

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Contractor Details

Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp (UEI: 001381284)

Address: 3211 JERMANTOWN ROAD, FAIRFAX, VA, 11

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline