DoD's $13.4M contract for technical and operational support services awarded to MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. was not competed

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,444,253 ($13.4M)

Contractor: Mantech Advanced Systems International, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2021-02-16

End Date: 2023-04-15

Contract Duration: 788 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.1K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: TECHNICAL AND OPERATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: QUANTICO, PRINCE WILLIAM County, VIRGINIA, 22134

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $13.4 million to MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: TECHNICAL AND OPERATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract's value of $13.4 million over its period of performance suggests a significant investment in specialized technical and operational support. 2. The 'NOT COMPETED' award status raises questions about potential missed opportunities for cost savings through competitive bidding. 3. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can incentivize cost overruns if not closely monitored, posing a financial risk. 4. The duration of 788 days indicates a long-term need for these services, suggesting a critical role in the Department of the Navy's operations. 5. The absence of small business set-aside flags indicates that this contract was not specifically targeted to support small businesses. 6. The contract's focus on Computer Systems Design Services places it within a sector critical for modern defense operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

Benchmarking the value of this $13.4 million contract is challenging without specific details on the services rendered and comparable market rates. However, the 'NOT COMPETED' award status and the CPFF pricing structure inherently introduce a higher risk of not achieving optimal value for money compared to competitively awarded fixed-price contracts. The lack of transparency in the procurement process makes it difficult to assess if the pricing is fair and reasonable. Further analysis would require understanding the specific technical and operational support requirements and comparing them to industry standards and other government contracts for similar services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed among multiple vendors. The data indicates a 'NOT COMPETED' status, suggesting that the Department of the Navy may have determined that only one source was capable of providing the required technical and operational support services, or that other justifications for a sole-source award were met. Without further details on the justification for this sole-source award, it is difficult to assess the level of competition that was foregone.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can potentially lead to higher costs for taxpayers as the absence of competition limits price negotiation leverage. This can result in less favorable pricing compared to what might have been achieved through a competitive bidding process.

Public Impact

The Department of the Navy benefits from specialized technical and operational support, likely enhancing its mission readiness and system efficiency. The services delivered are categorized under Computer Systems Design Services, crucial for maintaining and improving the Navy's IT infrastructure and operational systems. The contract is managed by the Department of the Navy, indicating a focus on naval operations and systems. The workforce implications are likely to involve skilled personnel in IT, systems engineering, and operational support, potentially including personnel from MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. and any subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The sole-source award limits transparency and potential cost savings.
The CPFF contract type carries inherent risks of cost overruns if not managed diligently.
Lack of competition may result in a higher price than a competed contract.
The specific technical requirements and performance metrics are not detailed, making it hard to assess effectiveness.
The duration of the contract suggests a long-term dependency, which could be a risk if the contractor's performance falters.

Positive Signals

The contract addresses a specific need for technical and operational support within the Department of the Navy.
The award to MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. suggests they possess the specialized capabilities required.
The fixed fee component of the CPFF contract provides some level of cost certainty for the government.
The contract duration indicates a stable, long-term requirement, allowing for consistent support.
The award is for a defined period, allowing for re-evaluation of needs and competition at its conclusion.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology (IT) sector, specifically Computer Systems Design Services. This is a critical area for government operations, enabling everything from administrative functions to complex mission-critical systems. The market for these services is highly competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized expertise. Government spending in this area is substantial, reflecting the increasing reliance on technology. Benchmarks for similar contracts would typically involve comparing pricing for system design, integration, and ongoing operational support based on contract type, duration, and complexity of services.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (sb: false) and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements specifically for small businesses (ss: false). This suggests that the primary contractor, MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC., is likely a large business, and the contract did not include provisions to ensure a portion of the work would be performed by or subcontracted to small businesses. This could mean limited opportunities for small businesses to participate in this specific contract, potentially impacting the small business ecosystem if similar large-scale contracts are consistently awarded without small business considerations.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Department of the Navy's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures would be defined within the contract's terms and conditions, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature of the award and the lack of publicly available detailed justifications. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to investigations of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense IT Services
Navy Computer Systems Support
Information Technology Professional Services
Technical Support Contracts
Operational Support Services

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Cost-plus contract type
Lack of competition
Potential for cost overruns
Long contract duration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $13.4 million to MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.. TECHNICAL AND OPERATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, 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 $13.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-02-16. End: 2023-04-15.

What specific technical and operational support services are being provided under this contract?

The contract is broadly categorized under 'Computer Systems Design Services' (NAICS code 541512). This typically encompasses a range of activities including designing, developing, and integrating computer systems. For this specific contract with MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC., the services likely involve providing technical expertise for the design, implementation, maintenance, and operational support of various IT systems and platforms used by the Department of the Navy. This could include software development, system administration, network support, cybersecurity integration, and other specialized technical functions critical to the Navy's operational capabilities. The exact scope would be detailed in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW), which is not publicly available in this data snippet.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The provided data indicates the contract was 'NOT COMPETED' and awarded as a 'DEFINITIVE CONTRACT' with a 'sole-source' (l: sole-source) designation. Government agencies typically award sole-source contracts when only one responsible source is available or capable of meeting the requirement. This could be due to unique capabilities, proprietary technology, urgent needs where competition is not feasible, or specific government property requirements. Without access to the contract's justification for other than full and open competition (JOFOC), the precise reason remains undisclosed. Such justifications are usually documented and approved by appropriate authorities within the agency to ensure compliance with federal procurement regulations.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing structure impact value for money?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type means the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. While the fixed fee provides some cost certainty for the contractor's profit margin, the 'cost-plus' element means the government bears the risk of cost overruns. This structure can incentivize contractors to incur higher costs, as their fee remains constant regardless of the total project cost. Therefore, effective oversight, rigorous cost monitoring, and clear performance metrics are crucial to ensure value for money and prevent excessive spending. Compared to fixed-price contracts, CPFF contracts generally offer less price certainty for the government and require more intensive management.

What is the track record of MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. with the Department of Defense?

MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. has a history of contracting with the U.S. federal government, including the Department of Defense. While this specific data point highlights a $13.4 million contract for technical and operational support services, a comprehensive track record analysis would involve examining their past performance across multiple contracts, agencies, and task orders. This includes evaluating their success in meeting performance requirements, adherence to schedules and budgets, and overall customer satisfaction. Information on past performance is often available through government databases like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), which provide insights into a contractor's reliability and capability.

Are there any comparable contracts that could provide a benchmark for this spending?

Directly comparable contracts are difficult to identify without the specific Statement of Work (SOW) for this $13.4 million award. However, we can look at other contracts awarded under NAICS code 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services) by the Department of the Navy or other DoD components. Benchmarking would involve comparing contract types (e.g., CPFF vs. FFP), duration, total value, and the specific services rendered. For instance, if other Navy contracts for similar system design and operational support services were competitively awarded at a lower total cost or with more favorable terms, it would suggest this sole-source CPFF contract may not represent optimal value. Analyzing the per-contractor spending over time for MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. across various DoD contracts could also reveal spending patterns.

What are the potential risks associated with the long duration (788 days) of this contract?

A contract duration of 788 days (approximately 2.16 years) for technical and operational support services presents several potential risks. Firstly, technology evolves rapidly; systems designed or supported early in the contract may become outdated by its end, requiring costly modifications or replacements. Secondly, long-term reliance on a single contractor, especially under a sole-source award, can reduce flexibility and bargaining power for future needs. Thirdly, maintaining consistent performance and quality over an extended period requires robust oversight. If the contractor's key personnel change or their focus shifts, service quality could degrade. Finally, unforeseen changes in mission requirements or budget constraints could necessitate contract modifications, potentially leading to scope creep or termination costs.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: N0018921RZ025

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Mantech International Corporation

Address: 2251 CORPORATE PARK DR STE 600, HERNDON, VA, 20171

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $13,504,497

Exercised Options: $13,504,497

Current Obligation: $13,444,253

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 4

Total Subaward Amount: $311,121

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline