General Dynamics awarded $19.6M for Cyber Command engineering services, with 3 prior orders

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,600,785 ($19.6M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2021-05-14

End Date: 2026-05-13

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: (JS) J6 REQUIREMENT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES TO THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR, CYBER COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS, COMPUTERS (C5) INTEGRATION (DDC5I), IN SUPPORT OF THE COALITION INTEROPERABILITY AND ASSURANCE VALIDATION (CIAV).

Place of Performance

Location: FALLS CHURCH, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22042

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $19.6 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: (JS) J6 REQUIREMENT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES TO THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR, CYBER COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS, COMPUTERS (C5) INTEGRATION (DDC5I), IN SUPPORT OF THE COALITION INTEROPERABILITY AND ASSURANCE VALIDATION (CIAV). Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the specialized nature of cyber command support. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these services. 3. Contract duration of 5 years indicates a long-term need for these capabilities. 4. The services support critical cyber interoperability and assurance validation. 5. This contract fits within the broader IT and Defense sectors. 6. Potential for follow-on work exists given the strategic importance of the supported function.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $19.6 million over five years for specialized cyber engineering services seems within a reasonable range for supporting a critical command like Cyber Command. Benchmarking against similar complex IT and engineering support contracts for defense agencies suggests that the pricing structure, likely a Cost Plus Fixed Fee, is typical for services requiring flexibility and evolving requirements. While specific per-unit cost data is not available, the overall award amount reflects the high-skill nature of the work.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors were likely solicited and had the opportunity to bid. The presence of three prior delivery orders suggests a sustained engagement and potentially a competitive process for each subsequent order. A competitive environment generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages a wider range of providers to offer their services, driving down costs and improving the quality of services received.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Department of Defense's Cyber Command, enhancing its operational capabilities. Services delivered include engineering support for cyber command, control, communications, computers, and integration. The geographic impact is likely national, supporting U.S. cyber defense initiatives. Workforce implications include the need for highly skilled cybersecurity engineers and IT professionals.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in complex engineering services.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical cyber integration functions.
Ensuring continuous innovation and adaptation to evolving cyber threats.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating market availability.
Long-term contract duration suggests sustained government need and potential for stable support.
Focus on critical cyber command and control functions.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology and Defense sectors, specifically focusing on engineering services for cyber command and control. The market for such specialized services is characterized by high barriers to entry due to the need for advanced technical expertise, security clearances, and understanding of complex defense systems. Comparable spending in this area often involves significant investments in cybersecurity, network infrastructure, and systems integration for government agencies, particularly within the Department of Defense.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the prime contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc., is a large entity. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses within this specific award. However, large prime contractors often utilize small businesses for specialized support roles, which could be a potential avenue for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program management office within the Department of the Navy, overseeing the delivery order against the larger contract. Accountability measures are embedded in the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, requiring detailed reporting and justification of costs. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though specific performance metrics and detailed cost breakdowns may not be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Cyber Command Operations Support
Defense Information Technology Services
IT Engineering and Integration Services
Cybersecurity Support Contracts
Department of Defense C5ISR Services

Risk Flags

Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting adequate market interest.
Contract type (CPFF) allows for flexibility but requires diligent oversight to control costs.
Services are critical to national security, implying high stakes for performance.
Long duration (5 years) may pose risks related to technological obsolescence or changing requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $19.6 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. (JS) J6 REQUIREMENT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES TO THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR, CYBER COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS, COMPUTERS (C5) INTEGRATION (DDC5I), IN SUPPORT OF THE COALITION INTEROPERABILITY AND ASSURANCE VALIDATION (CIAV).

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 $19.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-05-14. End: 2026-05-13.

What is the track record of General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. in performing similar cyber engineering services for the Department of Defense?

General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. (GDIT) has a substantial track record in providing IT and engineering services to the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. They are a major contractor involved in various aspects of defense IT, including C5ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) systems, cybersecurity, network modernization, and enterprise IT support. Their experience often includes complex integration projects and support for critical operational commands, similar to the Cyber Command requirement. GDIT has historically secured numerous large contracts across different branches of the military, demonstrating their capacity to manage large-scale, high-value projects and meet stringent performance requirements. Their past performance is generally well-documented through federal contract databases and agency performance reviews, though specific details on individual contract successes or challenges may vary.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar cyber engineering support contracts within the DoD?

The awarded amount of approximately $19.6 million over five years for engineering services to Cyber Command is in line with the typical scale for specialized IT and engineering support contracts within the Department of Defense. Contracts supporting critical command functions, especially in rapidly evolving fields like cyber, often require significant investment. For context, other large-scale IT support and systems engineering contracts for agencies like DISA (Defense Information Systems Agency) or various service branches can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars over similar or longer periods. The value reflects the high level of expertise, security clearances, and specialized knowledge required to support cyber operations and integration. While precise per-project comparisons are difficult without knowing the exact scope and deliverables, this award appears to be a moderate-sized contract for the type of critical support it provides.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Primary risks associated with this contract include the potential for evolving cyber threats requiring rapid adaptation of services, the complexity of integrating diverse systems for coalition interoperability, and the challenge of retaining highly skilled personnel in a competitive market. Mitigation strategies likely involve the flexible nature of the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type, which allows for adjustments in scope and cost as requirements change. The government's oversight through the contracting officer and program managers is crucial for monitoring progress and managing scope. Furthermore, the requirement for coalition interoperability suggests that established protocols and rigorous testing procedures are in place. The long-term duration may also help mitigate personnel retention risks by providing stable employment opportunities for skilled professionals.

What is the expected effectiveness of these engineering services in enhancing Cyber Command's capabilities?

The engineering services provided under this contract are expected to significantly enhance Cyber Command's capabilities by improving the interoperability and assurance of its command, control, communications, computers, and integration (C5I) systems, particularly in coalition environments. Effective engineering support ensures that these complex systems function seamlessly, allowing for coordinated cyber operations with allied nations. This includes validating the security and reliability of communication channels and data exchange, which is critical for mission success in cyber warfare and defense. By addressing integration challenges and ensuring systems meet stringent assurance standards, the services directly contribute to strengthening Cyber Command's overall operational effectiveness and its ability to execute its mission in a complex geopolitical landscape.

How has federal spending in cyber engineering services evolved over the past five years, and where does this contract fit?

Federal spending in cyber engineering services has seen a consistent and significant upward trend over the past five years, driven by increasing global cyber threats and the critical role of cybersecurity in national defense and infrastructure protection. Agencies across the government, particularly the Department of Defense, have allocated substantial resources to enhance their cyber capabilities, including R&D, system acquisition, and operational support services. This contract, valued at approximately $19.6 million over five years for Cyber Command, represents a focused investment within this broader trend. It fits within the category of specialized engineering and integration services aimed at bolstering command and control functions for cyber operations, rather than large-scale system procurement or broad cybersecurity tool acquisition. Its value is consistent with contracts providing expert technical support for complex, mission-critical systems.

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: N0018921R3007

Offers Received: 3

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: $30,567,725

Exercised Options: $27,132,324

Current Obligation: $19,600,785

Actual Outlays: $1,578,307

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