Naval Air Warfare Center awards $174M engineering services contract to ManTech Systems Engineering Co

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $26,888,055 ($26.9M)

Contractor: Mantech Advanced Systems International, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2002-09-17

End Date: 2008-06-30

Contract Duration: 2,113 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: 200212!000048!1700!A8102 !NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER, AIRCRA!N0042102C3251 !A!N! !N! !20020917!20030916!174245993!174245993!053518312!N!MANTECH SYSTEMS ENGINEERING CO!12015 LEE JACKSON HWY !FAIRFAX !VA!22033!69525!037!24!ST. INIGOES !ST. MARY S !MARYLAND !+000001257031!N!N!000033436797!R425!ENGINEERING TECHNICAL SERVICES !S1 !SERVICES !2000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !541330!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !A!U!U!1!001!B! !A!Y!Z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !A!C!A!A!000!A!C!N! ! ! ! ! !4510 !0001!

Place of Performance

Location: HERNDON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20171

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $26.9 million to MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: 200212!000048!1700!A8102 !NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER, AIRCRA!N0042102C3251 !A!N! !N! !20020917!20030916!174245993!174245993!053518312!N!MANTECH SYSTEMS ENGINEERING CO!12015 LEE JACKSON HWY !FAIRFAX !VA!22033!69525!037!24!ST. INIGOES !ST. M… Key points: 1. Contract awarded for engineering and technical services, indicating a need for specialized expertise. 2. The contract duration of over 7 years suggests a long-term requirement for these services. 3. Awarded to a single contractor, raising questions about the extent of competition and potential for cost savings. 4. The 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' pricing structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 5. The contract falls under the Engineering Services NAICS code, a common area for federal procurement. 6. The geographic location of the contractor in Virginia may indicate regional economic impact.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $174,245,993 over approximately 7 years suggests a significant investment in engineering services. Benchmarking this against similar contracts for engineering and technical support within the Department of Defense is crucial. Without specific comparable data, it's difficult to definitively assess value for money. The 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' (CPFF) contract type, while allowing for flexibility, carries inherent risks of cost escalation if the fixed fee is not adequately justified by the scope of work and if contractor efficiencies are not realized. Further analysis would require detailed breakdowns of labor categories, hours, and overhead rates to compare against industry standards.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which is generally positive for price discovery. However, the data provided does not specify the number of bids received. A high number of bidders typically leads to more competitive pricing. If only a few bids were submitted, or if the winning bid was significantly higher than anticipated, it could indicate potential issues with market responsiveness or the attractiveness of the contract's terms. The specific details of the bidding process would be needed for a more thorough assessment.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is intended to ensure taxpayers receive the best value by fostering a competitive environment. This approach theoretically drives down prices and encourages innovation among potential contractors.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the Naval Air Warfare Center and its mission-critical operations, which rely on advanced engineering and technical support. Services delivered include engineering and technical support, crucial for the development, maintenance, and advancement of naval aviation systems. The geographic impact is concentrated around the contractor's location in Fairfax, Virginia, potentially creating or sustaining jobs in the region. Workforce implications include the employment of engineers, technicians, and support staff by ManTech Systems Engineering Co. to fulfill the contract requirements.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
Lack of specific bid count in the provided data makes it difficult to fully assess the competitiveness of the award.
The long contract duration may reduce flexibility for the government to adapt to changing technological needs or market conditions.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a broad market solicitation.
Contractor has a significant role in providing essential engineering and technical services to a key naval entity.
The contract duration indicates a stable, long-term need for the services provided.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, a broad category encompassing a wide range of technical and scientific expertise. The federal government is a major consumer of these services, particularly within the Department of Defense, for research, development, testing, and evaluation of complex systems. The market for engineering services is competitive, with numerous firms ranging from large corporations to specialized small businesses. Spending benchmarks for similar engineering support contracts within the DoD can vary widely based on the specific technical requirements and duration.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss=false, sb=false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a set-aside provision. However, the prime contractor, ManTech Systems Engineering Co., may engage small businesses as subcontractors depending on their own procurement strategies and the specific needs of the contract. Analysis of ManTech's subcontracting plans would be necessary to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Defense's contract management and administration structures, likely through the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) given the agency code provided (sa). Accountability measures would be embedded in the contract's performance work statement (PWS), requiring ManTech to meet specific technical, schedule, and cost objectives. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS-NG, though detailed performance metrics and financial reporting are often considered sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Contracts
Department of Defense Engineering Services
Cost Plus Fixed Fee Contracts
Federal IT and Engineering Support Services
Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) Oversight

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
Long contract duration may lead to technological obsolescence or requirements drift.
Limited information on the number of bidders restricts full assessment of competition impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $26.9 million to MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.. 200212!000048!1700!A8102 !NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER, AIRCRA!N0042102C3251 !A!N! !N! !20020917!20030916!174245993!174245993!053518312!N!MANTECH SYSTEMS ENGINEERING CO!12015 LEE JACKSON HWY !FAIRFAX !VA!22033!69525!037!24!ST. INIGOES !ST. MARY S !MARYLAND !+000001257031!N!N!000033436797!R425!ENGINEERING TECHNICAL SERVICES !S1 !SERVICES !2000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !541330!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B

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 (Defense Contract Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $26.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2002-09-17. End: 2008-06-30.

What is the historical spending pattern for engineering and technical services by the Naval Air Warfare Center?

Analyzing the historical spending patterns for engineering and technical services by the Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWC) is crucial for understanding the context of this $174 million contract. While this specific award spans from 2002 to 2008, the NAWC has consistently procured such services over many years to support its mission of developing and acquiring naval air systems. Historical data would reveal trends in contract values, types of services procured (e.g., research, development, testing, sustainment), and the primary contractors involved. For instance, examining spending from the late 1990s through the 2000s would likely show a steady demand, potentially with fluctuations tied to major defense programs or budget cycles. Understanding these patterns helps in assessing whether the current contract's value and duration are consistent with past investments or represent a significant shift in procurement strategy. It also aids in identifying potential areas for cost savings or opportunities for consolidating requirements across multiple contracts.

How does the 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' (CPFF) structure of this contract compare to other engineering service contracts awarded by the DoD?

The 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' (CPFF) contract structure, utilized in this $174 million award to ManTech Systems Engineering Co., is a common, albeit complex, method for procuring services where the scope may evolve or is difficult to define precisely upfront. In a CPFF contract, the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. Compared to other DoD engineering service contracts, CPFF offers flexibility, allowing the government to adapt requirements as a project progresses. However, it also carries a higher risk of cost overruns if the initial cost estimates are inaccurate or if the contractor's efficiency is not well-managed, as the fee remains fixed regardless of actual costs. Other common structures include Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP), which offers greater cost certainty for the government but less flexibility, and Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF), which incentivizes contractor performance through shared cost savings or target achievement. The prevalence of CPFF for complex engineering tasks suggests the DoD often prioritizes adaptability over strict cost certainty in these domains, though it necessitates robust oversight to control expenditures.

What is ManTech Systems Engineering Co.'s track record with federal defense contracts, particularly in engineering services?

ManTech Systems Engineering Co. has a substantial track record with federal defense contracts, including a significant presence in providing engineering and technical services. As indicated by this $174 million award from the Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWC) spanning 2002-2008, the company has been a long-standing partner to defense agencies. Their portfolio typically includes a wide array of services such as systems engineering, software development, cybersecurity, IT support, and research and development across various military branches. Examining their contract history reveals numerous awards from agencies like the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and intelligence agencies. Performance on these contracts, while generally positive, would require a deeper dive into past performance reviews and any documented issues or successes. Their ability to secure and execute large, complex contracts like this NAWC award suggests a demonstrated capability in managing technical challenges and meeting government requirements within the defense sector.

What are the potential risks associated with a contract of this duration (over 7 years) for engineering services?

Contracts with a duration exceeding seven years, such as this $174 million award to ManTech Systems Engineering Co. for engineering services, present several potential risks. Firstly, technological obsolescence is a significant concern; the technology landscape can change dramatically over such a long period, potentially rendering the services or systems supported by the contract outdated. Secondly, requirements drift is common. The initial needs defined at the contract's outset may no longer align with the evolving mission requirements of the Naval Air Warfare Center by the end of the contract term, leading to inefficiencies or the need for costly modifications. Thirdly, long-term contracts can reduce the government's agility and ability to incorporate innovations from new market entrants or to renegotiate terms based on current market rates. Finally, maintaining consistent oversight and contractor performance over an extended period requires sustained effort and resources, increasing the risk of performance degradation or complacency if not actively managed.

How does the geographic location of the contractor (Fairfax, VA) impact the contract's execution and oversight?

The geographic location of ManTech Systems Engineering Co. in Fairfax, Virginia, has several implications for the execution and oversight of this $174 million Naval Air Warfare Center contract. Proximity to major defense hubs, including those in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, often facilitates closer collaboration between the contractor and government program managers, potentially streamlining communication and issue resolution. This closeness can also simplify site visits and oversight activities for government personnel. Furthermore, the concentration of technical talent in the Northern Virginia region may have aided ManTech in recruiting and retaining skilled engineers and technicians necessary for fulfilling the contract's complex requirements. However, it's important to note that many large defense contractors operate globally, and while proximity can be advantageous, effective contract execution relies more heavily on robust management systems, clear communication protocols, and strong performance metrics, regardless of geographic separation.

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

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Mantech International Corporation (UEI: 053518312)

Address: 2251 CORPORATE PARK DRIVE, HERNDON, VA, 20171

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

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline