DoD Awards $28.1M for MK 41 Vertical Launching System Engineering Services to General Dynamics

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $28,133,670 ($28.1M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-11-01

End Date: 2026-10-31

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $25.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: ENGINEERING SERVICES TO UPGRADE, INSPECT, TEST, AND DELIVER COMPONENTS OF THE MARK 41 VERTICAL LAUNCHING SYSTEM

Place of Performance

Location: FALLS CHURCH, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22042

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $28.1 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: ENGINEERING SERVICES TO UPGRADE, INSPECT, TEST, AND DELIVER COMPONENTS OF THE MARK 41 VERTICAL LAUNCHING SYSTEM Key points: 1. Contract awarded to General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. for critical naval defense systems. 2. The contract value is $28.1 million over a 3-year period. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The sector is primarily Defense, specifically naval systems engineering.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $28.1 million for engineering services appears reasonable given the complexity of naval defense systems. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized engineering support in the defense sector would provide further context.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is expected to yield a fair price for the engineering services, benefiting taxpayers by avoiding inflated costs.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operational readiness and modernization of the MK 41 Vertical Launching System, a key component of naval warships. Supports the Department of the Navy's strategic objectives for fleet modernization and defense capabilities. Provides specialized engineering expertise for upgrades, testing, and delivery of critical system components.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Potential for scope creep in complex engineering projects.
  • Reliance on a single contractor for critical system components.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded through full and open competition.
  • Long-term contract duration allows for sustained support.
  • Focus on essential system upgrades and maintenance.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting defense applications. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining and advancing military technological capabilities, with benchmarks varying widely based on system complexity and specialization.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc., a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award, which is common for large, specialized defense contracts.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Navy is responsible for oversight. The definitive contract structure allows for clear tasking and deliverables, but ongoing monitoring will be essential to ensure performance and cost control.

Related Government Programs

  • Engineering Services
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

  • Technical complexity of the MK 41 VLS.
  • Potential for schedule delays in engineering projects.
  • Long-term reliance on a single contractor.
  • Cybersecurity risks associated with defense systems.

Tags

engineering-services, department-of-defense, va, definitive-contract, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $28.1 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. ENGINEERING SERVICES TO UPGRADE, INSPECT, TEST, AND DELIVER COMPONENTS OF THE MARK 41 VERTICAL LAUNCHING SYSTEM

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 $28.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-11-01. End: 2026-10-31.

What is the historical performance of General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. on similar defense engineering contracts?

General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. has a significant track record with the Department of Defense, often handling complex IT and engineering services. Reviewing past performance metrics, on-time delivery rates, and quality assessments for comparable contracts would provide insight into their reliability and capability for this specific MK 41 VLS project.

Are there any identified risks associated with the specific components or upgrades planned for the MK 41 VLS under this contract?

The primary risks would likely stem from the technical complexity of upgrading and testing advanced naval weapon systems. Potential issues could include unforeseen technical challenges, integration problems with existing platforms, or delays in component delivery. A thorough risk assessment by the Navy should identify and mitigate these factors.

How will the effectiveness of these engineering services be measured to ensure optimal performance of the MK 41 VLS?

Effectiveness will be measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) tied to the contract's objectives, such as successful completion of upgrades, accuracy of test results, timely delivery of components, and adherence to technical specifications. Post-delivery performance of the VLS and feedback from operational units will also be crucial indicators.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesArchitectural, Engineering, and Related ServicesEngineering Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT)PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: N6339423R0022

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Wico Limited

Address: 3150 FAIRVIEW PARK DR, 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: $88,021,846

Exercised Options: $49,512,233

Current Obligation: $28,133,670

Actual Outlays: $1,191,690

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 38

Total Subaward Amount: $5,807,136

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline

Start Date: 2023-11-01

Current End Date: 2026-10-31

Potential End Date: 2028-10-31 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-12-15

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