DoD's Navy Awards $21.1M for Software Engineering and IT Support to ARIES SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,147,773 ($21.1M)

Contractor: Aries Systems International, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-07-13

End Date: 2026-08-15

Contract Duration: 1,494 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 19

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES, PRODUCTION SUPPORT SERVICES, SOFTWARE CHANGE ACTIVITIES, TESTING ACTIVITIES, ANALYSIS AND DESIGN ACTIVITIES, SOFTWARE CHANGE MANAGEMENT, PRODUCTION/DISTRIBUTION OF DOCUMENTATION AND REPORTS, AND OTHER ADMINISTRATI

Place of Performance

Location: HERNDON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20171

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $21.1 million to ARIES SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES, PRODUCTION SUPPORT SERVICES, SOFTWARE CHANGE ACTIVITIES, TESTING ACTIVITIES, ANALYSIS AND DESIGN ACTIVITIES, SOFTWARE CHANGE MANAGEMENT, PRODUCTION/DISTRIBUTION OF DOCUMENTATION AND REPORTS, AND OTHER ADMINISTRATI Key points: 1. The contract focuses on critical software development, production support, and IT services for the Navy. 2. ARIES SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. is the awardee under a full and open competition. 3. The contract duration extends to August 2026, indicating a long-term need for these services. 4. The total value of $21.1M over approximately 5 years suggests a significant investment in IT infrastructure and maintenance.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. However, the fixed fee component provides some cost certainty. Benchmarking against similar IT support contracts is recommended.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method generally leads to more competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for essential IT services.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operation and modernization of critical Navy IT systems. Supports software development lifecycle, including analysis, design, testing, and change management. Provides essential production support and documentation services. Impacts personnel relying on these IT systems for daily operations and mission success.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight to manage potential cost escalations.
Long contract duration may require periodic reviews to ensure continued value and alignment with evolving needs.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive market.
Clear definition of services supports focused execution and accountability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting IT and software development for the Department of Defense. Spending in this area is substantial across government agencies, driven by the need for advanced technological capabilities and system maintenance.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within the scope of this award.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a Delivery Order under a larger contract, suggesting existing oversight mechanisms. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates rigorous monitoring of costs and performance to ensure accountability and prevent waste.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
Long contract duration (approx. 5 years).
Potential for scope creep in IT services.
Lack of small business set-aside noted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $21.1 million to ARIES SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.. CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES, PRODUCTION SUPPORT SERVICES, SOFTWARE CHANGE ACTIVITIES, TESTING ACTIVITIES, ANALYSIS AND DESIGN ACTIVITIES, SOFTWARE CHANGE MANAGEMENT, PRODUCTION/DISTRIBUTION OF DOCUMENTATION AND REPORTS, AND OTHER ADMINISTRATI

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ARIES 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 $21.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-07-13. End: 2026-08-15.

What is the projected cost efficiency of this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract over its lifespan?

The cost efficiency of a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract is inherently variable and depends heavily on effective oversight and management. While the fixed fee provides a ceiling for the contractor's profit, the cost-reimbursable nature of the base contract means the government bears the risk of actual costs incurred. Regular audits, performance reviews, and adherence to budget constraints are crucial to ensure cost efficiency and prevent overruns. Benchmarking against similar CPFF contracts for IT services can provide further insights into expected cost performance.

What are the primary risks associated with the long duration and scope of these IT services?

The primary risks include technological obsolescence, where the contracted services may become outdated before the contract ends. Scope creep is another significant risk, where requirements may expand beyond the original agreement, leading to increased costs and delays. Furthermore, vendor lock-in could occur, making it difficult to transition to new solutions or providers. Maintaining clear communication, robust change control processes, and regular performance evaluations are essential to mitigate these risks.

How effectively will these services contribute to the Navy's overall IT modernization and mission readiness?

The effectiveness hinges on the contractor's ability to deliver high-quality software, support, and analysis aligned with the Navy's evolving technological needs and strategic goals. Successful execution requires strong project management, adherence to security protocols, and timely delivery of critical updates and functionalities. Regular assessments of system performance, user feedback, and alignment with broader modernization initiatives will be key indicators of the services' contribution to mission readiness.

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: N6523622R3016

Offers Received: 19

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1900 RESTON METRO PLZ FL 6, RESTON, VA, 20190

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,157,612

Exercised Options: $21,148,956

Current Obligation: $21,147,773

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017819D7160

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline