DoD's $18.8M MAGTF C2 Systems Support Contract Awarded to Science Applications International Corporation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,826,611 ($18.8M)

Contractor: Science Applications International Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-03-27

End Date: 2026-03-26

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: MARINE AIR-GROUND TASK FORCE (MAGTF) COMMAND AND CONTROL (C2) SYSTEMS & APPLICATIONS SUSTAINMENT SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: NORTH CHARLESTON, CHARLESTON County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29419

State: South Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $18.8 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION for work described as: MARINE AIR-GROUND TASK FORCE (MAGTF) COMMAND AND CONTROL (C2) SYSTEMS & APPLICATIONS SUSTAINMENT SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract focuses on sustaining critical command and control systems for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust market for these specialized engineering services. 3. The contract duration of 1095 days indicates a long-term need for sustained support. 4. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type may allow for flexibility but requires careful oversight of costs. 5. The primary agency is the Department of the Navy, highlighting its role in equipping Marine Corps operations. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541330 points to engineering services as the core offering.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $18.8 million over three years for specialized engineering services appears reasonable given the critical nature of MAGTF C2 systems. Benchmarking against similar complex defense system sustainment contracts would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The CPFF pricing structure necessitates diligent cost tracking to ensure efficiency and prevent cost overruns, though it allows for adaptation to evolving technical requirements.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of 5 bids suggests a competitive environment for these specialized engineering services. A competitive process generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more innovative solutions for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition likely resulted in a more favorable price for taxpayers compared to a sole-source or limited competition award, maximizing the value of federal dollars spent.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the United States Marine Corps, ensuring the operational readiness of their command and control capabilities. Services delivered include sustainment support for complex C2 systems, crucial for joint military operations. The geographic impact is broad, supporting Marine Corps units globally wherever MAGTF operations are conducted. Workforce implications include the need for highly skilled engineers and technical specialists in command and control systems.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The CPFF contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed rigorously.
Reliance on a single contractor for sustainment of critical systems could pose a long-term risk if performance degrades.
The complexity of C2 systems may present challenges in defining and measuring performance metrics effectively.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a healthy market and potential for competitive pricing.
The contract duration suggests a stable, long-term need, allowing for focused expertise development.
The contractor, Science Applications International Corporation, is a well-established defense contractor with a track record in complex systems support.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader defense engineering services sector, which is characterized by high technical complexity and significant government spending. The market for C2 systems sustainment is specialized, often dominated by a few large defense contractors capable of meeting stringent security and performance requirements. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely involve other large-scale sustainment contracts for complex military platforms and systems.

Small Business Impact

The contract does not indicate a small business set-aside. However, large prime contractors like Science Applications International Corporation are often required to subcontract a portion of the work to small businesses. The specific subcontracting plan for this contract would determine the direct impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the Department of the Navy contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures will be tied to performance metrics outlined in the contract. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific operational details may be sensitive.

Related Government Programs

Marine Corps Systems Command
Command and Control Systems
Defense Information Technology
Tactical Data Systems
Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2)

Risk Flags

Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF)
Technological Obsolescence
Performance Measurement Challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $18.8 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION. MARINE AIR-GROUND TASK FORCE (MAGTF) COMMAND AND CONTROL (C2) SYSTEMS & APPLICATIONS SUSTAINMENT SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $18.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-03-27. End: 2026-03-26.

What is Science Applications International Corporation's track record with similar MAGTF C2 systems support contracts?

Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) has a significant history of supporting U.S. military command and control (C2) systems across various branches, including the Marine Corps. They have been involved in developing, integrating, and sustaining complex systems that enable battlefield awareness and communication. While specific details on prior MAGTF C2 sustainment contracts awarded to SAIC are not publicly detailed in this data, their extensive portfolio in areas like tactical data links, network-centric warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems suggests a strong capability. Their experience often includes lifecycle support, software maintenance, hardware upgrades, and training, aligning with the requirements of this current contract. A deeper dive into their contract history with the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps would reveal specific performance metrics and past successes in similar domains.

How does the $18.8 million value compare to similar MAGTF C2 sustainment contracts?

The $18.8 million contract value for three years of sustainment support for MAGTF C2 systems represents an average annual spend of approximately $6.27 million. This figure needs to be contextualized within the complexity and criticality of the systems being supported. Sustainment contracts for advanced C2 platforms, which often involve intricate software, hardware, and network integration, can range significantly. Contracts for less complex systems or shorter durations would naturally be lower. Conversely, contracts involving major upgrades, extensive research and development, or support for a larger number of deployed units could easily exceed this amount. Without specific comparable contract data for MAGTF C2 sustainment, it's challenging to definitively benchmark this value, but it appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized, long-term technical support of critical defense infrastructure.

What are the primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type, while offering flexibility for evolving requirements, carries inherent risks for the government. The primary risk is that the contractor may not be incentivized to control costs as rigorously as they would under a fixed-price contract, as costs are reimbursed. If the contractor's estimated costs are inaccurate or if inefficiencies arise, the total price paid by the government could exceed initial projections. This necessitates robust government oversight to monitor expenditures, ensure efficiency, and validate the necessity of all incurred costs. The fixed fee component provides some predictability, but the variable cost component requires diligent management to prevent cost overruns and ensure value for taxpayer money.

How effective is full and open competition in ensuring value for taxpayer money in defense engineering services?

Full and open competition is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value for taxpayer money in defense engineering services. By allowing all responsible sources to submit bids, it fosters a competitive environment that drives down prices, encourages innovation, and increases the pool of potential solutions. This process allows the government to select the offer that provides the best overall value, considering not just price but also technical merit, past performance, and risk. In the context of MAGTF C2 systems, competition can lead to more cost-effective sustainment solutions and potentially more advanced technological integration. The presence of multiple bidders, as indicated by the 5 bids received, strengthens the argument for effective price discovery and competition.

What are the historical spending patterns for MAGTF Command and Control (C2) Systems & Applications Sustainment Support?

Historical spending patterns for MAGTF C2 Systems & Applications Sustainment Support are not directly available from the provided data snippet. However, the award of this $18.8 million contract by the Department of the Navy suggests a consistent and ongoing requirement for such services. Defense spending on C2 systems is typically substantial and sustained over long periods due to the evolving nature of threats and technology. Trends in defense budgets, modernization priorities, and operational tempo of the Marine Corps would influence these spending patterns. Analyzing historical contract awards for similar services, potentially across multiple fiscal years and different Marine Corps or Navy commands, would be necessary to identify specific trends, average contract values, and the frequency of such awards.

What are the implications of the 1095-day contract duration for system sustainment and technological relevance?

A contract duration of 1095 days (three years) for MAGTF C2 Systems & Applications Sustainment Support implies a commitment to maintaining the current operational capability of these systems over a significant period. This duration allows the contractor to develop deep expertise and establish efficient sustainment processes. However, it also presents a challenge regarding technological relevance. The C2 systems landscape evolves rapidly. A three-year sustainment contract might not adequately cover the integration of next-generation technologies or address obsolescence issues that could arise within or shortly after this period. The government must ensure that the contract includes provisions for addressing technological advancements and potential upgrades, or plan for follow-on contracts to maintain modernization.

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: N6523622R3035

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 12010 SUNSET HILLS RD, RESTON, VA, 20190

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $43,871,674

Exercised Options: $24,894,826

Current Obligation: $18,826,611

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $47,406

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017819D8470

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline