DoD's DCGS-MC contract awarded to Quiet Professionals, LLC for $19.6M, with 6 bidders

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,663,474 ($19.7M)

Contractor: Quiet Professionals, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-12-18

End Date: 2026-04-17

Contract Duration: 851 days

Daily Burn Rate: $23.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: DISTRIBUTED COMMON GROUND/SURFACE SYSTEM - MARINE CORPS (DCGS-MC) ENGINEERING, SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: TAMPA, HILLSBOROUGH County, FLORIDA, 33607

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $19.7 million to QUIET PROFESSIONALS, LLC for work described as: DISTRIBUTED COMMON GROUND/SURFACE SYSTEM - MARINE CORPS (DCGS-MC) ENGINEERING, SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in engineering and support services for the Marine Corps. 2. The presence of 6 bidders suggests a competitive market for these specialized services. 3. Potential risks include cost overruns given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure. 4. Performance context is critical for ensuring the DCGS-MC system meets operational demands. 5. This contract positions Quiet Professionals, LLC as a key provider within the defense engineering sector. 6. The contract duration of 851 days indicates a medium-term engagement for service delivery.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this $19.6 million contract is challenging without specific performance metrics and detailed cost breakdowns. The CPFF contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. Comparing it to similar engineering support contracts for complex military systems would require access to proprietary pricing data. However, the number of bidders (6) suggests that the initial price offered was likely within a reasonable range for the scope of work.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The participation of 6 bidders suggests a healthy level of competition for this requirement. A higher number of bidders generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more innovative solutions, as contractors vie for the award.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition as it typically drives down costs and ensures the government receives the best value. The presence of multiple bidders increases the likelihood that the awarded price reflects market rates.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Marine Corps, who will receive enhanced engineering and support services for the Distributed Common Ground/Surface System (DCGS-MC). Services delivered will likely include system maintenance, upgrades, technical support, and potentially training related to the DCGS-MC platform. The geographic impact is primarily within Florida, where the contractor is based, but the services support a national defense asset. Workforce implications include job creation for engineers, technicians, and support staff within Quiet Professionals, LLC and potentially its subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type carries inherent risk of cost escalation if not rigorously managed.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical engineering support could pose a risk if performance falters.
The specific capabilities and track record of Quiet Professionals, LLC for DCGS-MC systems require further scrutiny.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process.
The presence of 6 bidders suggests market interest and a competitive environment.
The contract is for a defined period, allowing for reassessment of needs and contractor performance.

Sector Analysis

The defense engineering services sector is characterized by highly specialized technical expertise and long-term government contracts. Companies in this space often focus on supporting complex military platforms and systems. The market size is substantial, driven by continuous modernization and sustainment needs of the armed forces. This contract for DCGS-MC engineering and support fits within the broader IT and intelligence support services segment of the defense industrial base.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific small business subcontracting requirements indicated in the provided data. The prime contractor, Quiet Professionals, LLC, is a small business itself, which is a positive signal for the small business ecosystem. However, the overall impact on broader small business subcontracting opportunities would depend on the specific teaming arrangements and the prime's procurement strategy.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be managed by the Department of the Navy, likely through contracting officers and program managers responsible for the DCGS-MC program. Accountability measures will be tied to the contract's performance work statement and delivery schedules. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though detailed cost and performance data may be restricted. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Systems Support
Command and Control Systems Engineering
Defense Information Technology Services
Marine Corps Systems Command Contracts
Ground Systems Engineering Support

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight to manage potential cost escalations.
Performance metrics and quality assurance protocols need to be robustly defined and monitored.
Dependence on specific technical expertise necessitates verification of contractor's sustained capability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $19.7 million to QUIET PROFESSIONALS, LLC. DISTRIBUTED COMMON GROUND/SURFACE SYSTEM - MARINE CORPS (DCGS-MC) ENGINEERING, SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is QUIET PROFESSIONALS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $19.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-12-18. End: 2026-04-17.

What is the specific performance history of Quiet Professionals, LLC with Department of Defense contracts, particularly related to intelligence systems?

Quiet Professionals, LLC has a track record with the Department of Defense, primarily focused on providing specialized technical and engineering services. While specific details on their performance with intelligence systems like DCGS-MC require deeper data dives, their contract awards suggest capabilities in areas such as systems engineering, IT support, and program management. Analyzing past performance evaluations, any past performance issues or commendations, and the types of services rendered on previous DoD contracts would provide a clearer picture of their suitability and reliability for this DCGS-MC engineering and support role. Their status as a small business may also influence their approach to larger, complex contracts.

How does the awarded amount of $19.6 million compare to historical spending on similar DCGS-MC support or comparable intelligence system engineering contracts?

Comparing the $19.6 million award for DCGS-MC engineering and support services requires context on the contract's duration (851 days, approx. 2.3 years) and scope. If this represents the total value over its period, the annual value is roughly $8.5 million. Historical spending on similar intelligence system sustainment and engineering contracts can vary widely based on system complexity, technology refresh cycles, and the specific services required (e.g., software development vs. hardware maintenance). Without direct historical data for DCGS-MC or precisely comparable systems, it's difficult to definitively state if this amount is high or low. However, the competitive bidding process suggests the initial offer was deemed reasonable against the government's estimate.

What are the primary risk indicators associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for engineering services in the defense sector?

The primary risk indicator for a CPFF contract is the potential for cost overruns, as the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs plus a fixed fee. While the fixed fee incentivizes efficiency, it doesn't cap the total cost to the government. This structure can lead to less stringent cost control by the contractor compared to fixed-price contracts. For engineering services, risks include scope creep, unforeseen technical challenges, and extended development timelines, all of which can drive up costs. Effective oversight, detailed cost tracking, and clear definition of allowable costs are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure the government receives value for its investment.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' strategy likely to be in ensuring optimal value for the DCGS-MC contract?

The 'full and open competition' strategy is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring optimal value. By allowing all responsible sources to compete, the government maximizes the pool of potential offerors, fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation. The fact that six bidders participated in this procurement suggests the strategy was successful in attracting interest. The ultimate effectiveness hinges on the clarity of the solicitation, the evaluation criteria, and the government's ability to negotiate favorable terms. A competitive process increases the likelihood that the awarded contract represents a fair market price for the required engineering and support services.

What are the potential implications of this contract award on the broader market for defense engineering and intelligence support services?

This contract award to Quiet Professionals, LLC signifies a notable win for a small business in a competitive sector. It reinforces the capability of smaller firms to compete for and execute complex defense contracts, potentially encouraging other small businesses to pursue similar opportunities. For the broader market, it highlights the ongoing demand for specialized engineering and support services for intelligence platforms like DCGS-MC. It may also influence pricing benchmarks and competitive strategies among larger defense contractors and other small businesses vying for similar work within the Department of Defense and other federal agencies.

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: N6523623R3004

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2701 NORTH ROCKY POINT DRIVE, SUITE 175, TAMPA, FL, 33607

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $64,760,067

Exercised Options: $33,907,576

Current Obligation: $19,663,474

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017819D8383

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline