DoD Awards $73M for Marine Mammal Systems Support to Science Applications International Corp

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $73,251,303 ($73.3M)

Contractor: Science Applications International Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-01-27

End Date: 2024-01-26

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $50.2K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: MARINE MAMMAL SYSTEMS SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20190

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $73.3 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION for work described as: MARINE MAMMAL SYSTEMS SUPPORT Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $73.25 million over four years. 2. Sole-source award to Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). 3. Potential for limited competition due to specialized nature of services. 4. Contract supports critical defense capabilities in marine mammal systems.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The awarded amount is substantial, and without competitive benchmarking, assessing its value is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

The contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, indicating a lack of full and open competition. This limits price discovery and may result in higher costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source nature of this award means taxpayers may not have received the best possible price due to the absence of competitive bidding.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operation and development of specialized marine mammal systems for defense. Supports advanced technological capabilities crucial for national security. Potential impact on smaller businesses in the niche field of marine mammal technology.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
  • Cost-plus contract type carries inherent risk of cost overruns.
  • Lack of transparency in pricing due to limited competition.

Positive Signals

  • Ensures continuity of critical defense capabilities.
  • Leverages specialized expertise of SAIC in marine mammal systems.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically supporting specialized defense systems. Benchmarks for similar sole-source, cost-plus contracts are difficult to establish without more data.

Small Business Impact

The contract does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. Given the specialized nature and sole-source award, it is unlikely that small businesses were significantly involved in this particular procurement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is crucial for cost-plus contracts to ensure funds are used efficiently and effectively. The Defense Contract Management Agency's role in monitoring this contract is vital for accountability.

Related Government Programs

  • Other Technical and Trade Schools
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Defense Contract Management Agency Programs

Risk Flags

  • Sole-source award
  • Cost-plus contract type
  • Potential for cost overruns
  • Limited price competition
  • Lack of small business participation

Tags

other-technical-and-trade-schools, department-of-defense, va, definitive-contract, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $73.3 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION. MARINE MAMMAL SYSTEMS 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 (Defense Contract Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $73.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-01-27. End: 2024-01-26.

What is the justification for the sole-source award, and what steps were taken to ensure fair pricing?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities or proprietary technology. Without detailed documentation, it's difficult to assess if adequate steps were taken to ensure fair pricing. Agencies should explore competitive alternatives or conduct thorough price analyses even in sole-source situations to protect taxpayer interests.

How is the performance of SAIC being monitored to mitigate risks associated with a cost-plus contract?

Performance monitoring for cost-plus contracts usually involves detailed review of incurred costs, progress reports, and adherence to technical specifications. The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) is responsible for this oversight, ensuring that SAIC meets contractual obligations and that costs are reasonable and allocable.

What is the long-term strategy for developing and acquiring marine mammal systems, and will future procurements be more competitive?

The long-term strategy for marine mammal systems is not detailed in this award. Future procurements should ideally explore competitive avenues to foster innovation and achieve better value for the government. Agencies should consider market research and phased procurements to encourage broader participation.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational ServicesTechnical and Trade SchoolsOther Technical and Trade Schools

Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAININGEDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: N6600119R3416

Offers Received: 1

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: $73,251,303

Exercised Options: $73,251,303

Current Obligation: $73,251,303

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline

Start Date: 2020-01-27

Current End Date: 2024-01-26

Potential End Date: 2024-08-26 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2024-09-05

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