DoD's $21.4M Contract for Mechanical Engineering Services Awarded to American Systems Corp

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,431,134 ($21.4M)

Contractor: American Systems Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2017-05-16

End Date: 2022-09-15

Contract Duration: 1,948 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF CODE 34 MECHANICAL ENGINEERING AND DRAWING SERVICES FOR COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS

Place of Performance

Location: NORWICH, NEW LONDON County, CONNECTICUT, 06360

State: Connecticut Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $21.4 million to AMERICAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF CODE 34 MECHANICAL ENGINEERING AND DRAWING SERVICES FOR COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single vendor, American Systems Corporation. 2. Significant contract value of over $21 million. 3. Services are for communications systems engineering. 4. Contract duration spans over 4 years.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar engineering services contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the specific award type is a delivery order, which may not reflect the full competitive landscape for the overall requirement.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for specialized engineering services. The CPFF structure necessitates robust oversight to ensure cost efficiency and prevent unnecessary expenditures.

Public Impact

Ensures critical communications systems receive necessary engineering support. Supports technological advancements within the Department of the Navy. Potential for job creation within the engineering sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee pricing can incentivize higher costs.
  • Long contract duration may not reflect current market rates.
  • Lack of detailed cost data hinders precise value assessment.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded through full and open competition.
  • Provides essential engineering services for defense communications.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting defense communications. Spending in this area is critical for national security, but requires careful management to ensure value for money.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific subcontracting goals or participation by small businesses in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires diligent oversight from the Department of the Navy to ensure costs are reasonable and the fixed fee is justified. Monitoring performance and expenditures is crucial for accountability.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

  • Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
  • Long contract duration may not reflect current market value.
  • Limited transparency on specific cost components.
  • No clear indication of small business participation.

Tags

engineering-services, department-of-defense, ct, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $21.4 million to AMERICAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION. IGF::OT::IGF CODE 34 MECHANICAL ENGINEERING AND DRAWING SERVICES FOR COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AMERICAN SYSTEMS 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 $21.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-05-16. End: 2022-09-15.

What specific engineering tasks were performed under this contract, and how do they align with the initial requirements?

The contract specifies 'Mechanical Engineering and Drawing Services for Communications Systems.' A detailed review of task orders and deliverables would be necessary to confirm alignment with initial requirements. This includes verifying that the services provided were essential, efficiently executed, and contributed directly to the intended communications system enhancements or maintenance.

How was the fixed fee determined, and is it competitive compared to similar contracts?

The fixed fee is typically determined based on the estimated cost of the work and the perceived risk. Without access to the contractor's proposal and the government's cost analysis, it's difficult to assess its competitiveness. Benchmarking against industry standards for similar complexity and scope of engineering services would be required for a thorough evaluation.

What mechanisms were in place to ensure cost control and prevent overruns given the CPFF structure?

The CPFF structure necessitates robust government oversight, including regular audits, performance reviews, and detailed cost tracking. Mechanisms likely included establishing clear ceilings, requiring detailed justifications for expenditures, and potentially implementing incentive clauses for cost savings. The effectiveness of these mechanisms would depend on the diligence of the contracting officer and the quality of reporting.

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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: N0002416R3321

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 14151 PARK MEADOW DR STE 500, CHANTILLY, VA, 20151

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: $39,529,960

Exercised Options: $39,529,960

Current Obligation: $21,431,134

Actual Outlays: $1,334,279

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 16

Total Subaward Amount: $7,716,343

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017804D4032

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2017-05-16

Current End Date: 2022-09-15

Potential End Date: 2022-09-15 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-12-03

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