DoD Awards GBL Systems $20.5M for C4T, T&E/S&T Engineering Support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,527,273 ($20.5M)

Contractor: GBL Systems Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-12-01

End Date: 2026-12-04

Contract Duration: 1,099 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: ENGINEERING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS, COMPUTERS, INTELLIGENCE & SOFTWARE INTENSIVE SYSTEMS (C4T), TEST & EVALUATION/SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (T&E/S&T), CENTRAL TEST & EVALUATION INVESTMENT PROGRAM (CTEIP)

Place of Performance

Location: CAMARILLO, VENTURA County, CALIFORNIA, 93010

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $20.5 million to GBL SYSTEMS CORPORATION for work described as: ENGINEERING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS, COMPUTERS, INTELLIGENCE & SOFTWARE INTENSIVE SYSTEMS (C4T), TEST & EVALUATION/SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (T&E/S&T), CENTRAL TEST & EVALUATION INVESTMENT PROGRAM (CTEIP) Key points: 1. Significant contract for specialized engineering services in C4T and T&E/S&T. 2. GBL Systems Corporation is the incumbent contractor. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $20.5M appears reasonable for specialized engineering support over a 3-year period. Benchmarking against similar DoD contracts for C4T and T&E/S&T services would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The use of full and open competition is a positive indicator for price discovery. It allows multiple qualified vendors to bid, driving down costs and ensuring the government receives competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is expected to yield fair pricing, maximizing the value of taxpayer funds allocated to these critical defense engineering services.

Public Impact

Ensures continued support for critical Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, and Software Intensive Systems. Supports vital Test & Evaluation and Science & Technology initiatives for the Department of the Navy. The contract duration of nearly three years provides stability for essential defense programs. Potential for innovation and technological advancement through specialized engineering expertise.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent risk of cost escalation.
Reliance on a single contractor (GBL Systems) for this specific delivery order.
Potential for scope creep in complex engineering projects.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition promotes a competitive environment.
Clear definition of services for C4T and T&E/S&T.
Experienced contractor likely to deliver required capabilities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting advanced defense systems. Spending benchmarks for similar IT and defense-related engineering services often range from millions to tens of millions annually, depending on complexity and duration.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was sought through subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Navy, is responsible for oversight. Contract clauses and performance metrics will be crucial for ensuring accountability and successful delivery of services.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
Potential for contractor to incur costs beyond initial estimates.
Complexity of C4T and T&E/S&T systems.
Long contract duration increases exposure to changing requirements or technologies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $20.5 million to GBL SYSTEMS CORPORATION. ENGINEERING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS, COMPUTERS, INTELLIGENCE & SOFTWARE INTENSIVE SYSTEMS (C4T), TEST & EVALUATION/SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (T&E/S&T), CENTRAL TEST & EVALUATION INVESTMENT PROGRAM (CTEIP)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GBL 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 $20.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-12-01. End: 2026-12-04.

What is the historical performance of GBL Systems Corporation on similar DoD contracts, particularly regarding cost control and schedule adherence?

Assessing GBL Systems' past performance is crucial. Reviewing past contract data, including any performance reviews, cost variances, and schedule adherence metrics, will provide insight into their reliability and efficiency. This historical data can inform future contract negotiations and risk assessments for similar procurements.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure impact the government's ability to control costs and incentivize efficiency for these engineering services?

The CPFF structure allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee, which can be beneficial for R&D or uncertain scope projects. However, it shifts cost risk to the government and requires robust oversight to prevent overspending. Incentivizing efficiency relies heavily on the fixed fee and the contractor's reputation, necessitating strong performance management.

What specific C4T and T&E/S&T capabilities are being procured, and how do they align with current and future DoD strategic objectives?

Understanding the specific technical requirements is key. The alignment of these engineering services with DoD's strategic objectives, such as modernization of communication systems or advancements in testing methodologies, will determine the long-term value and effectiveness of this investment. A clear link to strategic goals justifies the expenditure.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: N6893622R3004

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 760 PASEO CAMARILLO, CAMARILLO, CA, 93010

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $50,502,114

Exercised Options: $29,486,477

Current Obligation: $20,527,273

Actual Outlays: $26,157

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017819D7683

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline