NASA awards $2.2M IT task order to General Dynamics for computer systems design
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,223,685 ($2.2M)
Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2010-03-01
End Date: 2010-05-07
Contract Duration: 67 days
Daily Burn Rate: $33.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: IT
Official Description: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES (ITS) TASK ORDER FOR SSC. REFERENCE GSA TO # 4QCA80104819 AND GSA ALLIANT CONTRACT # GS00Q09BGD0025.
Place of Performance
Location: STENNIS SPACE CENTER, HANCOCK County, MISSISSIPPI, 39529
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $2.2 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES (ITS) TASK ORDER FOR SSC. REFERENCE GSA TO # 4QCA80104819 AND GSA ALLIANT CONTRACT # GS00Q09BGD0025. Key points: 1. The contract is for Computer Systems Design Services, a common IT requirement. 2. General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. is a large established IT provider. 3. The award was made under a full and open competition GSA Alliant contract. 4. The task order duration is short (67 days), suggesting a specific, time-bound need.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The award amount of $2.22M for a 67-day period is difficult to benchmark without more detail on the specific services rendered. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can sometimes lead to higher costs if not managed tightly.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under a GSA Alliant vehicle, which is a large, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract set aside for full and open competition. This method generally promotes competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of a competitive GSA schedule likely resulted in a fair market price, minimizing unnecessary taxpayer expenditure for these IT services.
Public Impact
Provides essential IT support to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Supports critical functions within NASA's Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SSC). Ensures the continued operation and design of computer systems vital for space missions.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 33 / 10
Warning Flags
- CPFF contract type can incentivize cost overruns if not closely monitored.
- Short duration may indicate a reactive need rather than strategic planning.
- Limited competition pool due to GSA Alliant vehicle, though it was full and open.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under a competitive GSA schedule, promoting price fairness.
- Utilizes a large, established IT contractor with proven capabilities.
- Supports a critical government agency (NASA).
Sector Analysis
Information Technology Services (ITS) are crucial for government operations. Spending benchmarks vary widely based on the specific services (e.g., cloud, cybersecurity, system design). This contract falls under Computer Systems Design Services, a segment that requires specialized expertise.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc., a large business. There is no indication that small businesses were involved as subcontractors or prime contractors in this specific task order.
Oversight & Accountability
The use of a GSA schedule contract implies adherence to established procurement regulations. However, the oversight of the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure is critical to ensure cost efficiency and prevent potential overspending.
Related Government Programs
- Computer Systems Design Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type.
- Short contract duration (67 days).
- Lack of specific service details for precise benchmarking.
- Potential for cost overruns if not managed diligently.
Tags
computer-systems-design-services, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ms, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $2.2 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES (ITS) TASK ORDER FOR SSC. REFERENCE GSA TO # 4QCA80104819 AND GSA ALLIANT CONTRACT # GS00Q09BGD0025.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $2.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-03-01. End: 2010-05-07.
What specific computer systems design services were rendered under this task order, and how did they contribute to NASA's mission objectives?
The task order focused on Computer Systems Design Services (NAICS 541512) for the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SSC) under NASA. While the exact services aren't detailed, such contracts typically involve the design, integration, and implementation of complex IT systems, potentially supporting mission-critical operations, data analysis, or communication infrastructure necessary for NASA's diverse programs.
Given the CPFF contract type and the short duration, what measures were in place to control costs and ensure value for money?
As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract, the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee. Effective oversight by NASA would involve rigorous review of incurred costs, ensuring they are reasonable, allocable, and allowable. The fixed fee component incentivizes the contractor to manage costs efficiently to maximize their profit margin within the agreed-upon fee.
How does the $2.22M award for a 67-day IT services task order compare to industry benchmarks for similar services?
Benchmarking this $2.22M award for 67 days of IT services is challenging without specific details on the scope of work. However, it represents a daily burn rate of approximately $33,189. This rate could be considered high or low depending on whether it involved complex system architecture, integration of advanced technologies, or routine maintenance and support, and the level of expertise required.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp
Address: 3150 FAIRVIEW PARK DR STE 100, FALLS CHURCH, VA, 22042
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $3,136,770
Exercised Options: $2,223,825
Current Obligation: $2,223,685
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS00Q09BGD0025
IDV Type: GWAC
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-03-01
Current End Date: 2010-05-07
Potential End Date: 2010-05-07 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-26
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