DoD Awards $17.8M for Voice Switching System Sustainment to General Dynamics
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $17,852,237 ($17.9M)
Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2009-09-23
End Date: 2013-08-20
Contract Duration: 1,427 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: VOICE SWITCHING SYSTEM SUSTAINMENT
Place of Performance
Location: WESTWOOD, NORFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02090
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $17.9 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: VOICE SWITCHING SYSTEM SUSTAINMENT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. for sustainment of a voice switching system. 2. The contract value is $17.8 million over a duration of 1427 days. 3. The system falls under the Wired Telecommunications Carriers industry. 4. This award represents a significant investment in maintaining critical communication infrastructure for the Department of Defense.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $17.8 million for a 4-year sustainment period appears reasonable given the specialized nature of telecommunications systems. Benchmarking against similar sustainment contracts for complex communication systems would provide a clearer picture of value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method is expected to yield fair market prices and ensure the government receives the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure services at optimal pricing for essential defense communication systems.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operation of critical voice communication systems for the Department of Defense. Supports national security by maintaining reliable communication infrastructure. Potential for technological advancements in voice switching systems through ongoing sustainment efforts.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in if sustainment requires proprietary knowledge.
- Long contract duration may not adapt quickly to evolving technologies.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Supports critical defense infrastructure.
Sector Analysis
The Department of Defense relies heavily on robust telecommunications infrastructure. Spending in this sector is crucial for operational readiness and command and control. Benchmarks for sustainment contracts can vary widely based on system complexity and age.
Small Business Impact
There is no explicit indication of small business participation in this contract award. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if opportunities were missed.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency, suggesting established oversight mechanisms. However, the long duration necessitates continuous monitoring to ensure performance and cost-effectiveness.
Related Government Programs
- Wired Telecommunications Carriers
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen technical issues arise.
- Risk of system obsolescence impacting long-term effectiveness.
- Dependence on a single contractor for sustainment.
- Ensuring continued availability of specialized parts and expertise.
Tags
wired-telecommunications-carriers, department-of-defense, ma, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $17.9 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. VOICE SWITCHING SYSTEM SUSTAINMENT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $17.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2009-09-23. End: 2013-08-20.
What is the specific technology being sustained, and are there more cost-effective alternatives available?
The specific technology is a voice switching system, crucial for DoD communications. While sustainment ensures current functionality, a review of emerging technologies and potential migration paths could identify long-term cost savings and performance improvements. This requires a forward-looking assessment beyond immediate sustainment needs.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this sustainment contract, and how is performance being measured?
Key performance indicators likely focus on system uptime, response times for maintenance, and successful resolution of technical issues. The Defense Contract Management Agency would be responsible for monitoring these KPIs. Regular performance reviews are essential to ensure the contractor is meeting contractual obligations and providing value.
What is the risk of obsolescence for the voice switching system over the contract period, and what mitigation strategies are in place?
The risk of obsolescence is moderate given the 4-year duration. Mitigation strategies may include the contractor's proactive component sourcing, potential for technology refreshes within the sustainment scope, or contingency plans for end-of-life components. The contract's terms should address how the government will handle critical component unavailability.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Information › Wired and Wireless Telecommunications (except Satellite) › Wired Telecommunications Carriers
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
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp (UEI: 001381284)
Address: 77 A STREET, NEEDHAM, MA, 02494
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $24,057,949
Exercised Options: $17,852,237
Current Obligation: $17,852,237
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA877104D0007
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2009-09-23
Current End Date: 2013-08-20
Potential End Date: 2013-08-20 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2016-03-04
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