DoD's $31M ENFAAS contract to General Dynamics IT for firewall and ASIM sustainment awarded via full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,150,948 ($31.2M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2013-07-17

End Date: 2017-11-28

Contract Duration: 1,595 days

Daily Burn Rate: $19.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: ENCLAVE NIPR FIREWALL AND ASIM SUSTAINMENT (ENFAAS)

Place of Performance

Location: WESTWOOD, NORFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02090

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $31.2 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: ENCLAVE NIPR FIREWALL AND ASIM SUSTAINMENT (ENFAAS) Key points: 1. The contract value of $31.15 million over approximately 4 years suggests a moderate investment in critical cybersecurity infrastructure. 2. Awarded to a single large contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc., this indicates a focus on established providers for complex IT sustainment. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type generally shifts performance risk to the contractor, potentially leading to more predictable costs. 4. The duration of the contract (1595 days) points to a long-term need for sustained cybersecurity services. 5. The absence of small business set-aside flags suggests the primary focus was on technical capability rather than small business participation. 6. The contract was awarded as a Delivery Order under a larger IDIQ contract (MAS), implying a streamlined procurement process for established agreements.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total award of $31.15 million for firewall and ASIM sustainment over nearly 4.5 years appears reasonable for specialized IT services. Benchmarking against similar cybersecurity sustainment contracts is challenging without more granular data on service scope and performance metrics. However, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests the government secured predictable costs, assuming the contractor met performance requirements. The contract's value is moderate within the context of large-scale defense IT procurements.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The fact that it was a Delivery Order under a Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract suggests that multiple vendors likely held similar schedules, and this specific order was competed among them or awarded based on pre-established terms. The presence of 5 bidders (implied by 'no': 5) suggests a healthy level of competition for this specific requirement within the MAS framework.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition, especially within a MAS vehicle, generally benefits taxpayers by fostering price discovery and encouraging competitive pricing among qualified vendors, leading to potentially better value.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and the Air Force, receiving sustained cybersecurity capabilities to protect their networks. The services delivered include the sustainment of firewalls and the Assured Information Security Management (ASIM) system, crucial for network defense. The geographic impact is likely global, supporting DoD operations wherever its networks are deployed. Workforce implications include the employment of IT security professionals by General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. to perform the sustainment tasks.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if sustainment requires highly specialized knowledge unique to General Dynamics' implementation.
Risk of cost overruns if unforeseen technical challenges arise that are not adequately covered by the firm-fixed-price terms.
Dependence on a single large contractor may limit flexibility in adopting newer, potentially more effective cybersecurity solutions.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract type shifts risk to the contractor, promoting cost control.
Awarded under a MAS contract, suggesting a streamlined and efficient procurement process.
The competition, even within a MAS, indicates multiple capable vendors were considered, potentially driving competitive pricing.
Sustained focus on critical cybersecurity infrastructure demonstrates a commitment to network security.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically focusing on cybersecurity sustainment. The Wired Telecommunications Carriers (NAICS 517110) code suggests a connection to network infrastructure. The market for cybersecurity services is large and growing, driven by increasing threats and the digitization of government operations. This contract represents a specific, albeit moderate, investment within the broader DoD IT spending landscape, likely part of a larger strategy to maintain network integrity.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (sb: false). As a Delivery Order under a MAS contract, it's possible that larger prime contractors like General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. may engage small businesses for subcontracting. However, without explicit set-aside requirements or subcontracting plans detailed in this specific award, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is unclear and likely minimal unless voluntarily pursued by the prime.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program management office within the Department of the Air Force. As a firm-fixed-price contract, performance monitoring is key to ensuring deliverables meet specifications. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

DoD Cybersecurity Modernization Programs
Air Force Network Operations and Sustainment Contracts
General Services Administration (GSA) Multiple Award Schedules (MAS)
Information Assurance and Cybersecurity Services

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in
Reliance on established large contractors
Cybersecurity sustainment is critical and ongoing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $31.2 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. ENCLAVE NIPR FIREWALL AND ASIM SUSTAINMENT (ENFAAS)

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 (Department of the Air Force).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $31.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2013-07-17. End: 2017-11-28.

What is the track record of General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. in performing similar cybersecurity sustainment contracts for the DoD?

General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. (GDIT) has a substantial track record in providing IT services, including cybersecurity, to the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. They are a major IT contractor frequently awarded large-scale contracts for network operations, system sustainment, and cybersecurity solutions. Their experience often includes managing complex infrastructure, implementing security protocols, and ensuring compliance with stringent government requirements. While specific performance metrics for this ENFAAS contract are not detailed here, GDIT's overall history suggests they possess the organizational capacity and technical expertise to handle such requirements. However, a deeper dive into past performance evaluations and any past issues on similar contracts would provide a more complete picture of their reliability for this specific task.

How does the value of this contract compare to other similar cybersecurity sustainment efforts within the DoD?

The $31.15 million award for ENFAAS over approximately 4.5 years represents a moderate investment in cybersecurity sustainment. Annualized, this contract is valued at roughly $7 million per year. This figure needs to be contextualized against the vast scale of DoD IT spending, which runs into billions annually. Contracts for enterprise-wide cybersecurity solutions, major system upgrades, or comprehensive network security operations centers can easily reach hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars. Therefore, while significant for the specific services rendered, the ENFAAS contract is a component of a much larger cybersecurity budget. Comparisons are difficult without knowing the exact scope of services (e.g., number of users supported, specific technologies sustained, threat intelligence services included) and the specific threat landscape addressed.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential technical obsolescence of the sustained systems, the possibility of unforeseen security vulnerabilities emerging, and the risk of contractor performance issues. Given the firm-fixed-price nature, a key risk is that the contractor might cut corners on service quality to maximize profit, or conversely, that unexpected technical challenges could lead to cost overruns if not managed effectively within the contract's scope. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust contract oversight by the government, including performance monitoring, regular technical reviews, and clear performance standards. The full and open competition also helps mitigate risks by selecting a capable contractor. However, the long-term nature of sustainment contracts inherently carries risks related to evolving technology and threat landscapes.

How effective is the firm-fixed-price contract type in ensuring value for money for this cybersecurity sustainment requirement?

The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally considered effective in ensuring value for money for well-defined services like sustainment, as it shifts the primary cost risk to the contractor. This means the government knows the total cost upfront, assuming the contractor meets performance obligations. For cybersecurity sustainment, where the scope of work (maintaining existing systems, providing updates, ensuring availability) is relatively predictable, FFP encourages the contractor to be efficient and manage their costs effectively to achieve profitability. This can lead to better value compared to cost-reimbursement contracts where the government bears more cost risk. However, the effectiveness hinges on the government's ability to clearly define requirements and monitor performance to ensure the contractor is not sacrificing quality to meet the fixed price.

What does the competition level (5 bidders) imply about the market for these types of cybersecurity sustainment services?

Having 5 bidders for this Delivery Order under a MAS contract suggests a moderately competitive market for specialized cybersecurity sustainment services, at least within the framework of existing GSA schedules. The fact that multiple companies were willing and able to bid indicates a sufficient number of qualified vendors exist. However, the MAS vehicle itself implies a pre-qualification process, meaning the competition is among pre-vetted entities. The number 5 suggests that while there are capable players, it might not represent the absolute broadest possible competition if the requirement were to be procured as a standalone, large-scale effort. It indicates a healthy, but perhaps not hyper-competitive, environment for this specific type of sustainment.

What are the historical spending patterns for firewall and ASIM sustainment within the Department of Defense or Air Force?

Historical spending patterns for firewall and ASIM sustainment within the DoD and Air Force are generally characterized by consistent, long-term investments in maintaining critical network security infrastructure. These systems are fundamental to network defense, requiring ongoing support, patching, updates, and monitoring to counter evolving cyber threats. Spending typically occurs through sustainment contracts, often awarded as delivery orders against larger IDIQ vehicles or MAS contracts, similar to the ENFAAS award. While the specific dollar amounts fluctuate based on technological upgrades, threat levels, and the number of systems deployed, the need for continuous sustainment ensures a steady demand and associated spending. The DoD's overall cybersecurity budget runs into the tens of billions annually, with sustainment forming a significant portion of that expenditure.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Information › Wired and Wireless Telecommunications (except Satellite) › Wired Telecommunications Carriers

Product/Service Code: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT (INCLD FIRMWARE) SOFTWARE,SUPPLIES& SUPPORT EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 5

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: $32,953,072

Exercised Options: $31,209,457

Current Obligation: $31,150,948

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA877104D0007

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline