State Dept. Awards $188M Visa Support Contract to General Dynamics
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $187,870,576 ($187.9M)
Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of State
Start Date: 2010-09-01
End Date: 2016-08-31
Contract Duration: 2,191 days
Daily Burn Rate: $85.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: GLOBAL SUPPORT STRATEGY FOR VISA SERVICES - MEXICO
Place of Performance
Location: CHANTILLY, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20151
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of State obligated $187.9 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INC. for work described as: GLOBAL SUPPORT STRATEGY FOR VISA SERVICES - MEXICO Key points: 1. Contract value of $187.9M over 6 years. 2. General Dynamics Information Technology Inc. is the sole awardee. 3. Risk of vendor lock-in due to sole awardee. 4. IT services sector, specifically computer facilities management.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $187.9M over 6 years averages to approximately $31.3M annually. Benchmarking against similar IT support contracts is difficult without more specific service details, but this appears to be a substantial investment for visa support services.
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 data indicates only one award was made, which could imply limited initial bids or a strong incumbent advantage.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential government IT support services. The competitive award process aims to ensure reasonable pricing, but the total cost over six years warrants ongoing scrutiny.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operation of critical visa processing systems. Impacts individuals applying for visas to the United States. Supports diplomatic functions and national security objectives.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in
- Long contract duration
- Sole awardee may limit future competition
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition
- Firm Fixed Price contract type limits cost overruns
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically focusing on computer facilities management. Spending in this area is crucial for government operations, and benchmarks vary widely based on the complexity and scope of services required.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, as 'sb' is false. Efforts to ensure small business participation in subcontracting roles would be beneficial.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of State is responsible for oversight of this contract. Regular performance reviews and audits are essential to ensure the contractor meets service level agreements and taxpayer funds are used efficiently.
Related Government Programs
- Computer Facilities Management Services
- Department of State Contracting
- Department of State Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole awardee
- Long contract duration
- Potential for technology obsolescence
- Lack of small business prime awardee
Tags
computer-facilities-management-services, department-of-state, va, delivery-order, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of State awarded $187.9 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INC.. GLOBAL SUPPORT STRATEGY FOR VISA SERVICES - MEXICO
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 State (Department of State).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $187.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-09-01. End: 2016-08-31.
What specific IT facilities management services are included in this contract, and how do they align with the Department of State's current needs?
The contract specifies 'Computer Facilities Management Services' (NAICS 541513). This typically includes managing and operating computer systems, data centers, and related infrastructure. A detailed review of the Statement of Work (SOW) would clarify the exact services, such as hardware maintenance, network support, system administration, and potentially cybersecurity measures, ensuring they are current and essential for the Department's visa operations.
Given the $188M value and 6-year duration, what are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?
Key risks include vendor lock-in, potential for service degradation over time, and the possibility of the contracted services becoming outdated. Mitigation strategies likely involve performance metrics, clear termination clauses, and regular contract reviews. The firm-fixed-price structure helps mitigate cost overrun risks, but ensuring continued technological relevance and competitive pricing throughout the period is crucial.
How does the performance of General Dynamics on this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of U.S. visa services globally?
The effectiveness of General Dynamics' performance directly impacts the reliability and efficiency of the IT infrastructure supporting global visa applications. Stable and secure systems are paramount for processing applications accurately and promptly, influencing applicant experience and national security. Consistent service delivery ensures that consular officers have the necessary tools to perform their duties effectively.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Facilities Management 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
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Csra LLC (UEI: 080011988)
Address: 3170 FAIRVIEW PARK DR, 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: $187,870,576
Exercised Options: $187,870,576
Current Obligation: $187,870,576
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: SAQMMA10D0017
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-09-01
Current End Date: 2016-08-31
Potential End Date: 2016-08-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2018-05-15
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