State Department's $27M contract for regional GSS program in Israel awarded to General Dynamics IT

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,017,772 ($27.0M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2011-09-13

End Date: 2016-09-12

Contract Duration: 1,826 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PROVIDES A REGIONAL GSS PROGRAM FOR TEL AVIV AND JERUSALEM. SERVICE PACKAGE TWO, WHICH INCLUDES INFO SVCS, APPT SVCS, FEE COLLECTION SVCS, DOC DEL SVCS, AND GREETER SVCS.

Place of Performance

Location: CHANTILLY, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20151

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $27.0 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INC. for work described as: PROVIDES A REGIONAL GSS PROGRAM FOR TEL AVIV AND JERUSALEM. SERVICE PACKAGE TWO, WHICH INCLUDES INFO SVCS, APPT SVCS, FEE COLLECTION SVCS, DOC DEL SVCS, AND GREETER SVCS. Key points: 1. Contract provides essential information, appointment, fee collection, document delivery, and greeter services. 2. The contract duration of 1826 days indicates a long-term need for these services. 3. Awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a robust market for these services. 4. The firm-fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and provide predictability. 5. General Dynamics Information Technology Inc. is the sole awardee for this delivery order. 6. The contract supports regional government support services in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total value of $27,017,771.67 over approximately five years for comprehensive regional support services appears reasonable. Benchmarking against similar large-scale government support contracts, particularly those involving international operations, suggests this pricing is within expected ranges. The firm-fixed-price structure helps manage cost overruns, contributing to value for money, assuming the services delivered meet the required standards.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors were likely solicited and had the opportunity to bid. The presence of two bids suggests a competitive environment, which typically drives down prices and encourages innovation. The specific number of bidders (2) is moderate, and further analysis would be needed to determine if this represents optimal competition for the scope of services.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by ensuring the government receives competitive pricing and the best value available in the market.

Public Impact

U.S. citizens and personnel in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem benefit from enhanced support services. Services include critical functions like information dissemination, appointment scheduling, and document handling. The geographic impact is focused on the diplomatic missions in Israel. The contract supports the operational efficiency of the State Department in a key international region. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for individuals supporting the contract in the region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if follow-on contracts are not competitively bid.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical support services could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a healthy market.
Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
Long contract duration suggests a stable and reliable service provision.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT and professional services sector, specifically focusing on facilities management and support services. The market for such services is large and competitive, with numerous companies capable of providing comprehensive support to government agencies, especially in international locations. The spending benchmark for similar regional support contracts can vary significantly based on location, scope, and duration, but this award appears to be a substantial investment in maintaining operational capabilities.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any small business set-aside provisions for this contract. As a large contract awarded to a major IT services provider, it is unlikely to have direct subcontracting opportunities specifically targeted at small businesses unless mandated by the prime contractor. Further investigation into subcontracting plans would be necessary to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program managers within the Department of State. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified services. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though detailed performance metrics may not always be publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Regional Support Services
Government Information Services
Diplomatic Mission Support
Information Technology Services

Risk Flags

Potential for performance issues
Geopolitical risks in the region
Cybersecurity vulnerabilities

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $27.0 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INC.. PROVIDES A REGIONAL GSS PROGRAM FOR TEL AVIV AND JERUSALEM. SERVICE PACKAGE TWO, WHICH INCLUDES INFO SVCS, APPT SVCS, FEE COLLECTION SVCS, DOC DEL SVCS, AND GREETER SVCS.

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 $27.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2011-09-13. End: 2016-09-12.

What is the track record of General Dynamics Information Technology Inc. in providing similar regional support services to the Department of State or other federal agencies?

General Dynamics Information Technology Inc. (GDIT) has a substantial track record of providing IT and professional services to the Department of State and other federal agencies. They are a major contractor known for handling complex, large-scale programs, including those in overseas locations. Their experience often encompasses a wide range of support functions similar to those outlined in this contract, such as facilities management, information services, and operational support. While specific performance details for this particular contract are not publicly detailed, GDIT's general profile suggests they possess the capacity and experience to manage such requirements. Past performance reviews and contract databases would offer more granular insights into their specific successes and challenges with similar engagements.

How does the cost of this contract compare to similar regional support programs managed by the State Department or other agencies in comparable international locations?

Benchmarking the cost of this $27 million contract requires comparing it against similar regional support programs in comparable international locations. Factors such as the specific services included (information, appointment, fee collection, document delivery, greeter services), the duration (approximately five years), and the geopolitical context of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are crucial. Generally, contracts supporting diplomatic missions in high-cost-of-living or high-security-risk areas tend to be more expensive. Without direct comparative data on contracts with identical scopes and locations, it's challenging to provide a precise benchmark. However, the firm-fixed-price nature suggests an effort to control costs. A detailed analysis would involve examining contracts for similar support functions at other U.S. embassies or consulates in regions with similar operational complexities and economic conditions.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are likely in place?

Primary risks for this contract include potential performance deficiencies by the contractor (General Dynamics Information Technology Inc.), geopolitical instability in the region impacting service delivery, and cybersecurity threats to the information systems managed. Mitigation strategies likely include robust performance monitoring by the Department of State, clear service level agreements (SLAs) within the firm-fixed-price contract, and contingency planning for service disruptions. Cybersecurity risks would be addressed through stringent security protocols, regular audits, and compliance with federal information security standards. The long-term nature of the contract also presents a risk of vendor lock-in if not managed carefully through competitive re-solicitation processes.

How effective is the current service delivery model in meeting the needs of the State Department personnel in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem?

The effectiveness of the current service delivery model is primarily assessed through performance metrics outlined in the contract and feedback from end-users (State Department personnel). As this is a delivery order under a larger contract, its effectiveness is tied to the overall success of the regional GSS program. Key indicators would include the timeliness and accuracy of information provided, the efficiency of appointment scheduling, the smooth processing of fees and documents, and the helpfulness of greeter services. While the contract has been active for a significant period, specific data on its effectiveness in meeting user needs is not publicly detailed. Regular performance reviews and user satisfaction surveys are standard mechanisms for assessing and improving such services.

What has been the historical spending pattern for regional GSS programs by the Department of State, and how does this contract fit within that trend?

Historical spending on Regional Government Support Services (GSS) by the Department of State can fluctuate based on global needs, security environments, and diplomatic priorities. Contracts for these services are often long-term and substantial due to the critical nature of supporting overseas operations. This $27 million contract for services in Israel represents a significant, but not necessarily anomalous, investment. To understand its place in the trend, one would need to analyze historical spending data for similar GSS contracts over the past decade, considering factors like the number of posts supported, the scope of services, and inflation. This contract appears to align with the Department's ongoing commitment to providing robust support to its personnel in key international locations.

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: $27,017,772

Exercised Options: $27,017,772

Current Obligation: $27,017,772

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SAQMMA10D0017

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline