State Department Awards $195M for Overseas Consular Support to General Dynamics IT

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $194,809,270 ($194.8M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2017-09-15

End Date: 2024-09-14

Contract Duration: 2,556 days

Daily Burn Rate: $76.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE INCENTIVE

Sector: IT

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF GLOBAL SUPPORT STRATEGY (GSS) PERFORMANCE-BASED TASK ORDER FOR OVERSEAS CONSULAR SUPPORT FOR CONSULAR OPERATIONS IN BRAZIL TO REPLACE THE PATCHWORK OF USER-PAYS INFORMATION, APPOINTMENT, FEE COLLECTION, DOCUMENT DELIVERY, GREETER, AND OFFSITE BIO-METRIC COLLECTION SERVICES CURRENTLY EMPLOYED BY THE POSTS.

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $194.8 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF GLOBAL SUPPORT STRATEGY (GSS) PERFORMANCE-BASED TASK ORDER FOR OVERSEAS CONSULAR SUPPORT FOR CONSULAR OPERATIONS IN BRAZIL TO REPLACE THE PATCHWORK OF USER-PAYS INFORMATION, APPOINTMENT, FEE COLLECTION, DOCUMENT DELIVERY, GREETER, AND OFFSITE BIO-METRIC COLLECTION SE… Key points: 1. Contract aims to consolidate disparate user-pays services into a unified system. 2. General Dynamics IT is the sole awardee for this performance-based task order. 3. Potential risks include integration challenges and ensuring consistent service delivery. 4. Spending falls within the IT services sector, specifically facilities management.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $195 million over seven years appears reasonable for comprehensive overseas consular support services. Benchmarking against similar large-scale IT service contracts for government agencies suggests competitive pricing, though specific per-unit cost comparisons are difficult without detailed service breakdowns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust price discovery process. This method allows multiple vendors to bid, fostering competition and potentially driving down costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Consolidating services is intended to improve efficiency and reduce administrative overhead, leading to better use of taxpayer funds.

Public Impact

Streamlines consular services for citizens abroad, potentially reducing wait times and improving user experience. Enhances data security and management by centralizing information systems. Standardizes service delivery across multiple overseas posts, ensuring consistent quality.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in due to the comprehensive nature of the services.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical consular functions.
Challenges in adapting to evolving technological needs or geopolitical changes.

Positive Signals

Consolidation of services promises significant efficiency gains.
Performance-based structure incentivizes quality and timely delivery.
Modernization of consular IT infrastructure.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically focusing on computer facilities management and support. Government spending in this area is substantial, driven by the need for secure, reliable, and efficient IT infrastructure to support agency operations.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and the awardee is a large corporation. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this specific award notice.

Oversight & Accountability

The performance-based nature of the contract suggests oversight will focus on achieving defined service levels and outcomes. The Department of State's internal oversight mechanisms and potentially the Government Accountability Office (GAO) would monitor contract performance and compliance.

Related Government Programs

Computer Facilities Management Services
Department of State Contracting
Department of State Programs

Risk Flags

Vendor lock-in potential
Integration complexity
Reliance on single provider
Service disruption risk
Adaptability to future needs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $194.8 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INC.. IGF::OT::IGF GLOBAL SUPPORT STRATEGY (GSS) PERFORMANCE-BASED TASK ORDER FOR OVERSEAS CONSULAR SUPPORT FOR CONSULAR OPERATIONS IN BRAZIL TO REPLACE THE PATCHWORK OF USER-PAYS INFORMATION, APPOINTMENT, FEE COLLECTION, DOCUMENT DELIVERY, GREETER, AND OFFSITE BIO-METRIC COLLECTION SERVICES CURRENTLY EMPLOYED BY THE POSTS.

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 $194.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-09-15. End: 2024-09-14.

What specific metrics will be used to measure the success of the consolidated consular support services?

Success metrics will likely include improvements in appointment scheduling efficiency, reduction in average citizen wait times for services, increased uptime of critical IT systems, enhanced data security incident response times, and positive feedback scores from consular staff and citizens utilizing the services. The performance-based structure implies these metrics are tied to financial incentives or penalties.

How will the Department of State ensure continuity of operations if General Dynamics IT experiences significant service disruptions?

Contingency plans and service level agreements (SLAs) within the contract should outline procedures for service disruptions. This may include requirements for backup personnel, redundant systems, and defined escalation protocols. The Department likely maintains its own internal expertise to step in or manage transitions if necessary.

What is the projected long-term cost savings from consolidating these disparate services?

Long-term cost savings are projected through economies of scale, reduced duplication of efforts, streamlined administrative processes, and potentially lower per-transaction costs once the system is fully operational. While initial implementation may involve significant investment, the consolidation aims to create a more cost-effective and efficient service delivery model over the contract's duration.

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: 1

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE INCENTIVE (L)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp

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: $204,123,190

Exercised Options: $204,123,190

Current Obligation: $194,809,270

Actual Outlays: $63,603,265

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SAQMMA10D0017

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline