DoD's $13.7M Counter-IED Training Contract Awarded to Science Applications International Corp

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,771,707 ($13.8M)

Contractor: Science Applications International Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2008-09-30

End Date: 2024-01-25

Contract Duration: 5,595 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: COUNTER IMPROVISED EXPLOSION DEVICE (CIED) TRAINING

Place of Performance

Location: ANDOVER, ESSEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01810

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $13.8 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION for work described as: COUNTER IMPROVISED EXPLOSION DEVICE (CIED) TRAINING Key points: 1. Contract provides essential Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) training services. 2. Awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Long contract duration of over 15 years indicates a sustained need for these services. 4. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) can incentivize cost control but requires careful oversight. 5. The specific NAICS code (541330) points to engineering services, aligning with complex training development. 6. The contract was awarded as a Delivery Order under a larger IDIQ contract, common for flexible service needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

Benchmarking the value of this specific $13.7 million contract is challenging without knowing the full scope of services delivered over its 15-year duration. However, the contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) suggests a negotiated fee structure. Further analysis would require comparing the cost per training hour or per trainee against similar CIED training programs offered by other government contractors or private entities. The total value over such a long period implies a significant investment in specialized training capabilities.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under a 'full and open competition' framework, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 2 bids suggests a moderate level of competition for this specific delivery order. While not a large number of bidders, the open competition framework generally promotes price discovery and allows the government to select the best value offer.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the competitive process which aims to secure the most advantageous pricing and technical solution for critical defense training needs.

Public Impact

Service members receive critical training to counter improvised explosive devices, enhancing their safety and operational effectiveness. The training directly supports national security objectives by preparing forces for asymmetric warfare threats. Geographic impact is likely global, as CIED training is relevant for deployments worldwide. Workforce implications include specialized instructors and curriculum developers within the contractor's organization.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require diligent oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable and the fixed fee is justified.
The long duration of the contract could lead to potential cost overruns if not managed effectively.
Reliance on a single contractor for such a critical and long-term training need may present risks if the contractor's performance degrades.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a structured and transparent procurement process.
The sustained award over 15 years suggests consistent performance and satisfaction with the contractor's services.
The contract addresses a vital and ongoing need for counter-IED capabilities, reflecting a strategic investment.

Sector Analysis

The defense training sector is a significant market within the broader government contracting landscape. This contract falls under engineering services, specifically tailored for specialized military training. The market for CIED training is driven by the persistent threat of IEDs in various operational theaters. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-scale training contracts awarded by the Department of Defense for similar specialized skill sets.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have been set aside for small businesses, as indicated by 'sb': false. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses within the provided data. Further investigation into the contract's subcontracting goals would be necessary to assess its impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting agency (Department of Defense) and potentially the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA). Accountability measures are inherent in the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, which requires justification of costs and adherence to a fixed fee. Transparency is facilitated 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

Military Training Services
Counter-Terrorism Programs
Defense Engineering Services
Specialized Warfare Training

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may increase risk of cost escalation.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee requires robust oversight to ensure value.
Limited number of bidders (2) for this delivery order warrants review of competition dynamics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $13.8 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION. COUNTER IMPROVISED EXPLOSION DEVICE (CIED) TRAINING

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $13.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-09-30. End: 2024-01-25.

What is the historical spending trend for Counter-IED training contracts within the Department of Defense over the last decade?

Analyzing historical spending trends for Counter-IED (CIED) training requires access to comprehensive federal procurement databases. Generally, spending in this area has fluctuated based on operational tempo and perceived threats. Following major conflicts where IEDs were prevalent, such as in Iraq and Afghanistan, dedicated funding for CIED training saw significant increases. As military operations evolved, the focus may have shifted, but the fundamental need for advanced CIED capabilities persists. Specific data would reveal peaks during active combat deployments and potential reductions during periods of lower operational engagement, though a baseline level of investment is maintained due to the enduring nature of the threat. Examining contracts awarded to various entities, including Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) and others specializing in defense training, would provide a clearer picture of market dynamics and sustained investment.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type compare to other pricing arrangements for similar defense training services in terms of cost-effectiveness?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is often used for complex services where the scope of work is not precisely defined at the outset, or when research and development is involved. In CPFF contracts, the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. Compared to Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contracts, CPFF offers more flexibility but can potentially lead to higher costs for the government if cost controls are not rigorously enforced, as the contractor has less incentive to minimize expenses beyond what is necessary to achieve the fixed fee. However, it can be more cost-effective than other cost-reimbursement types like Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) or Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) when the government's primary goal is to ensure the service is performed to specification, and the fixed fee provides a predictable profit margin. For specialized training like CIED, where innovation and adaptation might be needed, CPFF can be appropriate, but it necessitates strong government oversight to manage costs effectively and ensure value for money.

What is Science Applications International Corporation's (SAIC) track record with large, long-duration defense training contracts?

Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) has a substantial track record of performing large, long-duration defense training and simulation contracts for the U.S. military. The company is a major defense contractor with extensive experience in providing a wide array of services, including training development, simulation, and technical support across various branches of the armed forces. Their portfolio often includes complex programs requiring specialized expertise, similar to the Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) training. SAIC has historically secured and successfully executed numerous contracts valued in the hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars, often spanning multiple years. Their performance on these contracts is generally viewed positively, reflected in their continued success in winning competitive bids. However, like any large contractor, specific contract performance can vary, and detailed reviews of individual contract histories would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) typically used to evaluate the effectiveness of Counter-IED training programs?

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Counter-IED (CIED) training programs are designed to measure the program's effectiveness in preparing service members to identify, avoid, defeat, and exploit explosive threats. Common KPIs include: 1. **Knowledge Retention:** Measured through post-training assessments and tests to gauge how well trainees understand theoretical concepts. 2. **Skill Proficiency:** Assessed through practical exercises and simulations where trainees demonstrate their ability to perform specific tasks, such as identifying IED components, reacting to simulated threats, or employing counter-IED equipment. 3. **Scenario Success Rates:** The percentage of trainees successfully completing complex simulated scenarios involving IED threats. 4. **Instructor Performance:** Evaluations of instructors' effectiveness in delivering training and providing feedback. 5. **Equipment Proficiency:** Trainees' ability to correctly operate and maintain specialized CIED equipment. 6. **Feedback Surveys:** Qualitative feedback from trainees on the relevance, realism, and overall quality of the training. These KPIs help ensure the training is relevant, impactful, and contributes to mission success and force protection.

What is the estimated market size for CIED training services globally and within the US defense sector?

Estimating the precise market size for Counter-IED (CIED) training services is complex, as it often falls under broader defense training, simulation, and electronic warfare categories. However, the persistent global threat of IEDs ensures a sustained demand. Within the US defense sector alone, annual spending on counter-proliferation, counter-terrorism, and related training initiatives likely amounts to billions of dollars. Specialized CIED training represents a significant niche within this larger market. Factors influencing market size include geopolitical stability, the nature of ongoing conflicts, technological advancements in threat detection and mitigation, and government budget allocations. Market research reports often place the global military training and simulation market in the tens of billions of dollars, with CIED capabilities being a critical component. The US Department of Defense remains the largest single purchaser of such services, driving a substantial portion of this market.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAINING › EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: N0002408R3402

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 12010 SUNSET HILLS RD, RESTON, VA, 20190

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $17,773,373

Exercised Options: $17,773,373

Current Obligation: $13,771,707

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017804D4119

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline