DoD's $21.6M R&D Contract with General Dynamics: A Deep Dive into Value and Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $21,587,937 ($21.6M)
Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2015-05-01
End Date: 2020-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,979 days
Daily Burn Rate: $10.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF
Place of Performance
Location: UPPER MARLBORO, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20775
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $21.6 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF Key points: 1. The contract awarded to General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. for R&D services represents a significant investment in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Competition for this contract was full and open, suggesting a robust price discovery process. 3. The firm fixed-price contract type aims to control costs, but the duration and potential for modifications warrant scrutiny. 4. The sector is Research and Development, a critical area for technological advancement within the Department of Defense.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract's value of $21.6 million over approximately 5 years appears reasonable for specialized R&D services. Benchmarking against similar large-scale R&D contracts within the DoD would provide a more precise assessment of value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally leads to competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests taxpayers are likely benefiting from a fair market price for the R&D services rendered.
Public Impact
This contract supports critical research and development efforts within the Department of Defense, potentially leading to advancements in defense technologies. The duration of the contract (nearly 5 years) suggests a long-term commitment to specific research objectives. The firm fixed-price structure aims to provide cost certainty for the government, protecting against cost overruns. The award to a large, established contractor like General Dynamics indicates a focus on experienced providers for complex R&D.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Contract duration and potential for scope creep
- Ensuring continued innovation beyond initial contract scope
- Monitoring performance to ensure R&D objectives are met
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition
- Firm fixed-price contract type
- Award to experienced contractor
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining a technological edge, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research domain and project scale.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, as General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. is a large corporation. There is no specific information provided on subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense's Inspector General and relevant oversight bodies would typically monitor such contracts to ensure compliance, performance, and proper use of funds. The contract's duration and value necessitate ongoing oversight.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Information Systems Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration may increase risk of scope creep
- Potential for R&D outcomes to not meet initial expectations
- Reliance on a single large contractor may limit future flexibility
- Lack of specific small business participation data
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, md, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $21.6 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF
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 (Defense Information Systems Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $21.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2015-05-01. End: 2020-09-30.
What specific R&D advancements were achieved under this contract, and how do they align with DoD strategic goals?
The contract's primary goal was Research and Development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Specific advancements would likely be detailed in technical reports and program reviews. Alignment with DoD strategic goals would depend on the specific research areas pursued, such as enhancing existing defense systems, developing new capabilities, or improving operational efficiency. A review of program documentation would be necessary to confirm the strategic impact.
Given the nearly 5-year duration, what mechanisms were in place to manage potential cost increases or scope creep beyond the initial $21.6 million?
The firm fixed-price contract type inherently limits cost increases for the government, as the contractor agrees to a set price. However, mechanisms like detailed statement of work, phased delivery schedules, and rigorous change control processes are crucial to prevent scope creep. Regular performance reviews and milestone tracking would also be essential to ensure the project stays within its defined objectives and budget.
How did the full and open competition process ensure the most innovative and cost-effective solutions were selected for this R&D effort?
Full and open competition allows a wide range of qualified vendors to submit proposals, fostering innovation by encouraging diverse approaches. The evaluation criteria, which would have included technical merit, past performance, and price, are designed to identify the offer that provides the best overall value. This process typically drives down costs through market competition and ensures the government selects solutions that are both cutting-edge and economically viable for the specific R&D requirements.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
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: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 4300 FAIR LAKES CT, FAIRFAX, VA, 22033
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $21,587,937
Exercised Options: $21,587,937
Current Obligation: $21,587,937
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HC102808D2026
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2015-05-01
Current End Date: 2020-09-30
Potential End Date: 2020-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-07-19
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