DoD's GCCS-J R&D Contract Awarded to Northrop Grumman for $15.1M
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $15,132,951 ($15.1M)
Contractor: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2009-06-16
End Date: 2010-06-15
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $41.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: GCCS-J SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
Place of Performance
Location: CHANTILLY, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20151
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $15.1 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION for work described as: GCCS-J SITUATIONAL AWARENESS Key points: 1. Contract focuses on Research and Development in Physical/Engineering/Life Sciences. 2. Northrop Grumman is the sole awardee under full and open competition. 3. Potential risk associated with a single awardee for R&D. 4. Spending falls within the R&D sector, specifically NAICS 541712.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $15.1M for a 1-year R&D effort appears reasonable given the specialized nature of situational awareness systems. Benchmarking against similar complex R&D contracts is difficult without more detailed scope information.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process. However, the award went to a single entity, Northrop Grumman, which may limit price discovery compared to multiple awards or phased approaches.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are allocated for advanced R&D, aiming to improve defense capabilities. The effectiveness of this investment will depend on the successful development and implementation of the GCCS-J system.
Public Impact
Enhances military situational awareness through advanced technology. Supports the development of critical defense information systems. Potential for improved operational effectiveness and decision-making for warfighters.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited visibility into specific R&D deliverables and milestones.
- Potential for cost overruns in complex research and development projects.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Focus on critical defense technology.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS 541712. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement but can be subject to high uncertainty and long development cycles.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific set-aside for small businesses. Large prime contractors like Northrop Grumman typically manage complex R&D efforts, with subcontracting opportunities potentially available for smaller firms.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically be managed by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) to ensure contract performance and adherence to R&D objectives. Accountability rests on the successful delivery of the GCCS-J system's capabilities.
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
- Research and Development projects inherently carry high risk.
- Single awardee may limit competitive pressure on pricing and innovation.
- Contract duration is relatively short for complex R&D.
- Lack of specific small business participation noted.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $15.1 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION. GCCS-J SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Information Systems Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $15.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2009-06-16. End: 2010-06-15.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this R&D contract, and how will their achievement be measured to ensure value for money?
Key performance indicators would likely focus on the successful development and testing of specific GCCS-J functionalities, adherence to technical specifications, and timely completion of research milestones. Measurement would involve rigorous testing, validation by end-users, and progress reports against a defined R&D plan. Ensuring value requires clear, measurable outcomes tied to improved situational awareness capabilities.
Given the R&D nature, what are the primary risks associated with cost and schedule overruns, and what mitigation strategies are in place?
Primary risks include unforeseen technical challenges, scope creep, and difficulties in integrating new technologies, all leading to potential cost and schedule overruns. Mitigation strategies might include phased development with clear go/no-go decision points, robust project management, regular technical reviews, and contingency planning for known R&D uncertainties. Strong contract oversight is crucial.
How does the GCCS-J system, developed under this contract, contribute to overall defense effectiveness and interoperability?
GCCS-J (Global Command and Control System - Joint) is designed to provide a common operational picture across different military branches and coalition partners. Successful development under this contract would enhance real-time information sharing, improve joint force command and control, and ultimately bolster overall defense effectiveness by enabling better-informed and coordinated military operations.
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: 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: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Northrop Grumman Corporation (UEI: 967356127)
Address: 2340 DULLES CORNER BLVD, HERNDON, VA, 20171
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $15,289,856
Exercised Options: $15,204,649
Current Obligation: $15,132,951
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HC102808D2023
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2009-06-16
Current End Date: 2010-06-15
Potential End Date: 2010-06-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2018-01-29
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