General Dynamics C4 Systems awarded $18.9M contract for electronics and communication equipment, with a 701-day duration

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,311,691 ($21.3M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2005-09-28

End Date: 2007-08-30

Contract Duration: 701 days

Daily Burn Rate: $30.4K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: 200512!008626!2100!W15P7T!USA COMMUNICATIONS-ELECTRONICS !W15P7T05CG013 !A!N! !Y! ! !20050928!20070130!188991954!116187758!001381284!N!GENERAL DYNAMICS C4 SYSTEMS IN!400 JOHN QUINCY ADAMS ROAD!TAUNTON !MA!02780!69170!005!25!TAUNTON !BRISTOL !MASS !+000010710439!N!N!000000000000!U099!OTHER EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES !A7 !ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION EQUIP !000 !* !611420!E! !1! ! ! ! ! !20200930!B! ! !N!A!D!N!J!1!001!N!2A!Z!Y!A! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !Z!Z!A!A!000!A!C!N! ! !Y! ! ! !0001! !

Place of Performance

Location: TAUNTON, BRISTOL County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02780

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $21.3 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: 200512!008626!2100!W15P7T!USA COMMUNICATIONS-ELECTRONICS !W15P7T05CG013 !A!N! !Y! ! !20050928!20070130!188991954!116187758!001381284!N!GENERAL DYNAMICS C4 SYSTEMS IN!400 JOHN QUINCY ADAMS ROAD!TAUNTON !MA!02780!69170!005!25!TAUNTON !BRIS… Key points: 1. Contract value of $18.9 million for a 701-day period suggests a significant investment in specialized equipment. 2. The 'NOT COMPETED' status raises questions about potential cost efficiencies and market-driven pricing. 3. Firm Fixed Price contract type indicates that the government has accepted the price upfront, shifting cost risk to the contractor. 4. The contract falls under 'ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION EQUIP' and 'OTHER EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES', indicating a dual purpose. 5. Awarded by the Department of Defense, this contract likely supports critical national security or operational needs. 6. The contractor, General Dynamics C4 Systems, is a major player in defense contracting, suggesting established capabilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $18.9 million over 701 days averages to approximately $26,600 per day. Without specific details on the equipment or training provided, it's difficult to benchmark against similar contracts. However, the 'NOT COMPETED' nature suggests that a competitive bidding process, which typically drives down prices, was not utilized. This could mean the price is higher than it might have been under full and open competition.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a 'NOT COMPETED' basis, indicating it was likely a sole-source award or awarded under specific exceptions to full and open competition. This means there was no formal bidding process involving multiple vendors. The lack of competition limits the government's ability to leverage market forces to secure the best possible price and terms.

Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition means taxpayers may not have benefited from the cost savings that typically arise from a competitive bidding environment, potentially leading to a higher overall expenditure for the goods and services procured.

Public Impact

The Department of Defense is the primary beneficiary, receiving critical electronics and communication equipment. Services likely include the provision of advanced communication systems and potentially associated training for military personnel. The geographic impact is likely national, supporting defense operations across various locations. Workforce implications could include specialized technical roles for installation, maintenance, and training related to the equipment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may lead to inflated pricing.
Sole-source awards can limit innovation by excluding potential new entrants.
Contract duration of 701 days might indicate a long-term need or potential for scope creep.

Positive Signals

Award to a known entity like General Dynamics C4 Systems suggests reliability and established expertise.
Firm Fixed Price contract shifts cost overrun risk to the contractor.
The contract supports critical defense infrastructure, aligning with national security objectives.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader defense electronics and communication equipment sector. This market is characterized by high technological sophistication, significant R&D investment, and a concentration of large, established defense contractors. Spending in this sector is driven by evolving military requirements, technological advancements, and national security priorities. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other large-scale procurements of similar communication systems or electronic warfare equipment by government agencies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this was not a small business set-aside contract (ss: false). There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses. Given the nature of the contractor and the likely complexity of the equipment, it's possible that larger subcontractors may be involved, but the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is not detailed in this record.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Defense's contract management agencies, such as the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA). Accountability measures are inherent in the Firm Fixed Price structure, requiring the contractor to deliver specified goods and services at the agreed-upon price. Transparency is limited by the sole-source nature of the award, but contract award data is generally publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Defense Communications Systems
Electronic Warfare Equipment
Military Training Services
Command and Control Systems

Risk Flags

Sole-source award may indicate lack of competition leading to potentially higher costs.
Contract duration is substantial, requiring careful monitoring for scope creep and performance.
Lack of detailed public information on specific equipment limits independent value assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $21.3 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC.. 200512!008626!2100!W15P7T!USA COMMUNICATIONS-ELECTRONICS !W15P7T05CG013 !A!N! !Y! ! !20050928!20070130!188991954!116187758!001381284!N!GENERAL DYNAMICS C4 SYSTEMS IN!400 JOHN QUINCY ADAMS ROAD!TAUNTON !MA!02780!69170!005!25!TAUNTON !BRISTOL !MASS !+000010710439!N!N!000000000000!U099!OTHER EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES !A7 !ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION EQUIP !000 !* !611420!E! !1! ! ! ! ! !202

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $21.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-09-28. End: 2007-08-30.

What specific types of electronics and communication equipment were procured under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract falls under the Product Service Code (PSC) '611420' for 'ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION EQUIP' and also mentions 'OTHER EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES'. While the exact specifications are not detailed, this suggests the procurement likely involved advanced communication hardware, potentially including radios, satellite terminals, network equipment, or related components. The inclusion of training services implies that the contract may also cover the operational use and maintenance of this sophisticated equipment, ensuring military personnel are proficient in its deployment and utilization.

Why was this contract not competed, and what are the implications for cost?

The 'NOT COMPETED' status suggests that the Department of Defense determined that full and open competition was not feasible or advantageous for this specific procurement. Reasons could include a need for highly specialized technology only available from a single source, urgent requirements that precluded a lengthy competition, or a previous investment in a specific system that made a sole-source follow-on award more efficient. The primary implication for cost is the potential for a higher price compared to a competitive scenario. Without competing bids, the government loses the leverage of market forces to drive down prices, potentially resulting in a less favorable financial outcome for taxpayers.

What is the track record of General Dynamics C4 Systems in fulfilling similar defense contracts?

General Dynamics C4 Systems, now part of General Dynamics Mission Systems, has a long and extensive history of delivering complex communication, computing, and electronic systems to the Department of Defense and other government agencies. They are a major prime contractor on numerous large-scale defense programs, including command and control systems, tactical radios, and cybersecurity solutions. Their track record generally indicates a capacity to handle large, technically demanding contracts. However, like any large contractor, specific contract performance can vary, and a detailed review of past performance on similar contracts would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment.

How does the Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract type affect risk and pricing for this procurement?

A Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract, as indicated for this award, means the contractor agrees to a set price for the specified goods or services, regardless of their actual costs. This shifts the primary cost risk to the contractor. If General Dynamics C4 Systems incurs higher-than-expected costs to deliver the equipment and training, their profit margin will decrease. Conversely, if they manage costs effectively, their profit will increase. For the government, FFP provides cost certainty, as the total price is known upfront. This contract type is generally preferred when the scope of work is well-defined and technical risks are manageable, as it simplifies financial oversight.

What is the significance of the contract's dual classification under 'ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION EQUIP' and 'OTHER EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES'?

The dual classification suggests that this contract is not solely for the acquisition of hardware but also includes a significant component of training. This is common for complex electronic and communication systems, where effective deployment and utilization depend on skilled personnel. The 'OTHER EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES' classification indicates that the training provided may be specialized or fall outside standard educational categories, likely tailored to the specific equipment being supplied. This integrated approach aims to ensure the government receives not just the technology but also the capability to operate and maintain it effectively, maximizing the return on investment for the procured equipment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Business Schools and Computer and Management Training › Computer Training

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp (UEI: 001381284)

Address: 400 JOHN QUINCY ADAMS ROAD, TAUNTON, MA, 02780

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline