General Dynamics awarded $9.8M for DARPA TIGRNet program, focusing on R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $9,833,737 ($9.8M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2006-12-07

End Date: 2008-03-31

Contract Duration: 480 days

Daily Burn Rate: $20.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: AWARD UNDER DARPA BAA 02-21 FOR THE TIGRNET PROGRAM.

Place of Performance

Location: FALLS CHURCH, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22042

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $9.8 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: AWARD UNDER DARPA BAA 02-21 FOR THE TIGRNET PROGRAM. Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for a research and development initiative of this nature. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for this type of specialized research. 3. Contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) may present some cost control challenges. 4. Performance period of 480 days is standard for R&D projects. 5. The contract aligns with DARPA's mission to fund cutting-edge research. 6. Virginia is the primary state for contract performance.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $9.8 million for a 480-day research and development contract is within a typical range for projects of this complexity. Benchmarking against similar DARPA BAA awards for advanced research initiatives suggests this pricing is competitive. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure, while common in R&D, necessitates careful oversight to ensure cost efficiency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), indicating a full and open competition. This process allows any interested and qualified offeror to submit a proposal. While the number of bidders is not specified, the BAA mechanism generally fosters a competitive environment for innovative research.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages multiple companies to propose solutions, driving innovation and potentially leading to more cost-effective outcomes.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Department of Defense through advancements in research and development. The contract supports the TIGRNet program, likely contributing to advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Geographic impact is concentrated in Virginia, where General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. will perform the work. The contract supports a specialized workforce in research and development fields.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can incentivize higher spending if not closely monitored.
The duration of the contract (480 days) requires sustained oversight to ensure milestones are met.

Positive Signals

Awarded under a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) indicates a competitive selection process.
The contract is for Research and Development, aligning with strategic government objectives.
General Dynamics Information Technology is a well-established contractor with significant experience.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. This is a critical area for defense innovation, where agencies like DARPA invest heavily to maintain technological superiority. Comparable spending in this sector involves significant investment in advanced materials, artificial intelligence, and biotechnologies, often through competitive BAA processes.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless General Dynamics voluntarily engages small business subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is likely managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) and the contracting officers within DARPA. The CPFF contract type necessitates rigorous financial and performance monitoring to ensure adherence to the fixed fee and manage cost expenditures. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific project details may be sensitive.

Related Government Programs

DARPA Research Programs
Department of Defense R&D Contracts
Information Technology Research
Physical Sciences Research
Engineering Sciences Research
Life Sciences Research

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
Research and Development projects inherently carry technical and programmatic risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $9.8 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. AWARD UNDER DARPA BAA 02-21 FOR THE TIGRNET PROGRAM.

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 Contract Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $9.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2006-12-07. End: 2008-03-31.

What is the track record of General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. with DARPA contracts?

General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. (GDIT) has a substantial history of performing contracts for various U.S. government agencies, including the Department of Defense and DARPA. Their experience spans a wide range of services, including IT support, research and development, and systems integration. While specific performance metrics for this particular $9.8 million contract (awarded in 2006) are not detailed here, GDIT's overall profile suggests a capacity to handle complex R&D projects. Their extensive portfolio indicates a proven ability to manage large-scale contracts and deliver on technical requirements, though like any large contractor, specific project outcomes can vary.

How does the $9.8 million award compare to other DARPA R&D contracts in the physical, engineering, and life sciences sector?

The $9.8 million award for the TIGRNet program is a moderate-sized contract within DARPA's R&D portfolio. DARPA often funds projects ranging from a few million dollars for early-stage research to tens or even hundreds of millions for larger, multi-year programs. Contracts in the physical, engineering, and life sciences can vary significantly based on the scope, duration, and technological novelty. This award appears consistent with funding for specific research thrusts or foundational technology development within a broader DARPA initiative, rather than a flagship program.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for R&D?

The primary risk with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract, especially for R&D, is the potential for cost overruns. While the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs, the fixed fee provides a set profit margin. This structure can sometimes disincentivize the contractor from aggressively controlling costs, as increased spending directly leads to higher reimbursements, even if the fee remains constant. For the government, the risk lies in paying higher overall costs than anticipated if the contractor is not efficient. Robust oversight and clear definition of allowable costs are crucial to mitigate this risk.

What does the 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' (NAICS 541710) classification imply for this contract?

The NAICS code 541710 signifies that this contract is for fundamental research and applied research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. This includes disciplines like physics, chemistry, biology, materials science, computer science, and various engineering fields. For this DARPA contract, it implies the work involves scientific discovery, experimentation, and the creation of new knowledge or technologies within these domains, rather than the production of existing goods or standard services. It points towards innovation and the pursuit of novel solutions to complex problems.

How has federal spending in R&D (NAICS 541710) evolved, and where does this contract fit?

Federal spending in R&D, particularly under NAICS 541710, has historically been a significant component of the federal budget, driven by agencies like DoD, NSF, NIH, and DOE. Spending in this category has generally trended upwards over the years, reflecting a commitment to scientific advancement and technological competitiveness. This $9.8 million award from 2006 fits within the broader pattern of federal investment in cutting-edge research. While a single contract's value is modest in the grand scheme, it represents a specific allocation of resources towards advancing knowledge and capabilities in critical scientific and engineering areas, aligning with national security and economic priorities.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 15036 CONFERENCE CENTER DR, CHANTILLY, VA, 20151

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $9,833,737

Exercised Options: $9,833,737

Current Obligation: $9,833,737

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline