DoD awards $46.2M for communication equipment to General Dynamics, utilizing full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $46,205,065 ($46.2M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2019-09-27

End Date: 2023-02-28

Contract Duration: 1,250 days

Daily Burn Rate: $37.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: DELIVERY ORDER CHS5 2023 1N#9482 PROCURING 15 OTC'S, 241 MODEMS, 119 HARRIS FALCON BASEBAND, 57 HIGHBAND RADIO, 51 ANTENNA RANGE EXT KIT, 79 MODEM MPM 1000, 13 ANTENNA 18" E126, 48 ANTENNA 18" G126. HARD DRIVES AND 133 CASES COMPETITION

Place of Performance

Location: TAUNTON, BRISTOL County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02780

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $46.2 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: DELIVERY ORDER CHS5 2023 1N#9482 PROCURING 15 OTC'S, 241 MODEMS, 119 HARRIS FALCON BASEBAND, 57 HIGHBAND RADIO, 51 ANTENNA RANGE EXT KIT, 79 MODEM MPM 1000, 13 ANTENNA 18" E126, 48 ANTENNA 18" G126. HARD DRIVES AND 133 CASES COMPETITION Key points: 1. The contract focuses on specialized communication hardware, including radios and modems. 2. General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc. is the sole awardee for this delivery order. 3. The procurement method was full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract spans a significant duration, indicating a long-term need for these components.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total award amount is $46.2 million. Benchmarking against similar complex electronic equipment procurements suggests this pricing is within a reasonable range, especially considering the specific technical requirements and the prime contractor's established market position.

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 is generally expected to yield competitive pricing and ensure the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is positive for taxpayers, as it promotes a competitive environment that should drive down costs and ensure efficient use of funds.

Public Impact

Ensures the Department of the Army has critical communication hardware for its operations. Supports advanced military communication capabilities through specialized equipment. The award to a large defense contractor may have indirect economic impacts on its supply chain.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Lack of specific per-unit cost data makes detailed value assessment challenging.
  • Sole awardee for this specific delivery order, though competition was open initially.
  • Contract duration is lengthy, requiring ongoing monitoring for performance and cost.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded under full and open competition.
  • Contract is firm fixed price, providing cost certainty.
  • Procurement addresses essential operational needs for the Army.

Sector Analysis

This procurement falls within the Information Technology and Defense sectors, specifically related to electronic manufacturing and communication systems. Spending benchmarks for similar specialized military communication hardware can vary widely based on technological sophistication and quantity, but this award appears substantial.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small businesses were not directly awarded this contract, as it went to General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded via a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle. Oversight would typically involve monitoring performance against the delivery schedule, quality of goods, and adherence to contract terms by the Department of the Army.

Related Government Programs

  • Electronic Computer Manufacturing
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

  • Potential for cost overruns if detailed pricing is not closely managed.
  • Reliance on a single prime contractor for this delivery order.
  • Long contract duration may introduce risks related to technology obsolescence.
  • Lack of direct small business awardee.

Tags

electronic-computer-manufacturing, department-of-defense, ma, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $46.2 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC.. DELIVERY ORDER CHS5 2023 1N#9482 PROCURING 15 OTC'S, 241 MODEMS, 119 HARRIS FALCON BASEBAND, 57 HIGHBAND RADIO, 51 ANTENNA RANGE EXT KIT, 79 MODEM MPM 1000, 13 ANTENNA 18" E126, 48 ANTENNA 18" G126. HARD DRIVES AND 133 CASES COMPETITION

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 (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $46.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-09-27. End: 2023-02-28.

What is the specific breakdown of costs per item to better assess value?

Detailed cost breakdowns per item are not provided in the available data. While the total award is $46.2 million for a variety of communication equipment, understanding the cost per modem, radio, or antenna would require access to the detailed contract line item numbers (CLINs) and associated pricing. This granular data is crucial for precise value analysis and comparison against industry benchmarks.

What are the specific technical requirements that may limit competition?

The data lists specific hardware like Harris Falcon baseband and modems, suggesting specialized technical requirements. These could include interoperability with existing systems, specific performance standards (e.g., encryption, bandwidth, ruggedization), or proprietary technology. Such stringent requirements, even within a full and open competition framework, can naturally lead to fewer bidders possessing the necessary qualifications.

How does the performance of this equipment align with the Army's operational effectiveness?

The effectiveness of this equipment is directly tied to the Army's communication capabilities in its operational theaters. Reliable and high-performance radios and modems are critical for command and control, situational awareness, and data transmission. Successful delivery and performance of these items, as indicated by the contract's completion, would contribute positively to the Army's overall operational readiness and effectiveness.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingComputer and Peripheral Equipment ManufacturingElectronic Computer Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp

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

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $46,205,065

Exercised Options: $46,205,065

Current Obligation: $46,205,065

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W15P7T18D0008

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2019-09-27

Current End Date: 2023-02-28

Potential End Date: 2023-02-28 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-04-24

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