DoD's $30M Integrated Baseband Package Awarded to General Dynamics for Army Communications

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $30,094,831 ($30.1M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-02-16

End Date: 2023-12-13

Contract Duration: 300 days

Daily Burn Rate: $100.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: CBP5-0026 C2 DEFENSE INTEGRATED BASEBAND PACKAGE FOR SNN

Place of Performance

Location: TAUNTON, BRISTOL County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02780

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $30.1 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: CBP5-0026 C2 DEFENSE INTEGRATED BASEBAND PACKAGE FOR SNN Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract is a delivery order under a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract, indicating potential for future task orders. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type generally shifts risk to the contractor, potentially leading to more predictable costs. 4. The awardee, General Dynamics Mission Systems, is a significant defense contractor with a substantial track record. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 334111 points to the manufacturing of electronic computers. 6. The contract duration of 300 days suggests a focused, short-term project or a specific phase of a larger effort.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific delivery order is challenging without knowing the total value of the IDIQ contract it falls under, or the specific technical requirements. However, the $30 million award for an integrated baseband package suggests a significant investment in communications infrastructure. Without comparable delivery orders or detailed cost breakdowns, a precise value-for-money assessment is difficult. The firm-fixed-price nature is a positive indicator for cost control, but the ultimate value depends on the delivered capabilities meeting the Army's needs.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this approach generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and innovation. The Department of Defense's use of full and open competition for this award suggests a desire to leverage the broadest possible market for this critical defense system.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition as it typically drives down prices through market forces, ensuring that the government receives the best possible value for its investment.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of the Army, which will receive enhanced integrated baseband capabilities for its communications systems. The services delivered are likely related to the manufacturing and integration of advanced electronic computer hardware for secure and reliable battlefield communications. The geographic impact is likely concentrated within Army operational theaters or support facilities, though the manufacturing may occur at contractor sites. Workforce implications may include specialized engineering, manufacturing, and integration roles at General Dynamics Mission Systems and its potential subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific competition details (number of bidders) limits full assessment of price discovery.
The nature of 'integrated baseband package' is broad and could encompass various levels of complexity and cost drivers.
Dependence on a single delivery order under an IDIQ makes it hard to assess long-term cost trends for this capability.
Firm-fixed-price contracts can sometimes lead to scope creep if not managed tightly, potentially increasing overall cost.
The specific performance metrics and acceptance criteria are not detailed, making it difficult to gauge the quality of the delivered product.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, maximizing potential for competitive pricing.
Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
Awardee is a large, established defense contractor with proven capabilities.
The contract is a delivery order, suggesting it aligns with an existing IDIQ framework, potentially streamlining future procurements.
The NAICS code indicates a focus on electronic computer manufacturing, a core defense technology area.

Sector Analysis

The defense electronics sector is characterized by high technological complexity, significant R&D investment, and long product lifecycles. Contracts like this, for integrated baseband packages, are crucial for maintaining modern military communications capabilities. The market is dominated by a few large prime contractors, such as General Dynamics, who often compete for large system integration and manufacturing awards. Spending in this area is driven by the need for secure, resilient, and high-bandwidth communication systems to support global operations and evolving threats. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within broader defense communications system procurements or specific electronic warfare/command and control system awards.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside, as indicated by 'sb': false. Furthermore, the 'ss' (small business subcontracting) field is also false, suggesting that there is no explicit requirement for the prime contractor to subcontract with small businesses on this particular award. This means that small businesses are unlikely to be direct beneficiaries of this specific contract, and their involvement would depend on General Dynamics' own subcontracting decisions or existing relationships.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Defense's contracting and program management structures. The firm-fixed-price nature provides a degree of cost control, but performance monitoring would be crucial to ensure the integrated baseband package meets technical specifications. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific technical details and performance metrics may be sensitive. The Inspector General of the Department of Defense would have jurisdiction to investigate any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Command and Control Systems
Army Tactical Communications Systems
Defense Information Systems Network (DISN)
Electronic Warfare Systems
Secure Communications Equipment Manufacturing

Risk Flags

Potential for technical complexity leading to integration challenges.
Schedule adherence is critical for operational readiness.
Firm-fixed-price contracts require diligent oversight to ensure quality and scope adherence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $30.1 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC.. CBP5-0026 C2 DEFENSE INTEGRATED BASEBAND PACKAGE FOR SNN

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 $30.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-02-16. End: 2023-12-13.

What is the specific technical functionality and intended use of the 'Integrated Baseband Package' awarded to General Dynamics?

The provided data does not detail the specific technical functionalities of the 'Integrated Baseband Package.' However, based on the context of defense communications and the NAICS code (334111 - Electronic Computer Manufacturing), it likely refers to a system that processes and manages the baseband signals for a communication network. This could include functions such as signal modulation/demodulation, data encoding/decoding, and network interface management. Its intended use is likely to enhance the capabilities of the Army's tactical communication systems, providing secure, reliable, and high-bandwidth data transmission essential for command and control operations in various operational environments. Further details would typically be found in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) or technical exhibits.

How does the $30 million award compare to historical spending on similar integrated baseband packages by the Department of the Army?

Comparing this $30 million delivery order to historical spending on similar integrated baseband packages is challenging without access to detailed historical procurement data specific to this technology and the Army. The value of such packages can vary significantly based on technological sophistication, required bandwidth, security features, and integration complexity. General Dynamics Mission Systems is a major defense contractor, and their awards can range from millions to billions. To provide a meaningful comparison, one would need to identify comparable contracts awarded over the past 5-10 years, analyze their scope, technical specifications, and final award values, and adjust for inflation. Without this granular data, it's difficult to definitively state whether $30 million represents a high, low, or average investment for this type of system.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or acceptance criteria for this contract, and how will they be measured?

The provided data does not specify the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or acceptance criteria for this contract. Typically, for an 'Integrated Baseband Package' in a defense context, KPIs would likely focus on aspects such as data throughput (bandwidth), signal-to-noise ratio, latency, reliability (mean time between failures), security compliance (e.g., TEMPEST, cryptographic standards), power consumption, and environmental ruggedness. Acceptance criteria would be detailed in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) and would outline the specific tests and demonstrations the system must pass before final acceptance by the government. Measurement methods would vary depending on the KPI, potentially involving laboratory testing, field trials, and performance monitoring during operational use.

What is the track record of General Dynamics Mission Systems in delivering similar complex communication systems to the Department of Defense?

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) has a long and extensive track record of delivering complex communication, command, control, and intelligence systems to the Department of Defense and other government agencies. They are a major player in the defense industry, known for their work on programs like the WIN-T (Warfighter Information Network-Tactical) program, various satellite communication systems, and secure network solutions. Their experience spans system design, integration, manufacturing, and lifecycle support for mission-critical platforms. While specific performance details for every contract are not publicly available, GDMS's continued success in winning large, competitive defense contracts suggests a generally positive history of delivering sophisticated technological solutions that meet stringent military requirements.

Are there any identified risks associated with this contract, such as technical challenges, schedule delays, or cost overruns, given the firm-fixed-price nature?

While the firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type aims to mitigate cost overrun risks for the government, potential risks still exist. Technical challenges are inherent in developing and integrating complex electronic systems; unforeseen issues could arise during development or testing, potentially impacting schedule or requiring contract modifications if scope changes are necessary. Schedule delays are also a risk, especially if the project involves novel technology or intricate integration with existing systems. Although the FFP structure places the financial risk of cost overruns on the contractor, significant delays could still impact the government's operational readiness. The primary risk for the government with FFP contracts often lies in ensuring the contractor meets all performance and quality specifications within the agreed price, as the contractor may be incentivized to cut corners if facing profitability challenges.

What is the strategic importance of this contract within the broader context of the Army's modernization efforts for its communication infrastructure?

This contract for an 'Integrated Baseband Package' is likely strategically important for the Army's modernization efforts, particularly concerning its tactical communication networks. Modern warfare demands resilient, high-bandwidth, and secure communication capabilities that can operate effectively in contested electromagnetic environments. Integrated baseband systems are fundamental components that process and manage the core signals for these networks. By awarding this contract, the Army is likely investing in upgrading or replacing legacy systems with more advanced technology, aiming to improve interoperability, enhance data transmission speeds for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) data, and bolster cybersecurity. Such upgrades are crucial for maintaining information superiority and enabling future operational concepts.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing › Electronic 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: $30,094,831

Exercised Options: $30,094,831

Current Obligation: $30,094,831

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W15P7T18D0008

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline