DoD's $38M Quick Change Barrel Kit Contract Awarded to General Dynamics-OTS, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $38,014,357 ($38.0M)
Contractor: General Dynamics-Ots, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2008-12-23
End Date: 2013-02-28
Contract Duration: 1,528 days
Daily Burn Rate: $24.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: QUICK CHANGE BARREL CONVERSION KIT-TO SUPPORT DEVELOPMENTAL AND OPERATIONAL TESTING (DT/OT) AND USER EVALUATIONS
Place of Performance
Location: WILLISTON, CHITTENDEN County, VERMONT, 05495, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
State: Vermont Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $38.0 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS-OTS, INC. for work described as: QUICK CHANGE BARREL CONVERSION KIT-TO SUPPORT DEVELOPMENTAL AND OPERATIONAL TESTING (DT/OT) AND USER EVALUATIONS Key points: 1. The contract, valued at $38 million, supports developmental and operational testing of weapon systems. 2. General Dynamics-OTS, Inc. secured the award through full and open competition. 3. The contract duration is over 1500 days, indicating a long-term need. 4. The sector is primarily defense manufacturing, specifically small arms.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $38 million over approximately 4 years appears reasonable for specialized defense equipment development and testing. Benchmarking against similar weapon system component development contracts would provide further insight.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process that likely drove price discovery. The number of bids received would further clarify the competitive landscape.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical defense testing and development, aiming to enhance military capabilities.
Public Impact
Enhances U.S. Army's small arms capabilities through advanced testing. Supports technological advancement in military hardware. Ensures readiness and effectiveness of soldier equipment. Potential for follow-on contracts based on testing outcomes.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in developmental testing.
- Long contract duration may not reflect evolving technological needs.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical components.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Supports essential defense testing and evaluation.
- Firm Fixed Price contract limits cost uncertainty.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically focusing on Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing. Spending benchmarks in this niche area are difficult to ascertain without specific program details, but $38 million for development and testing is significant.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to a small business. General Dynamics-OTS, Inc. is a large defense contractor. There is no specific set-aside for small businesses mentioned in this award.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Army's contracting process, including the use of full and open competition, suggests a degree of oversight. However, ongoing monitoring of performance and costs throughout the developmental and operational testing phases is crucial for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration.
- Developmental testing can be unpredictable.
- Potential for scope creep.
- Solely awarded to one large contractor.
- Limited public information on specific technical requirements.
Tags
small-arms-ordnance-and-ordnance-accesso, department-of-defense, vt, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $38.0 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS-OTS, INC.. QUICK CHANGE BARREL CONVERSION KIT-TO SUPPORT DEVELOPMENTAL AND OPERATIONAL TESTING (DT/OT) AND USER EVALUATIONS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS-OTS, 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 $38.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-12-23. End: 2013-02-28.
What specific performance improvements are expected from the quick change barrel conversion kit?
The quick change barrel conversion kit is intended to support developmental and operational testing (DT/OT) and user evaluations for the Department of the Army. While specific performance metrics are not detailed, such kits typically aim to improve weapon system efficiency, reduce barrel change time, enhance reliability under various conditions, and potentially offer modularity for different mission requirements.
What are the primary risks associated with this developmental contract?
Key risks include potential cost overruns during the extensive DT/OT phases, schedule delays if testing reveals unforeseen technical challenges, and the possibility that the developed kit may not meet operational requirements or user expectations, leading to rework or cancellation. Ensuring robust testing protocols and contingency planning is vital.
How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Army's small arms?
This contract is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of the Army's small arms by facilitating rigorous testing and evaluation of critical components like the quick change barrel conversion kit. This process allows for identification and resolution of potential flaws before widespread deployment, ultimately leading to more reliable, adaptable, and capable weapon systems for soldiers.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing › Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: WEAPONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: W15QKN07R0412
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp (UEI: 001381284)
Address: 128 LAKESIDE AVE, BURLINGTON, VT, 05401
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: $40,311,683
Exercised Options: $38,014,357
Current Obligation: $38,014,357
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-12-23
Current End Date: 2013-02-28
Potential End Date: 2013-02-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2015-04-01
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