General Dynamics awarded $21.1M for aviation technical assistance, with 5 bidders competing

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,092,657 ($21.1M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2021-06-24

End Date: 2026-06-23

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: EXPRRESS TASK ORDER AWARD FOR SYSTEMS ENGINEERING & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SUPPORT SERVICES FOR MULTI-NATIONAL AVIATION SPECIAL PROJECTS OFFICE

Place of Performance

Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35898

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $21.1 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: EXPRRESS TASK ORDER AWARD FOR SYSTEMS ENGINEERING & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SUPPORT SERVICES FOR MULTI-NATIONAL AVIATION SPECIAL PROJECTS OFFICE Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the duration and scope of specialized technical support. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these services. 3. Potential risks include scope creep and ensuring continued technical relevance over the contract term. 4. This award supports critical aviation projects, indicating a strategic investment by the Department of Defense. 5. The contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, has a significant presence in government contracting. 6. The contract type (Time and Materials) warrants close monitoring to control costs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The $21.1 million award over five years for systems engineering and technical assistance is within a reasonable range for specialized defense support. Benchmarking against similar contracts for technical assistance in aviation programs suggests competitive pricing. The Time and Materials (T&M) contract type, while flexible, requires diligent oversight to ensure cost efficiency and prevent overruns. The number of bidders (5) indicates a competitive environment that likely contributed to a fair price.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, with five bidders submitting proposals. This level of competition is generally positive, suggesting that multiple capable vendors were available and interested in providing the required services. The presence of five bidders likely drove a more competitive pricing structure and allowed the agency to select the best value offer.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the multinational aviation special projects office within the Department of Defense, receiving critical systems engineering and technical assistance. Services delivered include specialized technical support essential for complex aviation programs. The geographic impact is primarily within the United States, supporting defense operations. Workforce implications include the potential for skilled engineers and technical specialists to be employed by the contractor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Risk of cost overruns due to Time and Materials contract type if not closely managed.
Potential for technical obsolescence if the contractor's solutions are not kept current with evolving aviation technology.
Dependency on a single contractor for critical technical expertise could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust market and potential for best value.
Contractor has a strong track record in government IT and defense services.
Long-term contract duration (5 years) provides stability for critical project support.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader Information Technology and Professional Services sector, specifically focusing on management consulting and technical assistance for defense aviation. The market for such specialized engineering and technical support services is substantial within the federal government, driven by complex defense acquisition programs. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found in other large, multi-year IT and engineering support contracts awarded by agencies like the DoD, NASA, and DHS.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. The award to a large prime contractor like General Dynamics Information Technology suggests that small business participation may be limited unless explicitly mandated or pursued voluntarily by the prime. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the contracting officer and the program office within the Department of the Army. Accountability measures are inherent in the contract terms, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance metrics are typically not publicly disclosed. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) Contracts
Defense Aviation Support Services
Department of Defense IT Services
Professional and Management Consulting Services

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to T&M contract type.
Ensuring continued technical relevance over the contract term.
Dependency on contractor's key personnel.
Adequacy of government oversight for T&M billing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $21.1 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. EXPRRESS TASK ORDER AWARD FOR SYSTEMS ENGINEERING & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SUPPORT SERVICES FOR MULTI-NATIONAL AVIATION SPECIAL PROJECTS OFFICE

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 (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $21.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-06-24. End: 2026-06-23.

What is General Dynamics Information Technology's track record with similar SETA contracts for the Department of Defense?

General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) has a substantial track record of performing Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) contracts for the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. They are a major IT and professional services provider with extensive experience supporting complex defense programs, including aviation and C4ISR systems. Their past performance often includes providing technical expertise, program management support, and systems integration services. While specific details of past SETA contracts would require deeper research into contract databases and performance reviews, GDIT's overall profile suggests they are well-equipped to handle the requirements of this award. Their history includes numerous large-scale contracts that demonstrate capability in managing technical teams, adhering to security protocols, and delivering on complex engineering challenges within defense environments.

How does the $21.1 million value compare to similar aviation technical assistance contracts?

The $21.1 million value for five years of Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) support for multi-national aviation special projects appears to be within a reasonable range when compared to similar large-scale defense support contracts. The average annual value is approximately $4.2 million. SETA contracts often involve highly specialized expertise and can be costly due to the need for cleared personnel and deep technical knowledge. Contracts for similar engineering, technical, and program management support services for major defense platforms or programs can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars over their lifecycle. The competitive nature of this award (5 bidders) also suggests that the pricing achieved was likely market-driven and represented good value for the specialized services required by the Army.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for technical assistance?

The primary risk associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract, like the one awarded to General Dynamics Information Technology, is the potential for cost overruns. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M contracts reimburse the contractor for direct labor hours at specified rates and for the actual cost of materials. This structure can incentivize longer task durations or less efficient work if not closely monitored by the government. For technical assistance, risks include scope creep, where requirements expand beyond the initial understanding, leading to increased labor hours. Ensuring that the labor categories and rates are appropriate and that work is performed efficiently requires robust government oversight, including detailed review of timesheets and material invoices. Without strong management, the total cost can exceed initial estimates, impacting the value for taxpayers.

How effective is full and open competition in ensuring value for money in specialized defense IT services?

Full and open competition is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value for money in specialized defense IT services. By allowing all responsible sources to submit bids, the government maximizes the pool of potential offerors, increasing the likelihood of receiving competitive pricing and innovative solutions. A larger number of bidders, such as the five in this case, typically leads to more aggressive pricing strategies as companies vie for the contract. It also provides the agency with a broader range of technical approaches and capabilities to choose from, enabling selection of the best overall value, which may include factors beyond just price, such as technical merit and past performance. While the administrative effort to manage a full and open competition is higher, the potential savings and improved outcomes for taxpayers are usually significant.

What is the historical spending trend for administrative management and general management consulting services within the Department of the Army?

Historical spending trends for Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services (NAICS code 541611) within the Department of the Army have generally shown a consistent demand for these services. Agencies like the Army frequently utilize these contracts to obtain specialized expertise for program management, strategic planning, process improvement, and technical assistance that may not be available internally or requires external, objective perspectives. Spending in this category can fluctuate based on specific program needs, budget allocations, and modernization efforts. While this specific award is for aviation projects, the broader category of management consulting services is a significant area of federal procurement, reflecting the ongoing need for expert support across various defense functions. Analyzing historical data would reveal patterns of increased spending during periods of major defense system development or acquisition.

What are the implications of awarding a 5-year contract for aviation special projects?

Awarding a 5-year contract for aviation special projects provides significant benefits in terms of stability and continuity for critical defense initiatives. This extended duration allows the contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, to develop deep institutional knowledge and maintain a consistent team focused on the specific needs of the multi-national aviation special projects office. It reduces the administrative burden and costs associated with frequent re-competition and allows for long-term planning and investment in specialized resources. For the government, it ensures that vital technical expertise is available throughout the lifecycle of complex aviation programs, which often have multi-year development and sustainment phases. The stability also enables better relationship building between the government program managers and the contractor's technical leads, fostering collaboration and potentially leading to more effective problem-solving.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Wico Limited

Address: 3150 FAIRVIEW PARK DR STE 100, FALLS CHURCH, VA, 22042

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $33,866,433

Exercised Options: $21,092,657

Current Obligation: $21,092,657

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $401,690

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00F313CA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline