DoD's Ground Soldier Ensemble Program: $16.7M for 70 Prototypes, Full & Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $16,714,726 ($16.7M)
Contractor: General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2009-04-15
End Date: 2012-01-31
Contract Duration: 1,021 days
Daily Burn Rate: $16.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT PHASE OF THE GROUND SOLDIER ENSEMBLE (GSE) PROGRAM. AS PART OF THE PROTOTYPE PHASE THE CONTRACTOR WILL DELIVER 10 GSE PROTOTYPE SYSTEMS AND AS PART OF THE REFINEMENT PHASE THE CONTRACTOR WILL DELIVER 60 REFINED GSE SYSTEMS.
Place of Performance
Location: SCOTTSDALE, MARICOPA County, ARIZONA, 85257
State: Arizona Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $16.7 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT PHASE OF THE GROUND SOLDIER ENSEMBLE (GSE) PROGRAM. AS PART OF THE PROTOTYPE PHASE THE CONTRACTOR WILL DELIVER 10 GSE PROTOTYPE SYSTEMS AND AS PART OF THE REFINEMENT PHASE THE CONTRACTOR WILL DELIVER 60 REFINED GSE SYSTEMS. Key points: 1. The contract funds the technology development and prototype phases for the Ground Soldier Ensemble (GSE) program. 2. General Dynamics Mission Systems is the sole awardee, with the contract awarded via full and open competition. 3. The total value covers the delivery of 10 prototype systems and 60 refined systems. 4. This award falls under 'Other Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing' (NAICS 334119).
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The total award amount of $16.7M for 70 systems (prototypes and refined) needs further benchmarking against similar defense technology development contracts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded using full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the specific pricing mechanisms of Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can sometimes obscure true price discovery compared to fixed-price contracts.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced soldier technology development. The competitive award aims to ensure reasonable pricing, but the CPFF structure warrants close monitoring for efficiency.
Public Impact
Enhances soldier capabilities through advanced technology integration. Supports the modernization of the U.S. Army's equipment. Potential for improved soldier survivability and mission effectiveness. The program's success hinges on the effective delivery of functional prototypes and refined systems.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize contractor to increase costs.
- Lack of specific unit cost data makes benchmarking difficult.
- Program duration is lengthy, increasing risk of scope creep or obsolescence.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Addresses critical soldier modernization needs.
- Clear delivery milestones for prototypes and refined systems.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the defense sector, specifically focusing on technology development for soldier systems. Spending benchmarks for similar prototype development programs can vary widely based on technological complexity and program scope.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc., a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award, which is common for prime contracts of this nature.
Oversight & Accountability
The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) is responsible for contract administration. Oversight will be critical to ensure the contractor meets performance requirements and manages costs effectively under the CPFF structure.
Related Government Programs
- Other Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Potential for cost overruns.
- Long program duration.
- Lack of detailed cost breakdown.
- Reliance on a single large contractor.
Tags
other-computer-peripheral-equipment-manu, department-of-defense, az, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $16.7 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC.. TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT PHASE OF THE GROUND SOLDIER ENSEMBLE (GSE) PROGRAM. AS PART OF THE PROTOTYPE PHASE THE CONTRACTOR WILL DELIVER 10 GSE PROTOTYPE SYSTEMS AND AS PART OF THE REFINEMENT PHASE THE CONTRACTOR WILL DELIVER 60 REFINED GSE SYSTEMS.
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 (Defense Contract Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $16.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2009-04-15. End: 2012-01-31.
What is the projected cost per refined GSE system, and how does it compare to industry benchmarks for similar integrated soldier systems?
The total contract value is $16.7 million for 70 systems (10 prototypes + 60 refined). This averages to approximately $238,571 per system. However, this includes development costs. A precise per-unit cost for the refined systems cannot be determined without a breakdown of development vs. production costs. Benchmarking would require access to proprietary data on similar advanced soldier system programs.
What are the key performance metrics for the GSE prototypes, and what are the risks associated with achieving them within the contract timeline and budget?
Key performance metrics likely include functionality, durability, power efficiency, and integration capabilities of the ensemble components. Risks include technological immaturity, integration challenges between different system parts, potential for component obsolescence during the development cycle, and contractor performance issues. The CPFF structure might mitigate some contractor risk but increases government exposure to cost overruns if performance targets are missed.
How will the effectiveness of the GSE program be measured post-delivery to ensure it meets the intended operational needs of ground soldiers?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through rigorous testing and evaluation (T&E) phases, including user trials with actual ground soldiers in simulated operational environments. Feedback from these trials will inform refinements. Post-deployment assessments and operational readiness reports will further gauge the program's success in enhancing soldier capabilities and mission outcomes.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing › Other Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: W56HZV09R0020
Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp
Address: 8201 E MCDOWELL ROAD, SCOTTSDALE, AZ, 85257
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $16,714,726
Exercised Options: $16,714,726
Current Obligation: $16,714,726
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2009-04-15
Current End Date: 2012-01-31
Potential End Date: 2012-01-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-06-29
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