DoD awards $26.8M for Joint Assault Bridge prototypes, with 3 bidders vying for the contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $26,814,585 ($26.8M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Land Systems Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2012-04-30

End Date: 2014-12-12

Contract Duration: 956 days

Daily Burn Rate: $28.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: THIS ACTION IS FOR THE ENGINEERING AND TESTING OF TWO JOINT ASSAULT BRIDGE PROTOTYPES.

Place of Performance

Location: ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, HARFORD County, MARYLAND, 21005, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $26.8 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS LAND SYSTEMS INC. for work described as: THIS ACTION IS FOR THE ENGINEERING AND TESTING OF TWO JOINT ASSAULT BRIDGE PROTOTYPES. Key points: 1. The contract focuses on engineering and testing, indicating a developmental stage rather than production. 2. A firm-fixed-price contract type suggests that cost risks are primarily borne by the contractor. 3. The presence of 3 bidders points to a competitive environment for this specialized defense technology. 4. The contract duration of 956 days allows for thorough development and testing phases. 5. The award value is moderate for a defense prototype project, suggesting potential value for money. 6. The manufacturing sector for military vehicles is highly specialized, with limited players. 7. The contract is a sole-source award, indicating a specific need or limited vendor capability.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $26.8 million for engineering and testing of two prototypes appears reasonable within the context of defense acquisition. Benchmarking against similar prototype development contracts for armored vehicles suggests this is within expected cost ranges. The firm-fixed-price structure helps control costs for the government, provided the scope is well-defined.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, with three bids received. This level of competition is generally positive, suggesting that multiple capable contractors were interested and able to bid. The presence of three bidders indicates a healthy, albeit specialized, market for this type of defense engineering and testing.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive bidding process likely resulted in a more favorable price for taxpayers compared to a sole-source award. It ensures that the government receives proposals from various sources, driving down costs through market forces.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Army, which will receive advanced engineering and testing for a new assault bridge capability. The services delivered include critical engineering, design, and testing to validate the functionality and performance of the bridge prototypes. The geographic impact is primarily within the United States, where the contractor's facilities are located and testing will occur. Workforce implications include employment for engineers, technicians, and support staff within the defense contracting sector, specifically at General Dynamics Land Systems.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if testing requirements evolve significantly.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical prototype development.
Risk of schedule delays if unforeseen technical challenges arise during engineering.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract mitigates cost overruns for the government.
Competitive award process suggests a fair market price was likely achieved.
Experienced contractor with a track record in military vehicle manufacturing.
Clear definition of engineering and testing phases provides a structured approach.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Defense Industrial Base, specifically the manufacturing sector for military armored vehicles and components. The market is characterized by high barriers to entry due to specialized knowledge, technology, and stringent government requirements. Spending in this sector is driven by modernization efforts and the need for advanced combat support systems. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve other prototype development contracts for major ground combat systems.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, as indicated by 'sb': false. The prime contractor, General Dynamics Land Systems Inc., is a large defense manufacturer. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses within this award notice, but large prime contractors often engage small businesses for specialized components or services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Department of the Army contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms and performance milestones. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed technical testing reports may be considered sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Joint Assault Bridge Systems
Military Engineering Vehicles
Armored Vehicle Manufacturing
Defense Prototype Development
Army Combat Systems

Risk Flags

Prototype development risk
Technical performance risk
Schedule adherence risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $26.8 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS LAND SYSTEMS INC.. THIS ACTION IS FOR THE ENGINEERING AND TESTING OF TWO JOINT ASSAULT BRIDGE PROTOTYPES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS LAND 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 $26.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-04-30. End: 2014-12-12.

What is the track record of General Dynamics Land Systems Inc. in delivering similar defense prototype contracts?

General Dynamics Land Systems Inc. (GDLS) has a long and extensive track record in developing and manufacturing ground combat vehicles for the U.S. military and international allies. They are well-known for producing the Abrams Main Battle Tank and have been involved in various other armored vehicle programs, including Stryker vehicles. Their experience encompasses design, engineering, testing, and production of complex military systems. GDLS has a history of successfully delivering prototypes and full-rate production vehicles, often under challenging technical and schedule requirements. Their involvement in this Joint Assault Bridge prototype contract leverages this deep expertise in armored vehicle technology and military logistics.

How does the $26.8 million award value compare to other military vehicle prototype contracts?

The $26.8 million award for engineering and testing of two Joint Assault Bridge prototypes is a moderate figure within the realm of defense acquisition for major systems. Prototype development for ground combat vehicles can range from tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the complexity, technology involved, and the number of prototypes. For instance, the development of a new main battle tank or a highly advanced infantry fighting vehicle could easily exceed this amount. However, for a specialized bridging system, especially at the prototype stage focusing on engineering and testing, $26.8 million represents a significant but not extraordinary investment. It suggests a focused effort on validating the design and functionality before committing to larger production runs.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of engineering and testing contract?

The primary risks associated with this engineering and testing contract include technical challenges during development, potential for schedule delays, and cost overruns if the scope is not tightly managed. For a prototype, unforeseen issues in design integration, material performance, or system functionality can arise, requiring redesign or additional testing. The firm-fixed-price nature shifts cost risk to the contractor, but significant technical hurdles could still lead to contractor performance issues or requests for contract modifications. Schedule delays are also a concern, as the 956-day duration, while substantial, needs to accommodate rigorous testing protocols. Finally, ensuring the prototypes meet all stringent military requirements and performance specifications is a critical risk.

What is the expected program effectiveness and impact of the Joint Assault Bridge?

The expected program effectiveness of the Joint Assault Bridge is to significantly enhance the mobility of U.S. Army forces, particularly armored units. It is designed to enable combat vehicles to cross wet and dry gaps, such as rivers and ravines, under tactical conditions. This capability is crucial for maintaining offensive momentum, bypassing obstacles, and improving operational flexibility on the battlefield. The successful engineering and testing of these prototypes are foundational steps towards fielding a reliable and effective bridging system that can support future military operations. Its impact will be felt in improved maneuverability and survivability for ground forces.

How has spending on military armored vehicle manufacturing evolved over the past decade?

Spending on military armored vehicle manufacturing has seen fluctuations over the past decade, influenced by geopolitical events, ongoing conflicts, and evolving military doctrines. Following periods of intense combat operations (e.g., Iraq and Afghanistan), there was a shift towards modernization and recapitalization of aging fleets. Defense budgets, while subject to political pressures, generally prioritize maintaining technological superiority in this domain. Investments often focus on upgrading existing platforms, developing new capabilities (like the Joint Assault Bridge), and ensuring readiness. The trend has been towards more technologically advanced, networked, and survivable vehicles, which often translates to higher per-unit costs but potentially greater operational effectiveness. Specific spending levels vary annually based on congressional appropriations and strategic priorities.

What does the 'Military Armored Vehicle, Tank, and Tank Component Manufacturing' NAICS code imply about this contract?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 336992, 'Military Armored Vehicle, Tank, and Tank Component Manufacturing,' precisely categorizes the industry sector for this contract. It signifies that the work involves the production or development of specialized vehicles designed for combat or military support, including tanks and their constituent parts. This classification indicates a highly specialized manufacturing niche with significant barriers to entry, requiring advanced engineering, specialized materials, and adherence to strict military specifications. Companies operating under this code are typically large defense contractors with established relationships and proven capabilities in meeting the demanding requirements of military procurement.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Transportation Equipment Manufacturing › Military Armored Vehicle, Tank, and Tank Component Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: PREFAB STRUCTURES/SCAFFOLDING

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp (UEI: 001381284)

Address: 38500 MOUND RD, STERLING HEIGHTS, MI, 48310

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $26,814,585

Exercised Options: $26,814,585

Current Obligation: $26,814,585

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 57

Total Subaward Amount: $20,911,535

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline