DoD's $28.3M Engineering Services Contract Awarded to DCS Corporation for Ground Vehicle Survivability

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $28,357,454 ($28.4M)

Contractor: DCS Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-04-05

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 908 days

Daily Burn Rate: $31.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: TECHNICAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES (TES) SUPPORT FOR THE GROUND VEHICLE SURVIVABILITY AND PROTECTION (GVSP) DIRECTORATE AND THEIR ASSOCIATED CUSTOMERS

Place of Performance

Location: ALEXANDRIA, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22310

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $28.4 million to DCS CORPORATION for work described as: TECHNICAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES (TES) SUPPORT FOR THE GROUND VEHICLE SURVIVABILITY AND PROTECTION (GVSP) DIRECTORATE AND THEIR ASSOCIATED CUSTOMERS Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract is for technical and engineering services, indicating a need for specialized expertise. 3. The duration of the contract is substantial, spanning over 900 days. 4. The award type is a delivery order, suggesting it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. 5. The contractor, DCS Corporation, has a track record in providing technical and engineering support. 6. The contract focuses on ground vehicle survivability and protection, a critical area for defense. 7. The pricing structure is Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), which can incentivize cost control but requires careful oversight.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $28.3 million over approximately 2.5 years for specialized engineering services appears reasonable within the defense sector. Benchmarking against similar contracts for technical and engineering support for vehicle programs would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The CPFF structure necessitates diligent oversight to ensure costs remain aligned with the fixed fee and project scope, but it allows for flexibility in evolving technical requirements.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely solicited and evaluated. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and innovative solutions. The number of bidders and the specific evaluation criteria would further illuminate the strength of the competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for cost savings through competitive bidding and encourages a wider pool of qualified contractors to offer their services.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of the Army and its Ground Vehicle Survivability and Protection Directorate, receiving critical engineering and technical support. Services delivered include technical and engineering support essential for enhancing the survivability and protection of ground vehicles. The geographic impact is primarily within the United States, supporting defense research and development activities. Workforce implications include the employment of engineers, technical specialists, and support staff by DCS Corporation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type requires robust oversight to manage costs effectively and prevent potential overruns.
The duration of the contract (over 900 days) necessitates sustained performance monitoring to ensure continued value and adherence to evolving requirements.
As a delivery order, its performance is contingent on the terms and conditions of the parent IDIQ contract, which may introduce additional complexities.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive process that likely yielded a fair price.
DCS Corporation's specialization in technical and engineering services suggests a strong capability to meet the contract's requirements.
The focus on ground vehicle survivability and protection addresses a critical defense need, implying strategic importance.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting defense-related research, development, and technical services. The market for defense engineering services is substantial, driven by continuous modernization and technological advancement in military platforms. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other contracts for similar technical support to ground vehicle programs within the Department of Defense or other military branches.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a set-aside provision. However, the prime contractor, DCS Corporation, may engage small businesses as subcontractors, depending on their own subcontracting plans and the availability of specialized services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract will likely be managed by the contracting officer and technical representatives within the Department of the Army. Accountability measures will involve performance reviews, milestone tracking, and financial audits to ensure adherence to the contract terms and efficient use of funds. Transparency is typically maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific project details may be sensitive.

Related Government Programs

Ground Vehicle Modernization Programs
Armored Vehicle Research and Development
Military Engineering Support Services
Defense Technical Services Contracts
Army Combat Systems Development

Risk Flags

Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF)
Scope Creep Potential
Performance Monitoring Complexity
Dependency on Parent IDIQ Contract

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $28.4 million to DCS CORPORATION. TECHNICAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES (TES) SUPPORT FOR THE GROUND VEHICLE SURVIVABILITY AND PROTECTION (GVSP) DIRECTORATE AND THEIR ASSOCIATED CUSTOMERS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DCS CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $28.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-04-05. End: 2026-09-30.

What is DCS Corporation's past performance record with the Department of Defense, particularly on similar engineering services contracts?

DCS Corporation has a history of providing technical and engineering support to various government agencies, including the Department of Defense. Their past performance on similar contracts would be evaluated during the bidding process. Specific details on past performance metrics, such as on-time delivery, quality of work, and cost control, are typically assessed by the agency. A review of contract databases and performance reports (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) would provide a more granular understanding of their track record. Generally, for a contract of this magnitude to be awarded, the agency would have found their past performance satisfactory.

How does the $28.3 million contract value compare to similar engineering services contracts for ground vehicle protection programs?

The $28.3 million value for approximately 2.5 years of engineering services for ground vehicle survivability and protection is within a typical range for specialized defense contracts. However, a precise comparison requires benchmarking against contracts with similar scopes of work, technical requirements, and duration. Factors such as the specific technologies involved, the level of research and development, and the number of vehicles or systems supported can significantly influence cost. Without access to detailed comparative contract data, it's challenging to definitively state if this represents exceptional value, but it aligns with the expected investment in critical defense capabilities.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for engineering services in a defense context?

The primary risk with a CPFF contract is that the contractor may not be sufficiently incentivized to control costs, as costs are reimbursed. While the fixed fee provides a ceiling for profit, there's a risk of cost overruns if project scope expands or unforeseen technical challenges arise. For the government, effective oversight is crucial to monitor expenditures and ensure the contractor is operating efficiently. The risk is mitigated by robust government oversight, clear definition of work, and strong contract administration to manage changes and validate costs.

How effective is the Ground Vehicle Survivability and Protection (GVSP) Directorate in leveraging such contracts to enhance military capabilities?

The effectiveness of the GVSP Directorate in leveraging this contract hinges on several factors, including the clarity of their technical requirements, the quality of oversight provided, and the contractor's ability to deliver innovative solutions. Contracts like this are essential for staying ahead of evolving threats and ensuring ground forces have the best possible protection. Success would be measured by improvements in vehicle survivability metrics, successful integration of new technologies, and the timely delivery of engineering support. The Directorate's strategic planning and execution capabilities are key to maximizing the impact of this investment.

What are the historical spending patterns for engineering services related to ground vehicle protection within the Department of Defense?

Historical spending on engineering services for ground vehicle protection within the DoD has been substantial and consistent, reflecting the ongoing need to upgrade and maintain armored fleets against emerging threats. Budgets allocated to this area often fluctuate based on geopolitical conditions, new program starts, and technological advancements. Analyzing past budgets for programs like the Abrams tank upgrades, Stryker vehicle enhancements, or new vehicle development initiatives would reveal trends. This $28.3 million award represents a portion of that ongoing investment, underscoring the sustained commitment to this critical capability area.

What is the potential impact of this contract on the development of future ground vehicle technologies?

This contract has the potential to significantly influence future ground vehicle technologies by funding critical research, development, and engineering efforts. The insights gained and solutions developed under this contract could lead to advancements in areas such as advanced armor materials, active protection systems, enhanced crew survivability features, and improved vehicle mobility under adverse conditions. The expertise brought by DCS Corporation, combined with the specific requirements of the GVSP Directorate, can foster innovation that shapes the next generation of military ground vehicles, ensuring they remain effective and survivable on future battlefields.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6909 METRO PARK DR, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22310

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $28,357,454

Exercised Options: $28,357,454

Current Obligation: $28,357,454

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 18

Total Subaward Amount: $4,072,558

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W56HZV23D0017

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline