DoD Awards $44.9M for PROPHET Enhanced Program RDT&E to General Dynamics
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $44,933,125 ($44.9M)
Contractor: General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2019-01-11
End Date: 2023-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,723 days
Daily Burn Rate: $26.1K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: TASK ORDER W56KGY-19-F-0013 IS HEREBY ISSUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH (IAW) THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF BASIC CONTRACT W56KGY-17-D-0006 FOR RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION (RDT&E) TECHNICAL INSERTION (TI), FOR THE PROPHET ENHANCED PROGRAM OF RECORD.
Place of Performance
Location: SCOTTSDALE, MARICOPA County, ARIZONA, 85257
State: Arizona Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $44.9 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: TASK ORDER W56KGY-19-F-0013 IS HEREBY ISSUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH (IAW) THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF BASIC CONTRACT W56KGY-17-D-0006 FOR RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION (RDT&E) TECHNICAL INSERTION (TI), FOR THE PROPHET ENHANCED PROGRAM OF RECORD. Key points: 1. Significant investment in RDT&E for a specific program. 2. Sole-source award to General Dynamics Mission Systems. 3. Long performance period (over 4 years) suggests complex development. 4. Sector: Defense/Communications Equipment Manufacturing.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar RDT&E contracts for complex systems is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was not competed, indicating a potential lack of price discovery. This sole-source award may be justified if General Dynamics holds unique capabilities or intellectual property for the PROPHET system.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are committed without competitive bidding, potentially leading to a higher overall cost than a competed contract.
Public Impact
Enhances critical military communication and surveillance capabilities. Supports advanced technology development within the Department of Defense. Long-term contract ensures continued program support and potential for future upgrades.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus contract type
- Long performance period
Positive Signals
- Supports critical defense program
- Established contractor
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically related to 'Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing'. Spending in this area is driven by national security needs and technological advancements in military hardware and software.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc., is a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific task order.
Oversight & Accountability
The use of a sole-source, cost-plus fixed fee contract warrants close oversight to ensure cost control and adherence to program objectives. Regular performance reviews and audits are crucial.
Related Government Programs
- Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award lacks competitive pricing.
- Cost-plus contract type increases risk of cost overruns.
- Long duration may lead to scope creep or evolving requirements.
- Lack of small business participation.
Tags
other-communications-equipment-manufactu, department-of-defense, az, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $44.9 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC.. TASK ORDER W56KGY-19-F-0013 IS HEREBY ISSUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH (IAW) THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF BASIC CONTRACT W56KGY-17-D-0006 FOR RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION (RDT&E) TECHNICAL INSERTION (TI), FOR THE PROPHET ENHANCED PROGRAM OF RECORD.
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 (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $44.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-01-11. End: 2023-09-30.
What is the justification for the sole-source award, and were alternative solutions considered?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent needs where only one contractor can fulfill the requirement. Without further documentation, it's difficult to assess if alternatives were thoroughly explored or if this award represents the best value for the government.
How will the government ensure cost control and prevent overruns with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for RDT&E?
Effective cost control relies on robust government oversight, detailed performance metrics, and regular audits. Establishing clear milestones, closely monitoring expenditures against the fixed fee, and enforcing contract clauses related to cost ceilings are essential to mitigate risks associated with this contract type.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this RDT&E effort, and how will success be measured?
Success in RDT&E is typically measured against defined technical objectives, performance benchmarks, and delivery schedules. KPIs would likely include successful integration of technical insertions, achievement of specified operational capabilities, and successful completion of testing phases for the PROPHET Enhanced Program.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Communications Equipment Manufacturing › Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Wico Limited
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: $44,933,125
Exercised Options: $44,933,125
Current Obligation: $44,933,125
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 4
Total Subaward Amount: $371,590
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W56KGY17D0006
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-01-11
Current End Date: 2023-09-30
Potential End Date: 2023-09-30 12:09:00
Last Modified: 2025-07-16
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