DoD Awards $155.6M Engineering Services Task Order to TCOM, L.P. for PSS-T and PD Aerostat Programs
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $155,585,943 ($155.6M)
Contractor: Tcom, L.P.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-06-21
End Date: 2026-06-23
Contract Duration: 732 days
Daily Burn Rate: $212.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: THIS TASK ORDER PROVIDES SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF THE PSS-T PROGRAM AND PD AEROSTAT BOTH CONUS AND OCONUS
Place of Performance
Location: ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, HARFORD County, MARYLAND, 21005
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $155.6 million to TCOM, L.P. for work described as: THIS TASK ORDER PROVIDES SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF THE PSS-T PROGRAM AND PD AEROSTAT BOTH CONUS AND OCONUS Key points: 1. Significant award for engineering services supporting critical defense programs. 2. TCOM, L.P. is the sole awardee, indicating a specific capability or existing relationship. 3. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) warrants close monitoring for cost control. 4. The sector is dominated by large prime contractors, with limited opportunities for smaller firms in direct prime roles.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can lead to higher costs if not managed diligently. Benchmarking CPFF contracts for similar engineering services is challenging due to varying scope and risk, but the fixed fee component should provide some cost predictability.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
While the award mechanism is Full and Open Competition, the specific task order was awarded to TCOM, L.P. This suggests that while the initial contract vehicle allowed broad competition, this specific order may have been placed based on unique qualifications or a competitive process that resulted in a single best value offer.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for critical defense engineering services. The CPFF structure requires robust oversight to ensure cost-effectiveness and prevent overruns.
Public Impact
Supports advanced aerostat and surveillance programs vital for national security. Potential for technology development and innovation within the defense sector. Ensures continued operational readiness for key military assets. Job creation in engineering and technical fields.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires vigilant cost oversight.
- Sole awardee for this task order may limit competitive pressure on pricing.
- Potential for scope creep in complex engineering projects.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical national security programs.
- Awarded under a competitive contract vehicle.
- Long-term engagement provides program stability.
Sector Analysis
This award falls within the Engineering Services sector, a critical component of the broader Defense industry. Spending in this area is often driven by complex system development, modernization, and sustainment requirements. Benchmarks vary widely based on the specific technology and program maturity.
Small Business Impact
While the contract vehicle may have allowed for small business participation, this specific task order awarded to TCOM, L.P. does not explicitly indicate small business involvement as a prime. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist but are not detailed here.
Oversight & Accountability
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates strong government oversight to manage costs, ensure performance, and verify the necessity of all expenditures. Regular reviews and audits are crucial for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Sole awardee for this specific task order.
- Potential for undefined scope in complex engineering projects.
- Geographic scope includes OCONUS operations, increasing logistical complexity and risk.
Tags
engineering-services, department-of-defense, md, delivery-order, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $155.6 million to TCOM, L.P.. THIS TASK ORDER PROVIDES SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF THE PSS-T PROGRAM AND PD AEROSTAT BOTH CONUS AND OCONUS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TCOM, L.P..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $155.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-06-21. End: 2026-06-23.
What specific engineering services are being provided under this task order, and how do they align with the stated program objectives?
The task order supports the PSS-T and PD Aerostat programs, both CONUS and OCONUS. Specific services likely include design, development, integration, testing, and sustainment engineering for these aerostat systems. Alignment with program objectives would focus on enhancing surveillance capabilities, operational readiness, and potentially incorporating new technological advancements for these platforms.
Given the CPFF structure, what mechanisms are in place to ensure cost control and prevent contractor overruns?
Effective cost control under a CPFF contract relies on robust government oversight, including detailed review of all incurred costs, verification of direct labor hours and rates, and scrutiny of indirect cost allocations. Establishing a realistic fixed fee based on performance expectations and monitoring the contractor's Earned Value Management (EVM) system are critical to identifying potential overruns early.
How does the selection of TCOM, L.P. as the sole awardee for this task order impact the overall value and potential for innovation compared to a multi-award scenario?
Awarding to a single entity like TCOM, L.P. can streamline execution if they possess unique, specialized expertise essential for these complex aerostat programs. However, it may limit competitive pressure on pricing and innovation compared to a scenario where multiple contractors could vie for specific task orders, potentially fostering a more dynamic and cost-effective environment.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT
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: 7115 THOMAS EDISON DR STE A, COLUMBIA, MD, 21046
Business Categories: Category Business, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $275,970,213
Exercised Options: $155,585,943
Current Obligation: $155,585,943
Actual Outlays: $480,981
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W56KGY19D0020
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-06-21
Current End Date: 2026-06-23
Potential End Date: 2026-06-23 12:06:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-31
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