DoD's Intelligence Training System contract awarded to General Dynamics Mission Systems exceeds $66M for ISR training

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $66,358,767 ($66.4M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2017-02-16

End Date: 2022-02-15

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $36.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF THE IEWTPT PROVIDES WARFIGHTING COMMANDERS AT ALL ECHELONS THE ABILITY TO TRAIN THE INTELLIGENCE WARFIGHTING FUNCTION BASED ON REALISTIC INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, AND RECONNAISSANCE (ISR) ASSETS, PEOPLE (MANEUVER COMMANDER, G-2, G-3, COLLECTION MANAGERS, ANALYST/OPERATOR), AND PROCESSES. IEWTPT IS A TRAINING SYSTEM AND TOOL SET THAT SIMULATES AND STIMULATES MILITARY INTELLIGENCE (MI) WARFIGHTING EQUIPMENT AND REPLICATES THE NECESSARY ENVIRONMENT TO PROVIDE PROFICIENCY TRAINING FOR INTELLIGENCE PERSONNEL BY ALLOWING COMMANDERS TO SYNCHRONIZE AND EFFICIENTLY UTILIZE INTELLIGENCE ASSETS.

Place of Performance

Location: ORLANDO, ORANGE County, FLORIDA, 32826

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $66.4 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF THE IEWTPT PROVIDES WARFIGHTING COMMANDERS AT ALL ECHELONS THE ABILITY TO TRAIN THE INTELLIGENCE WARFIGHTING FUNCTION BASED ON REALISTIC INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, AND RECONNAISSANCE (ISR) ASSETS, PEOPLE (MANEUVER COMMANDER, G-2, G-3, COLLECTION MANAGERS, ANALYST/OP… Key points: 1. The Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, and Cyber Training Program (IEWTPT) aims to enhance warfighter proficiency in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). 2. The contract supports training across all echelons, simulating realistic ISR assets, personnel, and processes. 3. It replicates military intelligence equipment and environments to synchronize intelligence asset utilization. 4. The system allows commanders to train intelligence personnel and improve their ability to utilize ISR assets. 5. This contract focuses on the critical area of intelligence training for military operations. 6. The duration of the contract was 5 years, indicating a long-term need for this training capability.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of over $66 million for a 5-year period for a specialized training system appears reasonable given the complexity of simulating ISR assets and environments. Benchmarking against similar large-scale simulation and training systems would provide further context, but the scope suggests a significant investment in warfighter readiness. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type allows for flexibility while maintaining cost control, though it requires diligent oversight.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is expected to yield a fair price and ensure the best value for the government. The number of bidders is not specified, but the full and open nature suggests a robust competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down costs through market forces and encouraging innovation among contractors.

Public Impact

Warfighters across all echelons, particularly those involved in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), benefit from enhanced training. The services delivered include simulation of ISR assets, personnel, and processes for realistic training scenarios. The geographic impact is likely widespread, supporting training needs for various military commands and units. Workforce implications include the development and maintenance of advanced training systems and the training of intelligence personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully, as contractor profit is fixed regardless of actual costs.
The long duration of the contract (5 years) may present challenges in adapting to rapidly evolving ISR technologies and threats.
Reliance on a single contractor for a critical training system could pose risks if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment.
The contract addresses a critical need for realistic ISR training, directly impacting warfighter effectiveness.
The system's design to simulate ISR assets and environments indicates a sophisticated approach to training.

Sector Analysis

The defense training and simulation market is a significant sector within the broader aerospace and defense industry. This contract for the Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, and Cyber Training Program (IEWTPT) fits within the simulation and training sub-sector, which is crucial for maintaining military readiness. Spending in this area is driven by the need for realistic, cost-effective training solutions that can replicate complex operational environments and advanced technologies.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans for this specific contract is not provided in the data. However, large prime contractors like General Dynamics Mission Systems often have subcontracting requirements that can benefit small businesses in specialized areas of technology and support.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of the Army, a component of the Department of Defense. Oversight mechanisms would typically involve program management reviews, financial audits, and performance monitoring by the contracting officer and relevant oversight bodies within the DoD. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements.

Related Government Programs

Intelligence Training Systems
ISR Training Platforms
Military Simulation and Training
Cyber Warfare Training
Electronic Warfare Training

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight to manage potential cost overruns.
Long contract duration may pose challenges in adapting to rapidly evolving technology.
Reliance on a single contractor for a critical system could present performance risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $66.4 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF THE IEWTPT PROVIDES WARFIGHTING COMMANDERS AT ALL ECHELONS THE ABILITY TO TRAIN THE INTELLIGENCE WARFIGHTING FUNCTION BASED ON REALISTIC INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, AND RECONNAISSANCE (ISR) ASSETS, PEOPLE (MANEUVER COMMANDER, G-2, G-3, COLLECTION MANAGERS, ANALYST/OPERATOR), AND PROCESSES. IEWTPT IS A TRAINING SYSTEM AND TOOL SET THAT SIMULATES AND STIMULATES MILITARY INTELLIGENCE (MI) WARFIGHTING EQUIPMENT AND REPLICATES THE NECESSARY ENVIRONMENT TO PROVIDE PROFICIENCY TRAINING FO

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 $66.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-02-16. End: 2022-02-15.

What is the specific performance history of General Dynamics Mission Systems on similar defense training contracts?

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) has a long history of providing complex systems and solutions to the Department of Defense and other government agencies. They are known for their work in areas such as command and control, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and cyber warfare. While specific performance metrics for this IEWTPT contract are not detailed here, GDMS's extensive experience in developing and integrating sophisticated simulation and training systems suggests a strong capability. Their track record typically involves delivering large-scale, technologically advanced programs, often under challenging requirements. However, as with any large defense contractor, past performance reviews and contract close-outs would provide a more granular understanding of their specific successes and any challenges encountered on previous, comparable projects.

How does the cost of this Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, and Cyber Training Program (IEWTPT) compare to similar ISR training initiatives?

Directly comparing the $66.3 million cost of the IEWTPT contract to other ISR training initiatives is challenging without detailed specifications of comparable programs. However, the contract's scope, which includes simulating realistic ISR assets, personnel, and processes across all echelons, suggests a comprehensive and advanced training solution. Large-scale simulation and training systems for complex military functions often represent significant investments. Factors influencing cost include the fidelity of the simulation, the scope of training scenarios, the integration of various intelligence disciplines (electronic warfare, cyber), and the duration of the contract. Given the critical nature of ISR proficiency for modern warfare, the investment appears aligned with the strategic importance of such training capabilities. A detailed cost-benefit analysis would be needed to fully benchmark its value.

What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this training system?

The primary risk associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for the IEWTPT is the potential for cost overruns, despite the fixed fee component. While the contractor's profit is fixed, the government bears the risk of all allowable costs exceeding the estimated amount. If the contractor incurs higher-than-expected costs due to inefficiencies, unforeseen technical challenges, or scope creep that isn't properly managed, the total government expenditure will increase. This necessitates robust government oversight to monitor costs, ensure efficiency, and validate the necessity of all expenditures. The fixed fee provides an incentive for the contractor to control costs to some extent, but the government remains exposed to the bulk of cost variability. Effective contract administration and clear performance metrics are crucial to mitigate these risks.

How effective is the IEWTPT in preparing warfighters for the complexities of modern intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations?

The IEWTPT is designed to enhance warfighter proficiency by simulating realistic ISR assets, personnel, and processes, which is crucial for preparing personnel for the complexities of modern operations. By replicating the necessary environment and allowing commanders to synchronize intelligence assets, the system aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. The ability to train across all echelons and integrate intelligence, electronic warfare, and cyber elements provides a holistic approach. The effectiveness is contingent on the fidelity of the simulations, the relevance of the training scenarios to current and future threats, and the quality of instruction. While the contract data indicates the system's purpose, its actual effectiveness would be measured through post-training performance assessments, feedback from units utilizing the system, and ultimately, mission success rates in real-world operations.

What has been the historical spending trend for intelligence training systems within the Department of Defense?

Historical spending on intelligence training systems within the Department of Defense (DoD) has generally shown a consistent and often increasing trend, driven by the evolving nature of warfare and the increasing reliance on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. As threats become more sophisticated and the information landscape more complex, the need for advanced, realistic training solutions grows. The DoD invests heavily in simulation and training programs to ensure warfighters are proficient in utilizing cutting-edge technologies and adapting to dynamic operational environments. This includes spending on virtual simulators, constructive simulations, live training exercises, and distributed learning platforms. The IEWTPT contract represents a specific investment within this broader category, reflecting the ongoing commitment to maintaining a highly skilled intelligence workforce capable of operating in contested domains.

Are there any known issues or concerns regarding the contractor, General Dynamics Mission Systems, on previous government contracts?

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) is a large and established defense contractor with a broad portfolio of government contracts. While specific issues or concerns are not detailed in the provided data, large contractors of this scale can sometimes face challenges related to contract performance, cost overruns, or technical difficulties on complex programs. These issues are typically documented in contract performance reports, past performance evaluations, and potentially in Inspector General reports or Government Accountability Office (GAO) findings. Without access to these specific records, it's difficult to pinpoint any particular concerns related to GDMS's history. However, the government's procurement process includes mechanisms for evaluating past performance, which would have been considered during the award of this IEWTPT contract.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing › Other Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: SPECIAL INDUSTRY MACHINERY

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: W900KK16R0005

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp

Address: 12001 RESEARCH PKWY STE 500, ORLANDO, FL, 32826

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $84,276,831

Exercised Options: $80,416,123

Current Obligation: $66,358,767

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 5

Total Subaward Amount: $1,441,018

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline