DoD's $85M Ft. Bragg Training Support Contract Awarded to General Dynamics Faces Scrutiny

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $85,128,833 ($85.1M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2019-09-26

End Date: 2023-03-25

Contract Duration: 1,276 days

Daily Burn Rate: $66.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: FT. BRAGG MISSION TRAINING CENTERS (MTCS) TRAINING SERVICE SUPPORT (TSS) EFFORT UNDER THE MISSION TRAINING COMPLEX CONTRACT SUPPORT (MTCCS) CONTRACT, COVERING ALL HUB AND SPOKE TRAINING FOR THE 18TH AIRBORNE CORPS

Place of Performance

Location: FORT BRAGG, CUMBERLAND County, NORTH CAROLINA, 28310

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $85.1 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: FT. BRAGG MISSION TRAINING CENTERS (MTCS) TRAINING SERVICE SUPPORT (TSS) EFFORT UNDER THE MISSION TRAINING COMPLEX CONTRACT SUPPORT (MTCCS) CONTRACT, COVERING ALL HUB AND SPOKE TRAINING FOR THE 18TH AIRBORNE CORPS Key points: 1. The contract supports the 18th Airborne Corps' training needs at Ft. Bragg. 2. General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. is the incumbent contractor. 3. The award was made under full and open competition. 4. The contract value is substantial, covering a significant training period.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's cost-plus-fixed-fee structure requires careful monitoring to ensure value for money. Benchmarking against similar training support contracts is essential to validate pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. However, the specific details of the bidding and evaluation are needed to confirm competitive fairness.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for essential military training services, with the expectation of efficient and effective resource allocation.

Public Impact

Ensures readiness for the 18th Airborne Corps through dedicated training support. Supports military personnel development and operational effectiveness. Potential for technology integration in training methodologies. Economic impact on the Ft. Bragg region through contract services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
Potential for cost overruns in cost-plus contracts.
Limited insight into contractor's small business utilization.

Positive Signals

Supports critical military training mission.
Awarded via full and open competition.
Long-term contract provides stability for training operations.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within Engineering Services, supporting specialized military training facilities. Benchmarks for similar large-scale military training support contracts are typically in the tens to hundreds of millions of dollars.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the contractor is not a small business, and there is no specific mention of small business subcontracting goals. Further investigation is needed to determine if small businesses were afforded opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is crucial for cost-plus contracts to ensure funds are used efficiently. The Department of the Army's contracting officers are responsible for monitoring performance and expenditures.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

Cost-plus contract type requires diligent oversight.
Lack of detailed performance metrics.
No explicit small business subcontracting noted.
Potential for scope creep without strict management.
Contract duration is significant, necessitating ongoing review.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $85.1 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. FT. BRAGG MISSION TRAINING CENTERS (MTCS) TRAINING SERVICE SUPPORT (TSS) EFFORT UNDER THE MISSION TRAINING COMPLEX CONTRACT SUPPORT (MTCCS) CONTRACT, COVERING ALL HUB AND SPOKE TRAINING FOR THE 18TH AIRBORNE CORPS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, 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 $85.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-09-26. End: 2023-03-25.

What specific performance metrics are in place to ensure the effectiveness and value of the training services provided under this contract?

The provided data does not detail specific performance metrics. Effective oversight would require clearly defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to training outcomes, participant satisfaction, and adherence to schedules. These metrics should be regularly reviewed by the contracting officer to assess contractor performance and ensure the government receives the intended value.

How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure mitigate the risk of cost overruns while ensuring quality training support?

Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts aim to control costs by establishing a fixed fee for the contractor's effort, incentivizing efficiency. However, the 'cost' portion can still escalate if not rigorously managed. Robust auditing, detailed cost reporting, and strict adherence to the contract's scope are essential to mitigate overrun risks and ensure the government pays only for necessary and reasonable costs.

What is the long-term strategic impact of this training support contract on the 18th Airborne Corps' operational readiness and modernization efforts?

This contract directly supports the 18th Airborne Corps' training, which is fundamental to maintaining and enhancing operational readiness. Its long-term impact depends on the adaptability of the training services to evolving threats and technologies. Effective support can accelerate modernization by integrating new training methodologies and simulations, ensuring the Corps remains prepared for future challenges.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: W900KK17R0001

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp

Address: 3150 FAIRVIEW PARK DR STE 100, FALLS CHURCH, VA, 22042

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $90,197,241

Exercised Options: $90,197,241

Current Obligation: $85,128,833

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 3

Total Subaward Amount: $4,167,094

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W900KK18D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline