Marine Corps Tactical Video System Refresh Costs $18.1M, Awarded to General Dynamics

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,116,262 ($18.1M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2021-07-23

End Date: 2025-07-22

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: MARINE CORPS TACTICAL VIDEO CAPTURE SYSTEM REFRESH AND EXPANSION

Place of Performance

Location: ORLANDO, ORANGE County, FLORIDA, 32826

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $18.1 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: MARINE CORPS TACTICAL VIDEO CAPTURE SYSTEM REFRESH AND EXPANSION Key points: 1. The $18.1 million contract for the Marine Corps Tactical Video Capture System Refresh and Expansion was awarded to General Dynamics Mission Systems. 2. This contract falls under the 'Other Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing' NAICS code. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can introduce cost overrun risks. 4. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type allows for flexibility but can lead to higher costs than fixed-price contracts if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar video capture system procurements is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.

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 method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from competitive bidding, which aims to secure the best possible price for the required technology and services.

Public Impact

Enhances situational awareness for Marines through updated tactical video capabilities. Supports ongoing military operations by providing reliable video capture and transmission. Potential for technology obsolescence if refresh cycles are not maintained.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type may lead to cost overruns.
  • Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
  • Potential for vendor lock-in with specialized systems.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded under full and open competition.
  • Addresses a critical operational need for the Marine Corps.
  • Long-term contract duration allows for sustained support.

Sector Analysis

This procurement falls within the defense sector, specifically related to tactical equipment. Spending benchmarks for similar video capture systems can vary widely based on technological sophistication and operational requirements.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the prime contractor is General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc. There is no explicit information provided regarding small business participation in this specific contract award.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Defense's contracting processes typically involve oversight mechanisms. However, the effectiveness of oversight for Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts is crucial to prevent excessive spending.

Related Government Programs

  • Other Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
  • Potential for scope creep.
  • Dependence on a single large prime contractor.
  • Lack of detailed performance metrics in the award data.

Tags

other-commercial-and-service-industry-ma, department-of-defense, fl, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $18.1 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC.. MARINE CORPS TACTICAL VIDEO CAPTURE SYSTEM REFRESH AND EXPANSION

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 $18.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-07-23. End: 2025-07-22.

What specific technological advancements does this 'refresh and expansion' entail compared to the previous system, and how do these justify the cost?

The provided data lacks details on the specific technological advancements. A comprehensive analysis would require reviewing the system's technical specifications, comparing them to the previous generation, and evaluating the operational benefits derived from these upgrades. This would help determine if the $18.1 million investment is justified by enhanced capabilities and improved mission effectiveness.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this tactical video capture system, and how will their achievement be measured under the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure?

Key performance indicators are not detailed in the provided data. Under a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, performance is typically monitored through regular reporting and milestone achievement. The government contracting officer must ensure that the contractor meets defined performance standards and delivers the system as specified to justify the costs incurred.

How does the chosen Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type mitigate risks associated with potential cost overruns for this specific system refresh?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure inherently carries a risk of cost overruns, as the government pays the actual costs plus a predetermined fixed fee. Mitigation relies heavily on robust government oversight, detailed cost tracking, and clear definition of allowable costs. Without strong contract management, this structure can be less cost-effective than fixed-price alternatives.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingCommercial and Service Industry Machinery ManufacturingOther Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: TRAINING AIDS AND DEVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: W900KK19R0021

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Wico Limited

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: $19,343,612

Exercised Options: $18,284,291

Current Obligation: $18,116,262

Actual Outlays: $810,338

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 32

Total Subaward Amount: $4,436,322

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W900KK20D0007

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2021-07-23

Current End Date: 2025-07-22

Potential End Date: 2026-07-22 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-07-18

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