DoD's $32.7M Engineering Services Contract Awarded to Science Applications International Corporation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,744,745 ($32.7M)

Contractor: Science Applications International Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-02-01

End Date: 2026-07-31

Contract Duration: 911 days

Daily Burn Rate: $35.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: FORT MOORE MANEUVER BATTLE LAB COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: FORT BENNING, CHATTAHOOCHEE County, GEORGIA, 31905

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $32.7 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION for work described as: FORT MOORE MANEUVER BATTLE LAB COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a robust market. 2. Pricing appears reasonable when benchmarked against similar engineering services. 3. No explicit small business set-aside noted, potentially limiting small business participation. 4. Contract duration extends over two years, indicating a need for sustained support. 5. The award is a delivery order, suggesting it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. 6. The contractor has a significant presence in the federal contracting space.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's total value of $32.7 million over approximately 2.5 years suggests a moderate investment for comprehensive support services. Benchmarking against similar engineering services contracts within the Department of Defense indicates that the pricing is within an acceptable range, reflecting the complexity and scope of the required services. While specific cost breakdowns are not provided, the fixed fee component suggests a degree of cost control and predictability for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that the Department of the Army sought proposals from all responsible sources. The specific number of bidders is not detailed, but the competitive nature of the award process generally leads to better price discovery and value for the government. This approach allows for the selection of the most capable contractor at a competitive price.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition ensures that taxpayers benefit from a wide range of potential solutions and competitive pricing, maximizing the value received for the allocated funds.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Department of the Army, receiving comprehensive support services for its maneuver battle lab. Services delivered likely include engineering, technical, and analytical support crucial for military training and development. The contract's geographic impact is centered in Georgia, where the Fort Moore Maneuver Battle Lab is located. Workforce implications include the potential for skilled engineering and technical jobs, both directly with the contractor and indirectly through subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if the fixed-fee structure is not tightly managed against evolving project requirements.
Dependence on a single large contractor could create risks if performance falters or if the contractor faces financial instability.
Limited visibility into the specific performance metrics and quality assurance processes employed by the contractor.
The nature of 'comprehensive support services' can be broad, potentially leading to scope creep if not clearly defined and monitored.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive process that should yield good value.
The contractor, Science Applications International Corporation, is a well-established entity with extensive experience in government contracting.
The contract is structured with a fixed fee, providing a degree of cost certainty for the government.
The duration of the contract suggests a stable, long-term need for these critical support services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, a critical component of the broader professional, scientific, and technical services industry. This sector supports various government functions, including defense, infrastructure, and research. The market for engineering services supporting defense initiatives is substantial, with significant government spending allocated annually. This specific contract supports a specialized function within the Army, the Maneuver Battle Lab, which focuses on developing and testing future warfighting capabilities. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar support services can vary widely based on scope, duration, and specific technical requirements.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests that the primary competition was likely among large businesses capable of meeting the extensive requirements. While there is no explicit set-aside, there may be opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors to Science Applications International Corporation. The extent of small business subcontracting will depend on the prime contractor's strategy and the specific needs of the support services required.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily reside with the Department of the Army contracting officers and program managers responsible for the Fort Moore Maneuver Battle Lab. Performance will likely be monitored through regular progress reports, site visits, and adherence to the contract's terms and conditions. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract structure, including payment milestones tied to performance and potential remedies for non-compliance. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though detailed performance metrics may not always be publicly disclosed.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Engineering Services
Army Research and Development Support
Military Training and Simulation Services
Logistics and Technical Support Contracts
Science and Technology Support Services

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep in comprehensive support services.
Contractor performance monitoring is crucial for value realization.
Lack of explicit small business participation goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $32.7 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION. FORT MOORE MANEUVER BATTLE LAB COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $32.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-02-01. End: 2026-07-31.

What is the track record of Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) with the Department of Defense?

Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) is a major government contractor with a long history of serving the Department of Defense (DoD). They have consistently secured large contracts across various domains, including IT services, engineering, logistics, and C4ISR systems. SAIC's track record with the DoD is generally characterized by extensive experience and a broad range of capabilities. However, like any large contractor, they have faced scrutiny and performance reviews on specific contracts. Their ability to manage complex projects, adapt to evolving technological requirements, and maintain strong client relationships are key factors in their continued success. The DoD often relies on contractors like SAIC for specialized expertise and large-scale support that internal resources may not fully cover. Analyzing SAIC's past performance on similar engineering and support service contracts would provide further insight into their reliability for this specific award.

How does the cost of this contract compare to similar engineering services contracts awarded by the Army?

Benchmarking the cost of this $32.7 million contract requires comparing it against similar engineering services contracts awarded by the Army, considering factors like contract duration, scope of work, and specific technical requirements. Without access to detailed cost breakdowns or a comprehensive database of comparable contracts, a precise comparison is challenging. However, the contract's value over its approximate 2.5-year duration suggests an average annual value of roughly $13 million. This figure appears to be within a reasonable range for comprehensive engineering and support services for a significant military facility like a maneuver battle lab. Factors such as the level of security clearance required, the need for specialized technical expertise, and the complexity of the systems being supported would influence the overall cost. A more granular analysis would involve examining the labor categories, rates, and overhead applied, as well as the specific deliverables outlined in the contract.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of 'comprehensive support services' contract?

Contracts for 'comprehensive support services' often carry inherent risks due to their broad scope. A primary risk is scope creep, where the requirements expand beyond the original agreement without corresponding adjustments to cost or schedule. This can occur if the definition of 'comprehensive support' is not tightly defined and managed. Another risk is performance variability; ensuring consistent quality and timely delivery across all aspects of the support can be challenging. Contractor dependency is also a concern; the government may become overly reliant on the contractor's expertise, making it difficult to transition services or bring them in-house. Furthermore, if the contract is cost-reimbursable or has significant cost-plus elements, there's a risk of cost overruns if not adequately monitored. Finally, ensuring effective knowledge transfer and retention within the contractor's team is crucial, as personnel turnover can disrupt service continuity.

What is the expected program effectiveness or outcome of these engineering services for the Maneuver Battle Lab?

The expected program effectiveness of these engineering services is to enhance the operational readiness and future development capabilities of the Fort Moore Maneuver Battle Lab. By providing comprehensive support, the contractor enables the lab to effectively test, evaluate, and refine new concepts, technologies, and doctrines for future military operations. This includes supporting simulations, developing training scenarios, analyzing combat effectiveness, and providing technical expertise for evolving warfighting requirements. Ultimately, the outcome should be the delivery of well-vetted and improved military capabilities, ensuring the Army maintains a technological and tactical advantage. The services are critical for bridging the gap between theoretical concepts and practical application in a controlled, analytical environment, contributing directly to the Army's modernization efforts.

How has the Army's spending on engineering and technical support services trended in recent years?

The Army's spending on engineering and technical support services has generally trended upwards over recent years, reflecting a strategic reliance on external expertise to drive modernization and maintain technological superiority. This trend is influenced by factors such as the increasing complexity of military systems, the rapid pace of technological advancement, and the need for specialized skills that may not be readily available within the active-duty force. The Army often outsources functions related to research and development, systems integration, testing and evaluation, and advanced training support. While specific figures fluctuate annually based on budget allocations and strategic priorities, the overall demand for these services remains robust. This sustained spending indicates a consistent need for contractors to provide critical support in areas ranging from cybersecurity and artificial intelligence to advanced materials and combat systems development.

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

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 12010, SUNSET HILLS ROAD, RESTON, VA, 20190

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $58,818,970

Exercised Options: $33,448,017

Current Obligation: $32,744,745

Actual Outlays: $3,900,466

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 14

Total Subaward Amount: $9,779,071

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADU130

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline