DoD's $1.5B A-TEAM Operations Management Contract Awarded to DCS Corporation
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $15,086,280 ($15.1M)
Contractor: DCS Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2019-07-15
End Date: 2026-12-31
Contract Duration: 2,726 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 46
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: A-TEAM - OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
Place of Performance
Location: MERRIMACK, HILLSBOROUGH County, NEW HAMPSHIRE, 03054
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $15.1 million to DCS CORPORATION for work described as: A-TEAM - OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $1.5 billion over its lifespan. 2. DCS Corporation is the sole awardee under full and open competition. 3. Contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns. 4. Focus on R&D in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) indicates a specialized sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type carries inherent risk for cost overruns, as contractor incentives may not align perfectly with cost control. The fixed fee component provides some predictability, but the variable cost component requires close monitoring.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. However, as a definitive contract with multiple potential orders, the final pricing for specific tasks will depend on the competitive nature of each order.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for a significant R&D initiative. While competition is present, the CPFF structure necessitates vigilant oversight to ensure cost-effectiveness and prevent unnecessary expenditures.
Public Impact
Biotechnology R&D funding supports advancements in a critical scientific field. The contract's duration and value suggest a long-term commitment to research objectives. Potential for technological breakthroughs that could have significant societal or defense implications.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- CPFF contract type can incentivize higher costs.
- Long contract duration increases risk of scope creep or changing requirements.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Supports critical R&D in biotechnology.
- Long-term commitment to research.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development in Biotechnology sector, a high-growth area with significant government investment. Benchmarks for similar R&D contracts vary widely based on scope and duration, but $1.5 billion over nearly 7 years is substantial.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small businesses were not directly involved in this award, as the 'sb' field is false. This suggests the prime contractor, DCS Corporation, is likely a large business, and subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not explicitly detailed in this summary.
Oversight & Accountability
The definitive contract structure with multiple orders allows for phased oversight. However, the CPFF nature requires stringent financial management and performance monitoring by the Department of the Army to ensure accountability and prevent cost overruns.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Long contract duration.
- No explicit small business participation.
- Potential for cost overruns.
- R&D is inherently uncertain.
Tags
research-and-development-in-biotechnolog, department-of-defense, nh, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $15.1 million to DCS CORPORATION. A-TEAM - OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is DCS 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 $15.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-07-15. End: 2026-12-31.
What specific biotechnology advancements is this contract intended to achieve, and how will their success be measured?
The contract aims to support research and development in biotechnology, excluding nanobiotechnology. Specific advancements are not detailed in the provided data. Success measurement would typically involve predefined milestones, deliverables, and technical performance metrics outlined in the contract's statement of work, requiring close monitoring by the Department of the Army.
Given the CPFF structure, what mechanisms are in place to mitigate the risk of cost overruns and ensure efficient use of taxpayer funds?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates robust oversight. Mechanisms likely include detailed budget reviews, regular performance reviews against milestones, limitations on allowable costs, and potentially incentive clauses tied to cost savings or performance. The fixed fee provides a baseline, but the variable cost component requires diligent management by the contracting officer.
How does the R&D focus on biotechnology align with current Department of Defense strategic priorities, and what is the expected return on investment?
Biotechnology R&D is increasingly critical for defense applications, including medical countermeasures, advanced materials, and potentially bio-inspired technologies. The alignment would depend on specific DoD strategic documents. The return on investment is often long-term, focusing on enhanced warfighter capabilities, national security, and potential dual-use commercial applications.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: W911W619R0008
Offers Received: 46
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 6909 METRO PARK DR STE 500, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22310
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $20,303,594
Exercised Options: $15,086,280
Current Obligation: $15,086,280
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 2
Total Subaward Amount: $3,019,984
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-07-15
Current End Date: 2026-12-31
Potential End Date: 2026-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-15
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