DCS Corporation awarded $5.8M for Ground Vehicle Robotics Group technical support, with a 745-day duration

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,794,312 ($5.8M)

Contractor: DCS Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-04-15

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 745 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: TECHNICAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES (TES) FOR THE COMBAT CAPABILITIES DEVELOPMENT COMMAND GROUND VEHICLE SYSTEMS CENTER (DEVCOM GVSC) GROUND VEHICLE ROBOTICS GROUP.

Place of Performance

Location: ALEXANDRIA, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22310

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $5.8 million to DCS CORPORATION for work described as: TECHNICAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES (TES) FOR THE COMBAT CAPABILITIES DEVELOPMENT COMMAND GROUND VEHICLE SYSTEMS CENTER (DEVCOM GVSC) GROUND VEHICLE ROBOTICS GROUP. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical technical and engineering services for ground vehicle robotics. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), which can shift some risk to the government. 4. Performance period spans over two years, indicating a need for sustained support. 5. The award is a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle. 6. The contractor, DCS Corporation, has a track record in defense contracting.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $5.8 million for approximately two years of technical and engineering services appears reasonable for specialized support in a niche area like ground vehicle robotics. Benchmarking against similar contracts for engineering services within the Department of Defense (DoD) would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The CPFF contract type necessitates careful oversight to manage costs effectively, as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The number of bidders is not specified, but full and open competition generally promotes a wider range of proposals and can lead to more competitive pricing. This approach is intended to ensure the government receives the best value by leveraging the broadest possible market.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is favorable for taxpayers as it typically drives down prices through market forces and encourages innovation among bidders, leading to potentially better solutions at a more economical cost.

Public Impact

The Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicle Systems Center (DEVCOM GVSC) Ground Vehicle Robotics Group benefits from specialized technical and engineering expertise. Services delivered will likely enhance the development and sustainment of robotic ground vehicle systems for military applications. The geographic impact is primarily within Virginia, where the contractor is located, and potentially at various DoD research and development facilities. Workforce implications include the employment of engineers, technicians, and subject matter experts in robotics and ground vehicle systems.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.
The duration of the contract (745 days) requires sustained government oversight to ensure performance objectives are met.
Reliance on a single delivery order under a larger contract vehicle may limit flexibility if requirements evolve significantly.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process.
DCS Corporation is an established defense contractor with relevant experience.
Focus on advanced robotics technology aligns with modernization efforts in ground vehicle systems.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting research and development in advanced robotics for ground vehicles. The market for defense engineering services is substantial, with significant government investment in modernization and technological superiority. This contract contributes to the broader ecosystem of defense technology development, supporting innovation in autonomous systems and unmanned ground vehicles.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation (sb) is false and there is no indication of a small business set-aside (ss). This suggests that the prime contract was not specifically targeted towards small businesses. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist, but are not explicitly detailed in this award notice. The overall impact on the small business ecosystem for this specific contract appears minimal at the prime level.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be managed by the Department of the Army, likely through contracting officers and technical representatives who will monitor performance, costs, and adherence to the contract terms. The CPFF structure requires diligent financial oversight to ensure costs are allowable and reasonable. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, and any significant issues may fall under the purview of the Department of Defense Inspector General.

Related Government Programs

Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM)
Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC)
Robotics and Autonomous Systems
Defense Engineering Services
Army Research and Development Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type requires diligent government oversight to manage costs.
Potential for scope creep in R&D contracts can lead to budget increases.
Dependence on a single delivery order might limit long-term strategic flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $5.8 million to DCS CORPORATION. TECHNICAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES (TES) FOR THE COMBAT CAPABILITIES DEVELOPMENT COMMAND GROUND VEHICLE SYSTEMS CENTER (DEVCOM GVSC) GROUND VEHICLE ROBOTICS GROUP.

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 $5.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-04-15. End: 2026-04-30.

What is DCS Corporation's track record with similar technical and engineering services contracts for the Department of Defense?

DCS Corporation has a significant history of performing technical and engineering services for the Department of Defense across various branches and agencies. Their portfolio often includes support for research, development, testing, and evaluation of complex systems, including those related to ground vehicles, aviation, and command and control. Analyzing their past performance on Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts specifically would provide insight into their ability to manage costs and deliver within established fee structures. Publicly available contract databases and federal procurement records can offer details on the scope, value, and duration of their previous awards, as well as any performance ratings or past performance evaluations, which are crucial for assessing their reliability and expertise in fulfilling the requirements of this Ground Vehicle Robotics Group contract.

How does the $5.8 million value compare to similar engineering services contracts for robotics development within the DoD?

The $5.8 million value for approximately two years of specialized technical and engineering services for ground vehicle robotics appears to be within a reasonable range for niche R&D support within the Department of Defense. However, a precise comparison requires benchmarking against contracts with similar scopes of work, technical complexity, and duration. Factors such as the specific technologies involved (e.g., AI, sensor integration, control systems), the level of security clearance required, and the specific research objectives will influence pricing. Contracts for broader engineering services might have lower per-year costs, while highly specialized R&D efforts in cutting-edge fields like advanced robotics can command higher values. Without access to detailed comparative contract data, it's challenging to definitively state if this represents exceptional value, but it does not appear to be an outlier for specialized defense R&D support.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for technical and engineering services?

The primary risk associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract, like the one awarded to DCS Corporation, is the potential for cost overruns, which shifts a significant portion of the financial risk to the government. While the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs, the fixed fee is predetermined, incentivizing them to control costs to maximize their profit. However, if costs escalate beyond initial projections due to unforeseen technical challenges, scope creep, or inefficient management, the government bears the burden of these increased expenses. Effective oversight, robust cost accounting standards, and clear definition of allowable costs are critical to mitigate these risks. The government must diligently monitor expenditures and ensure that all costs incurred are reasonable, allocable, and necessary for contract performance to prevent budget overruns.

How effective is full and open competition in ensuring the best value for taxpayers in specialized engineering services contracts?

Full and open competition is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring the best value for taxpayers in specialized engineering services contracts. By allowing all responsible sources to compete, the government maximizes the pool of potential offerors, fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation. This broad competition increases the likelihood of receiving proposals that offer superior technical solutions at optimal cost. In specialized fields like ground vehicle robotics, where expertise can be concentrated, full and open competition ensures that the government isn't limited to a few pre-selected vendors, potentially leading to better-suited solutions and more efficient use of taxpayer funds. The process requires clear performance work statements and evaluation criteria to ensure that the lowest price is not prioritized over technical merit and overall value.

What are the potential implications of this contract on the development of future ground vehicle robotics capabilities for the military?

This contract has the potential to significantly impact the development of future ground vehicle robotics capabilities by providing essential technical and engineering support to the DEVCOM GVSC Ground Vehicle Robotics Group. The expertise provided by DCS Corporation will likely contribute to advancements in areas such as autonomous navigation, enhanced sensor suites, improved human-robot interaction, and the integration of artificial intelligence into robotic platforms. These advancements are crucial for equipping the military with next-generation unmanned and optionally manned ground vehicles that can perform a wider range of missions in complex environments, reduce risk to personnel, and increase operational effectiveness. The insights gained and technologies developed under this contract could lay the groundwork for future programs and influence the strategic direction of robotic systems within the armed forces.

Industry Classification

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

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

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6909 METRO PARK DR, 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: $5,794,312

Exercised Options: $5,794,312

Current Obligation: $5,794,312

Actual Outlays: $584,429

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 4

Total Subaward Amount: $707,227

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W56HZV23D0017

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline