DoD Awards $15M R&D Contract for PM SSV SETA Support to DCS Corporation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,957,091 ($15.0M)

Contractor: DCS Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-09-16

End Date: 2026-03-16

Contract Duration: 181 days

Daily Burn Rate: $82.6K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: PM SSV SETA SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: ALEXANDRIA, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22310

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $15.0 million to DCS CORPORATION for work described as: PM SSV SETA SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded for specialized R&D support services. 2. DCS Corporation is the sole awardee. 3. Potential for limited competition due to specialized nature. 4. Spending falls within the R&D sector, specifically physical sciences.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $14.96M for 181 days suggests a high daily rate. Benchmarking against similar R&D support contracts is necessary to assess value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

The contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may result in higher costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition for this $14.96M contract raises concerns about potential overspending and suboptimal resource allocation.

Public Impact

Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the sole-source nature of the award. The specialized R&D support could be critical for specific defense projects. Lack of transparency in the procurement process hinders public scrutiny.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award
High daily rate potential
Limited transparency

Positive Signals

Supports critical R&D efforts
Specific expertise likely required

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically for physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is often project-specific and can vary significantly.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis is needed to determine if small businesses were considered or could have provided similar services.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the government is receiving fair value and that the contractor is meeting all performance requirements.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for cost overruns
Limited price discovery
Oversight needed for contractor performance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $15.0 million to DCS CORPORATION. PM SSV SETA SUPPORT

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 $15.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-16. End: 2026-03-16.

What specific R&D capabilities does DCS Corporation possess that justify a sole-source award for PM SSV SETA support?

The justification for a sole-source award typically rests on unique capabilities, specialized knowledge, or proprietary technology held by a single contractor. For PM SSV SETA support, this could involve highly specific technical expertise, established security clearances, or prior experience with sensitive projects that make transitioning to another vendor impractical or detrimental to program continuity.

What are the potential risks associated with awarding a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract on a sole-source basis for R&D services?

Sole-source Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts for R&D carry inherent risks. The government assumes cost risk, while the contractor has less incentive to control expenses. Without competition, the fixed fee may not reflect true market value, and the government lacks leverage to negotiate better terms. This structure can lead to cost overruns and reduced value for taxpayer money if not meticulously managed and overseen.

How will the effectiveness of the PM SSV SETA support be measured given the lack of competitive benchmarks?

Effectiveness measurement will rely heavily on clearly defined performance metrics and deliverables outlined in the contract. The government must establish objective criteria for success, track progress against milestones, and conduct regular performance reviews. Independent technical assessments and user feedback will be crucial to gauge the contractor's contribution and ensure the R&D support aligns with program objectives and delivers the intended outcomes.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

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: $18,450,784

Exercised Options: $18,450,784

Current Obligation: $14,957,091

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline