Interior Department's $29.5M IT modernization contract awarded to General Dynamics Information Technology

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $29,507,746 ($29.5M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2003-07-02

End Date: 2008-07-18

Contract Duration: 1,843 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.0K/day

Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: INSTALLATION SUPPORT MODULES MODERNIZATION

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22033

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $29.5 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: INSTALLATION SUPPORT MODULES MODERNIZATION Key points: 1. Contract focused on modernizing installation support modules, indicating a need for updated IT infrastructure. 2. Awarded via a competitive delivery order, suggesting a degree of market engagement. 3. The contract duration of over 1800 days points to a significant, long-term project. 4. Services provided fall under Computer Systems Design, a critical area for government IT. 5. The firm fixed-price structure aims to control costs and provide budget certainty. 6. This contract represents a substantial investment in maintaining and upgrading essential government systems.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

Benchmarking the value of this specific contract is challenging without direct comparisons for similar modernization projects within the Department of the Interior during that period. However, the firm fixed-price contract type suggests an effort to establish clear cost expectations upfront. The total value of approximately $29.5 million over its duration indicates a significant investment in IT infrastructure, which, if successfully executed, could yield long-term operational efficiencies and cost savings.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded as a competitive delivery order, implying that it was likely part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a similar vehicle that allowed for open competition among pre-qualified vendors. The presence of multiple bidders (indicated by 'no': 3) suggests a competitive environment, which typically benefits price discovery and can lead to more favorable terms for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process generally ensures that taxpayer funds are used more efficiently by driving down prices and encouraging innovation among competing firms.

Public Impact

Federal employees within the Department of the Interior benefit from modernized and more efficient IT systems. The contract delivers essential computer systems design services to support critical government functions. The geographic impact is primarily within Virginia, where the contractor is located, but the benefits extend to all users of the modernized systems. The contract supports a workforce of IT professionals involved in system design and implementation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in long-term IT modernization projects if not managed tightly.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical modernization effort could pose risks if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Competitive award process likely resulted in a more advantageous price.
The project addresses modernization needs, which is crucial for long-term IT health.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically Computer Systems Design Services. This sector is vital for government operations, encompassing the design, development, and implementation of complex IT solutions. The market for these services is highly competitive, with numerous large and small firms vying for government contracts. The value of this contract, approximately $29.5 million, is moderate within the context of large-scale federal IT modernization efforts, which can range from millions to billions of dollars.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding specific small business set-asides or subcontracting plans for this particular delivery order was not explicitly detailed in the provided data. However, the 'sb' (small business) indicator being false suggests it was not a primary small business set-aside. Analysis of subcontracting would require deeper investigation into the contract's specific clauses and performance reports to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant program managers within the Department of the Interior. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed budget. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, which record award details. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Department of the Interior IT Modernization Programs
Federal Civilian IT Services Contracts
Computer Systems Design and Integration Services

Risk Flags

Long contract duration increases risk of technological obsolescence.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical modernization.
Potential for integration challenges with legacy systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $29.5 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. INSTALLATION SUPPORT MODULES MODERNIZATION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $29.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2003-07-02. End: 2008-07-18.

What was the specific nature of the 'installation support modules' modernized under this contract?

The provided data does not specify the exact nature of the 'installation support modules.' However, in the context of IT modernization for an agency like the Department of the Interior, these modules likely refer to software or hardware components that facilitate the installation, configuration, and management of IT systems, applications, or infrastructure. This could include anything from deployment tools and asset management systems to user provisioning and network configuration utilities. Modernizing such modules suggests an effort to improve the efficiency, security, and scalability of how IT resources are deployed and managed across the department.

How does the $29.5 million cost compare to similar IT modernization projects within the Department of the Interior or other federal agencies during the 2003-2008 period?

Directly comparing the $29.5 million cost without specific project details and market data from that exact period is difficult. However, for a multi-year IT modernization effort, this figure represents a significant but not exceptionally large investment. Federal IT modernization projects can vary widely in cost, from a few million for targeted upgrades to hundreds of millions or even billions for enterprise-wide overhauls. Given the contract spanned approximately five years (2003-2008), the annual expenditure averaged around $5-6 million. This level of spending was consistent with many agency-specific IT infrastructure and modernization initiatives during the early to mid-2000s, aiming to replace legacy systems and improve operational capabilities.

What were the key performance indicators (KPIs) or success metrics for this contract?

The provided data does not detail the specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or success metrics established for this contract. Typically, for IT modernization projects, success metrics would focus on aspects such as system uptime, performance improvements (e.g., faster processing times, reduced latency), successful deployment of new functionalities, user adoption rates, reduction in system errors or bugs, and adherence to security protocols. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract implies that meeting the defined scope and deliverables within budget would be a primary measure of success, alongside technical performance benchmarks.

What is the track record of General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. (GDIT) in handling large-scale federal IT modernization contracts?

General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. (GDIT), a subsidiary of General Dynamics, has a long and extensive track record in managing large-scale federal IT modernization contracts across various agencies, including defense, intelligence, and civilian sectors. They are known for providing a wide range of IT services, from infrastructure management and cybersecurity to cloud migration and digital transformation. Their history includes numerous complex projects involving system integration, application development, and legacy system modernization. While specific performance details for every contract vary, GDIT is generally considered a major player with substantial experience in delivering complex IT solutions to the federal government.

Were there any significant challenges or risks encountered during the performance of this contract?

The provided summary data does not explicitly list any significant challenges or risks encountered during the performance of this specific contract. However, large-scale, multi-year IT modernization projects inherently carry risks such as technological obsolescence during the project lifecycle, integration issues with existing systems, potential budget overruns (though mitigated by FFP), contractor performance issues, and evolving cybersecurity threats. Without detailed contract performance reports or post-award reviews, it's impossible to identify specific challenges faced during this particular project.

How did the 'Computer Systems Design Services' (NAICS 541512) provided under this contract align with the Department of the Interior's broader IT strategy at the time?

The Department of the Interior, like most federal agencies in the early 2000s, was undergoing a period of significant IT modernization to improve efficiency, security, and data management capabilities. Computer Systems Design Services (NAICS 541512) are fundamental to such efforts, involving the analysis of user needs and the design, development, integration, and maintenance of computer systems software. Modernizing installation support modules directly aligns with a strategy to streamline IT operations, enhance system reliability, and potentially reduce the long-term costs associated with managing outdated infrastructure. This type of service is crucial for agencies seeking to leverage technology to better achieve their mission objectives.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Contractor Details

Parent Company: SRA International, Inc. (UEI: 606261683)

Address: 4300 FAIR LAKES CT, FAIRFAX, VA, 22033

Business Categories: Category Business, Hospital, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $30,313,007

Exercised Options: $30,310,007

Current Obligation: $29,507,746

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F4594G

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline