DoD's $31.1M contract for computer training awarded to Rockwell Collins Simulation & Training Solutions LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,100,289 ($31.1M)

Contractor: Rockwell Collins Simulation & Training Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2004-01-26

End Date: 2009-12-31

Contract Duration: 2,166 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Place of Performance

Location: CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN County, IOWA, 52498

State: Iowa Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $31.1 million to ROCKWELL COLLINS SIMULATION & TRAINING SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: Key points: 1. The contract value of $31.1 million represents a significant investment in specialized training solutions. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust market for these services. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type aims to provide cost certainty for the government. 4. The duration of over 6 years indicates a long-term need for these training capabilities. 5. The contract's focus on computer training aligns with modern military operational requirements. 6. The geographic location of the contractor in Iowa may have local economic implications.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

Benchmarking the value of this $31.1 million contract is challenging without specific performance metrics or comparable training programs. However, the duration of over six years suggests a sustained need and potentially a reasonable cost spread over time. The firm-fixed-price structure indicates that the contractor assumed the risk for cost overruns, which is generally favorable for the government. Further analysis would require comparing the per-unit cost of training or the scope of services to similar contracts awarded by the Department of Defense or other agencies.

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 this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which is expected to drive down prices and improve the quality of services offered. The government likely benefited from a range of proposals and pricing structures.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by leveraging market forces to secure the best possible value. It minimizes the risk of inflated prices that can occur with less competitive solicitations.

Public Impact

Military personnel requiring advanced computer-based training will benefit from enhanced skill development. The services delivered are expected to improve operational readiness and technical proficiency within the Army. The geographic impact is primarily on the military personnel receiving the training, regardless of their duty station. Workforce implications include the potential need for specialized instructors and support staff for the training programs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if training requirements evolve significantly beyond the initial contract.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical training capability over an extended period.
Risk of technological obsolescence if training content or platforms are not regularly updated.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost predictability for the government.
Long contract duration suggests a stable and reliable training solution.
Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive selection process.

Sector Analysis

The defense sector heavily relies on advanced simulation and training solutions to prepare personnel for complex operational environments. This contract falls within the broader IT and professional services market, specifically focusing on specialized computer-based training. The market for defense training is substantial, with significant government spending allocated annually to ensure technological superiority and personnel readiness. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-scale training contracts for simulation, virtual reality, and specialized software proficiency.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. Without further details, it is difficult to assess the direct impact on the small business ecosystem, though large prime contractors often utilize small businesses for specialized support services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program management office within the Department of the Army. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring the contractor to deliver specified training services. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific performance details may be sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Military Training Systems
Defense Simulation Technology
Information Technology Services
Professional Development and Training
Army Aviation Training

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may increase risk of obsolescence.
Potential for contractor performance degradation over extended period.
Need for clear performance metrics to ensure value for money.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $31.1 million to ROCKWELL COLLINS SIMULATION & TRAINING SOLUTIONS LLC. See the official description on USAspending.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ROCKWELL COLLINS SIMULATION & TRAINING SOLUTIONS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $31.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2004-01-26. End: 2009-12-31.

What specific computer systems or software does this training program cover?

The provided data does not specify the exact computer systems or software covered by this training contract. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 611420, 'Computer Training,' is broad and encompasses a wide range of instruction related to computer hardware, software, and networking. To determine the specific systems, one would need to consult the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) or Performance Work Statement (PWS). These documents detail the curriculum, learning objectives, and technical requirements. Given the awarding agency is the Department of the Army, the training could range from basic computer literacy to highly specialized software used in command and control, intelligence analysis, or weapon system operation.

How does the $31.1 million cost compare to similar computer training contracts for the military?

Comparing the $31.1 million cost requires identifying contracts with similar scope, duration, and complexity. This contract spans over six years (January 2004 to December 2009), with a total value of $31,100,289.20. This averages to approximately $5.18 million per year. To benchmark effectively, one would look for other Department of Defense or Army contracts for computer-based training, simulation, or IT instruction awarded during a similar timeframe. Factors like the number of personnel trained, the sophistication of the training technology (e.g., simulators, virtual reality), and the specific subject matter (e.g., general IT skills vs. specialized weapon systems software) heavily influence cost. Without access to detailed performance metrics and comparable contract data, a precise value-for-money assessment is difficult, but the annual expenditure appears substantial, suggesting a significant training requirement.

What is Rockwell Collins Simulation & Training Solutions LLC's track record with government contracts, particularly in training?

Rockwell Collins (now part of Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies company) has a long history of providing simulation and training solutions to government and military clients. While this specific contract highlights a significant award from the Department of the Army, the company has been a major player in defense aviation, offering a wide array of training systems, simulators, and related services. Their expertise often extends to flight simulation, mission rehearsal, and maintenance training. A comprehensive review of their contract history would reveal numerous awards across different military branches and agencies, demonstrating a consistent presence and capability in delivering complex training solutions. Assessing their performance on past contracts, including any past performance evaluations or disputes, would provide further insight into their reliability and effectiveness.

What are the potential risks associated with a six-year contract for computer training?

A primary risk associated with a six-year contract for computer training is technological obsolescence. The rapid pace of technological advancement means that the hardware, software, and training methodologies specified at the contract's outset could be outdated by the end of the performance period. Another risk is the potential for the contractor's capabilities or financial stability to change over such a long duration, impacting service delivery. Furthermore, if the training requirements evolve significantly, scope creep could lead to cost overruns or necessitate contract modifications. Ensuring the training remains relevant to evolving military needs and operational environments requires proactive contract management and potentially incorporating flexibility mechanisms within the contract terms.

How does the 'firm fixed price' contract type benefit the Department of the Army in this scenario?

The firm fixed price (FFP) contract type offers significant benefits to the Department of the Army by providing cost certainty and predictability. Under an FFP agreement, the contractor, Rockwell Collins Simulation & Training Solutions LLC, assumes the primary responsibility for all costs incurred in fulfilling the contract requirements. This means the total price is fixed and generally not subject to adjustment based on the contractor's actual costs. This structure incentivizes the contractor to manage its expenses efficiently and control performance risks. For the Army, it simplifies budgeting and financial planning, as the total expenditure is known upfront. It also shifts the risk of cost overruns from the government to the contractor, making it a preferred contract type when the scope of work is well-defined and technical risks are manageable.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Business Schools and Computer and Management Training › Computer Training

Product/Service Code: TRAINING AIDS AND DEVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Rockwell Collins, Inc. (UEI: 962960589)

Address: 22626 SALLY RIDE DR, STERLING, VA, 10

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N6133901D0726

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline