DoD's $20.4M R&D contract for CPOF Field Support awarded to General Dynamics C4 Systems, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,426,880 ($20.4M)

Contractor: General Dynamics C4 Systems, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2009-09-10

End Date: 2011-03-29

Contract Duration: 565 days

Daily Burn Rate: $36.2K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: R&D

Official Description: PROPOSAL PREPERATION FOR COMMAND POST OF THE FUTURE (CPOF) FIELD SUPPORT (CLIN 0003)

Place of Performance

Location: SCOTTSDALE, MARICOPA County, ARIZONA, 85257, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $20.4 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS C4 SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: PROPOSAL PREPERATION FOR COMMAND POST OF THE FUTURE (CPOF) FIELD SUPPORT (CLIN 0003) Key points: 1. Contract awarded for research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Significant investment in Command Post of the Future (CPOF) technology development. 3. Contract duration of 565 days indicates a focused, short-term R&D effort. 4. Awarded as a sole-source contract, raising questions about competition. 5. Geographic focus on Arizona for contract performance. 6. Contract type is Time and Materials, which can pose cost control challenges.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $20.4 million for a 565-day R&D effort appears substantial. Without comparable sole-source R&D contracts for similar systems, it is difficult to benchmark the value for money. The Time and Materials (T&M) contract type, while common for R&D where scope can evolve, carries inherent risks of cost overruns if not closely managed. The lack of competition further complicates a definitive value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed among multiple vendors. This approach is typically justified when only one vendor possesses the necessary unique capabilities or proprietary technology. However, the lack of competition limits the government's ability to explore alternative solutions and potentially secure more favorable pricing through a competitive bidding process.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can result in higher costs for taxpayers as the government does not benefit from the price reductions typically achieved through competitive bidding.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense, specifically units requiring advanced command post capabilities. The contract supports the development and fielding of Command Post of the Future (CPOF) technology. Geographic impact is concentrated in Arizona, where contract performance is scheduled. Workforce implications include specialized R&D personnel employed by General Dynamics C4 Systems, Inc.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competitive pressure on pricing.
Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost escalation without strict oversight.
Lack of transparency in the justification for sole-source award.

Positive Signals

Focus on R&D for critical defense technology.
Award to an established contractor with relevant expertise.
Specific contract for a defined period (565 days).

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for defense R&D is characterized by significant government investment, often involving specialized contractors like General Dynamics. The Command Post of the Future (CPOF) initiative represents a push towards modernizing battlefield command and control systems, a key area of focus within the defense technology sector.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a stated requirement or outcome (sb: false). As a sole-source award to a large prime contractor, there is no explicit set-aside for small businesses. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses would depend on the prime contractor's internal policies and the specific needs of the R&D effort, but are not guaranteed by the contract structure.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), responsible for ensuring contractor performance and compliance. Transparency regarding the sole-source justification and ongoing cost monitoring would be key accountability measures. The effectiveness of oversight is crucial given the Time and Materials contract type.

Related Government Programs

Command Post of the Future (CPOF) Program
Department of Defense Research and Development Spending
Tactical Command and Control Systems

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competitive justification.
Time and Materials contract type poses cost overrun risks.
Limited public information on specific R&D deliverables.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $20.4 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS C4 SYSTEMS, INC.. PROPOSAL PREPERATION FOR COMMAND POST OF THE FUTURE (CPOF) FIELD SUPPORT (CLIN 0003)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS C4 SYSTEMS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $20.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-09-10. End: 2011-03-29.

What is the specific technological advancement expected from this $20.4M R&D contract for CPOF Field Support?

The contract, awarded to General Dynamics C4 Systems, Inc., focuses on research and development for the Command Post of the Future (CPOF) Field Support. While the specific technological advancements are not detailed in the provided data, CPOF initiatives generally aim to enhance battlefield situational awareness, command and control capabilities, and communication systems for deployed units. This R&D effort likely involves developing, testing, and refining hardware and software components to improve the functionality, usability, and resilience of mobile command posts in various operational environments. The Time and Materials (T&M) contract type suggests that the scope may evolve as research progresses, allowing for adaptation to unforeseen technical challenges or opportunities.

Why was this contract awarded on a sole-source basis instead of being competed?

The provided data indicates this contract was awarded on a sole-source basis ('CT': 'NOT COMPETED'). Justifications for sole-source awards typically include situations where only one responsible source can provide the required supplies or services. This could be due to unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent needs where competition is not feasible. Without further documentation detailing the specific justification used by the Department of Defense, it is presumed that General Dynamics C4 Systems, Inc. was deemed the only capable provider for this particular aspect of CPOF Field Support at the time of award. This lack of competition limits the government's ability to leverage market forces for potentially better pricing and broader solution exploration.

How does the Time and Materials (T&M) contract type impact cost control for this R&D effort?

The Time and Materials (T&M) contract type, used for this $20.4 million award, allows the government to pay the contractor for the actual cost of direct labor (at specified hourly rates) and indirect costs, plus a fee representing profit. For R&D, T&M can be advantageous as it accommodates evolving requirements and unforeseen technical challenges inherent in research. However, it presents significant cost control risks for the government. Unlike fixed-price contracts, the total cost is not predetermined. Effective cost control relies heavily on robust government oversight, including monitoring labor hours, material costs, and ensuring efficient performance. Without stringent management and clear task definitions, T&M contracts can lead to cost overruns.

What is the historical spending trend for CPOF or similar command post technologies within the Department of Defense?

The provided data snippet focuses on a single contract from 2009-2011. To assess historical spending trends for CPOF or similar command post technologies, a broader analysis of DoD procurement data over multiple fiscal years would be necessary. Such an analysis would involve identifying all contracts related to command post modernization, battlefield management systems, and tactical communication infrastructure. Examining trends would reveal whether spending in this area has been consistent, increasing, or decreasing, and identify major contractors and technology focus areas over time. This specific contract represents a portion of R&D investment in this capability during its period of performance.

What are the potential risks associated with awarding a $20.4M contract without competition?

The primary risk associated with awarding a $20.4 million contract on a sole-source basis is the potential for inflated costs due to the absence of competitive pressure. Without multiple bids, the government may pay a higher price than could be achieved through a competitive process. Additionally, sole-source awards can limit innovation by excluding potentially superior or more cost-effective solutions from other vendors. There's also a risk that the justification for sole-sourcing might not be as robust as claimed, potentially indicating a lack of market research or an over-reliance on a single contractor. This can foster vendor lock-in and reduce future competition.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except 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: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp (UEI: 001381284)

Address: 8201 E MCDOWELL RD, SCOTTSDALE, AZ, 85257

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $20,426,880

Exercised Options: $20,426,880

Current Obligation: $20,426,880

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W15P7T07DN201

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline