DoD awards $300M+ engineering services contract to ManTech Advanced Systems International, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $300,693,659 ($300.7M)

Contractor: Mantech Advanced Systems International, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2009-08-27

End Date: 2012-01-17

Contract Duration: 873 days

Daily Burn Rate: $344.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Defense

Official Description: NEW TASK ORDER

Place of Performance

Location: ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, HARFORD County, MARYLAND, 21005

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $300.7 million to MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: NEW TASK ORDER Key points: 1. Contract value exceeds $300 million, indicating a significant investment in engineering services. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration of 873 days points to a medium-term project. 4. Services are categorized under Engineering Services (NAICS 541330), a critical sector for defense. 5. The contract type is Time and Materials, which can pose cost control challenges. 6. The award was a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award amount of over $300 million for engineering services is substantial. Without specific performance metrics or a detailed breakdown of services rendered, it is difficult to benchmark the value for money. The Time and Materials (T&M) contract type, while flexible, can lead to higher costs if not managed diligently compared to fixed-price contracts. Further analysis would require comparing the per-hour rates and total expenditure against similar engineering support contracts within the Department of Defense.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION,' indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This suggests a robust and competitive process, which typically leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government. The number of bidders is not specified, but the open competition framework is a positive sign for market responsiveness.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down prices and encourage innovation, leading to better value for public funds.

Public Impact

The Department of Defense benefits from advanced engineering services to support its missions. The contract likely supports various defense projects requiring specialized engineering expertise. The geographic impact is primarily within Maryland (ST MD), where the contractor is based. The contract supports a workforce skilled in engineering and technical services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it hard to assess efficiency and effectiveness.
The large dollar value necessitates stringent oversight to ensure accountability.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive process.
Contractor is ManTech Advanced Systems International, Inc., a known entity in defense contracting.
The contract supports critical engineering services for the Department of Defense.

Sector Analysis

Engineering services are a vital component of the defense sector, encompassing design, development, testing, and sustainment of military systems and infrastructure. The market for these services is large and competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized expertise. This contract fits within the broader category of defense-related professional services, where spending is consistently high due to the complex and evolving nature of military technology and operations.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (SB is false). There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely limited unless ManTech voluntarily includes small businesses in its subcontracting efforts.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Army's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are usually embedded within the contract terms, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS-NG, though detailed performance data may be restricted. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Engineering Services
Professional Services Contracts
Defense Research and Development Support
Military Systems Engineering

Risk Flags

Cost Overrun Risk (T&M Contract)
Performance Monitoring Challenges
Contract Oversight Intensity Required

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $300.7 million to MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.. NEW TASK ORDER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $300.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-08-27. End: 2012-01-17.

What is ManTech Advanced Systems International, Inc.'s track record with the Department of Defense?

ManTech Advanced Systems International, Inc. has a significant history of contracting with the Department of Defense. As a prominent government contractor, they have been awarded numerous contracts across various agencies and service areas, including IT, engineering, and technical support. Their performance history can be reviewed through public databases like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS-NG), which details past awards, contract types, and sometimes performance ratings. A thorough review would involve examining the volume and value of their awards, the types of services rendered, and any reported issues or commendations to assess their reliability and capability in fulfilling complex defense requirements.

How does the $300M+ award compare to typical engineering services contracts within the DoD?

An award exceeding $300 million for engineering services is considered substantial within the Department of Defense. While the DoD procures a vast array of services, contracts of this magnitude typically involve large-scale, long-term projects requiring extensive technical expertise and resources. Comparable contracts often relate to major system development, complex infrastructure projects, or comprehensive lifecycle support for critical defense platforms. The specific nature of the engineering services (e.g., R&D, systems integration, testing, sustainment) would influence direct comparisons, but a $300M+ figure generally places this contract among the larger procurements in the engineering services category.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract of this size?

The primary risk associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract of this magnitude is the potential for cost overruns. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M contracts reimburse the contractor for direct labor hours at specified hourly rates and for the actual cost of materials. If not managed rigorously, this structure can incentivize longer task durations and potentially less efficient work, as the contractor's profit is tied to the amount of time and resources expended. For the government, this necessitates robust oversight, detailed tracking of labor hours and material costs, and strong negotiation of hourly rates to ensure fair pricing and prevent uncontrolled expenditure of public funds.

What is the significance of the NAICS code 541330 (Engineering Services) in the context of this award?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541330 signifies that the primary service procured under this contract is Engineering Services. This broad category includes establishments that provide architectural, engineering, and related services. For the Department of Defense, this often translates to services such as designing, developing, testing, and analyzing military systems, equipment, and infrastructure. Awards under this code are critical for maintaining technological superiority, ensuring the effectiveness of defense assets, and supporting complex military operations through specialized technical expertise.

How does the 'Full and Open Competition' award type impact taxpayer value?

Awarding a contract through 'Full and Open Competition' generally enhances taxpayer value. This procurement method ensures that all eligible and responsible sources are allowed to compete, fostering a competitive environment. Competition typically drives down prices, encourages innovation, and leads to the selection of the most capable contractor at the best value. It reduces the risk of contractors facing limited options and potentially inflating prices. Taxpayers benefit from this process through potentially lower overall costs for goods and services and access to a wider range of solutions.

What does the contract duration of 873 days imply for project scope and management?

A contract duration of 873 days, approximately 2.4 years, suggests a medium-term project with a defined scope that requires sustained effort. This duration is sufficient for complex tasks that cannot be completed quickly, such as ongoing system support, phased development, or long-term research and analysis. It implies that the project is not a short-term fix but rather a significant undertaking requiring consistent resource allocation and management. For the government, this duration necessitates careful planning, performance monitoring, and potential adjustments over the contract's life to ensure objectives are met efficiently and effectively.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Mantech International Corporation (UEI: 053518312)

Address: 12015 LEE JACKSON MEMORIAL HWY, FAIRFAX, VA, 22033

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $381,492,259

Exercised Options: $300,693,659

Current Obligation: $300,693,659

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W15P7T06DE403

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline