Commerce Department awards $29M contract for DART tsunami system recapitalization to Science Applications International Corporation
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $28,952,303 ($29.0M)
Contractor: Science Applications International Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2024-05-16
End Date: 2028-11-16
Contract Duration: 1,645 days
Daily Burn Rate: $17.6K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: PROCURE EQUIPMENT AND ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTATION FOR RECAPITALIZATION OF NDBC'S DEEP OCEAN ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING OF TSUNAMI (DART) SYSTEM AS PART OF THE IIJA FUNDED DART SYSTEM RECAPITALIZATION PROJECT.
Place of Performance
Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20190
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $29.0 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION for work described as: PROCURE EQUIPMENT AND ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTATION FOR RECAPITALIZATION OF NDBC'S DEEP OCEAN ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING OF TSUNAMI (DART) SYSTEM AS PART OF THE IIJA FUNDED DART SYSTEM RECAPITALIZATION PROJECT. Key points: 1. Contract aims to modernize the Deep Ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis (DART) system, crucial for early warning. 2. The award is part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding, highlighting a strategic investment in national safety infrastructure. 3. Sole-source award raises questions about potential cost efficiencies and the availability of alternative solutions. 4. The contract duration of over 5 years suggests a significant, long-term commitment to system upgrade and maintenance. 5. Focus on equipment and documentation indicates a comprehensive approach to system overhaul, not just hardware replacement. 6. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is the primary beneficiary, leveraging this for enhanced tsunami monitoring capabilities.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $28.95 million for recapitalizing the DART system appears substantial. Without specific details on the scope of equipment and documentation, direct comparison to similar contracts is challenging. However, given the critical nature of tsunami warning systems and the sole-source award, the pricing warrants scrutiny to ensure it reflects fair market value and avoids potential overruns due to lack of competition. Benchmarking against previous DART system procurements or similar advanced sensor network upgrades would be necessary for a more definitive value assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning competition was not solicited. This approach is typically justified when only one responsible source is available or when urgency precludes a competitive process. The lack of competition means that taxpayers did not benefit from potential price reductions or innovative solutions that might have emerged from a bidding process. It also limits the government's ability to explore a wider range of technological options.
Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can lead to higher costs for taxpayers as the government may not achieve the best possible price due to the absence of competitive pressure. This also reduces transparency in the procurement process.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are coastal communities in tsunami-prone regions, who will receive enhanced early warning capabilities. The contract will deliver updated equipment and documentation for the DART system, improving its reliability and effectiveness. Geographic impact is nationwide, covering all areas vulnerable to tsunamis, particularly along the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf coasts. Workforce implications may include specialized technical roles for installation, maintenance, and data analysis related to the new DART system components.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pricing and potential innovation.
- Long contract duration could lead to scope creep or cost overruns if not managed tightly.
- Lack of public details on specific equipment and documentation makes value assessment difficult.
Positive Signals
- Addresses critical national infrastructure for tsunami warning, enhancing public safety.
- Leverages significant IIJA funding, indicating a commitment to modernizing vital systems.
- Contract awarded to a known entity (SAIC) with experience in complex systems integration.
Sector Analysis
The contract falls within the 'Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing' sector. This is a specialized area focused on advanced technological systems for monitoring and navigation. The DART system recapitalization is a significant undertaking within this sector, aiming to upgrade a critical component of national oceanic and atmospheric research and safety infrastructure. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely involve other large-scale procurements for scientific instrumentation, sensor networks, or specialized defense systems.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not competed and there is no indication of small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal for this specific award. However, the prime contractor, Science Applications International Corporation, may engage small businesses for subcontracting opportunities as part of their project execution, though this is not explicitly detailed in the award information.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) within the Department of Commerce. Accountability measures would typically involve performance metrics, delivery schedules, and quality control for the equipment and documentation. Transparency may be limited due to the sole-source nature of the award, but contract performance reports and system updates should be available through NOAA's public reporting mechanisms. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.
Related Government Programs
- National Weather Service Programs
- NOAA Research and Development
- Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Projects
- Tsunami Warning Systems
- Oceanographic Instrumentation
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Lack of detailed scope
- Potential for cost overruns
Tags
commerce, department-of-commerce, noaa, national-oceanic-and-atmospheric-administration, sole-source, definitive-contract, firm-fixed-price, infrastructure, tsunami-warning, scientific-instrumentation, virginia, national-safety
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $29.0 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION. PROCURE EQUIPMENT AND ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTATION FOR RECAPITALIZATION OF NDBC'S DEEP OCEAN ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING OF TSUNAMI (DART) SYSTEM AS PART OF THE IIJA FUNDED DART SYSTEM RECAPITALIZATION PROJECT.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $29.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-05-16. End: 2028-11-16.
What is the specific scope of 'equipment and associated documentation' being procured for the DART system recapitalization?
The provided data does not detail the specific types of equipment or documentation included in the $28.95 million contract. However, the DART system is comprised of ocean-bottom pressure sensors, surface buoys, and communication systems that transmit data to onshore warning centers. Recapitalization likely involves upgrading these sensors for greater accuracy and reliability, enhancing the data transmission capabilities, and potentially modernizing the data processing and archival documentation. The 'associated documentation' would typically include technical manuals, operational guides, maintenance procedures, and system architecture diagrams necessary for the effective deployment and long-term management of the upgraded system.
Why was this contract awarded on a sole-source basis, and what alternatives were considered?
The contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, indicating that the Department of Commerce, through NOAA, determined that only one responsible source, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), was capable of meeting the requirement. Justifications for sole-source awards often include unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent needs where a competitive process would be impractical or detrimental. Without access to the specific justification documentation (e.g., a Justification and Approval document), the precise reasons and any alternatives considered remain undisclosed. This lack of competition raises concerns about whether the government secured the best possible value.
How does the $28.95 million cost compare to previous investments in the DART system or similar tsunami warning infrastructure?
Direct comparison of the $28.95 million award to previous DART system investments is difficult without historical spending data for the system's lifecycle. However, the scale of this award suggests a significant upgrade or overhaul rather than routine maintenance. Tsunami warning systems are complex and costly to develop, deploy, and maintain. Investments in similar advanced sensor networks or critical scientific infrastructure, such as seismic monitoring or weather radar systems, can range from millions to hundreds of millions of dollars depending on scope and technological sophistication. The IIJA funding context implies a substantial modernization effort.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or metrics that will be used to measure the success of this contract?
Specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract are not detailed in the provided award information. However, for a system recapitalization project like the DART system, typical success metrics would likely include: 1) Timeliness of delivery for all equipment and documentation according to the contract schedule. 2) Performance of the new equipment meeting or exceeding specified technical requirements (e.g., sensor accuracy, data transmission speed, system uptime). 3) Successful integration of new components with existing infrastructure. 4) Quality and completeness of the associated documentation. 5) Cost control, ensuring the project stays within the $28.95 million budget. NOAA would establish these KPIs in the contract's Performance Work Statement.
What is Science Applications International Corporation's (SAIC) track record with NOAA or similar government agencies for large-scale system integration projects?
Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) is a major government contractor with extensive experience in large-scale system integration, IT services, and engineering solutions for various federal agencies, including NOAA and the Department of Defense. SAIC has a history of managing complex projects involving sensor networks, data management, and critical infrastructure. While specific details of their past performance with NOAA on DART-related projects are not provided here, their general profile suggests they possess the technical expertise and project management capabilities required for such an undertaking. A thorough review of their past performance evaluations and contract history would be necessary for a complete assessment.
What are the potential risks associated with upgrading the DART system, and how are they being mitigated?
Potential risks in upgrading the DART system include technical challenges in integrating new equipment with existing infrastructure, potential delays in delivery or deployment, cybersecurity vulnerabilities introduced by new technology, and the possibility of the system not performing as expected in real-world tsunami events. Mitigation strategies would typically involve rigorous testing and validation of new components, phased deployment to minimize disruption, robust cybersecurity protocols, comprehensive training for personnel, and contingency planning. The sole-source nature of this award might limit the proactive identification of certain technical risks that could arise from diverse competitive solutions.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: 1305M223RNWWG0032
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 12010 SUNSET HILLS RD FL 4, RESTON, VA, 20190
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $33,904,041
Exercised Options: $28,952,303
Current Obligation: $28,952,303
Actual Outlays: $9,296,794
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 6
Total Subaward Amount: $2,891,908
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-05-16
Current End Date: 2028-11-16
Potential End Date: 2028-11-16 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-18
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