USMC Digital Engineering Contract Awarded to Sabel Systems for $21.4M

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,398,087 ($21.4M)

Contractor: Sabel Systems Technology Solutions, LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2019-09-23

End Date: 2024-09-29

Contract Duration: 1,833 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.7K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS (USMC) DIGITAL ENGINEERING FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

Place of Performance

Location: QUANTICO, PRINCE WILLIAM County, VIRGINIA, 22134

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $21.4 million to SABEL SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, LLC for work described as: UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS (USMC) DIGITAL ENGINEERING FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING Key points: 1. Contract value of $21.4M for digital engineering services. 2. Awarded to Sabel Systems Technology Solutions, LLC. 3. Procured through the General Services Administration (GSA). 4. Classified under Custom Computer Programming Services (NAICS 541511).

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value is substantial for custom computer programming. Without specific benchmarks for digital engineering services within the USMC, it's difficult to definitively assess pricing. Further analysis of similar contracts would be needed.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not available for competition, indicating a limited source selection. This method may not yield the most competitive pricing as potential vendors were not broadly solicited.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition raises concerns about whether taxpayers received the best possible value for the $21.4M expenditure.

Public Impact

Enhances USMC's digital engineering capabilities. Supports advanced manufacturing initiatives. Potential for long-term technological advancement within the Marine Corps.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition
Lack of pricing benchmarks

Positive Signals

Supports critical USMC modernization efforts
Utilizes established GSA contracting vehicle

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically custom computer programming. The value is moderate for a federal IT contract of this duration, but specific benchmarks for digital engineering are scarce.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not awarded to a small business, as indicated by the 'sb' field being false. This represents a missed opportunity for small business participation in this significant federal contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded through GSA, which provides a level of oversight. However, the limited competition aspect warrants further scrutiny to ensure accountability and value for taxpayer funds.

Related Government Programs

Custom Computer Programming Services
General Services Administration Contracting
Federal Acquisition Service Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition may result in suboptimal pricing.
Lack of transparency in vendor selection process.
Potential for cost overruns without clear benchmarks.
No small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $21.4 million to SABEL SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, LLC. UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS (USMC) DIGITAL ENGINEERING FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SABEL SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $21.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-09-23. End: 2024-09-29.

What is the specific scope of 'digital engineering' for the USMC in this contract, and how does it align with industry best practices?

The contract likely encompasses the creation and management of digital models, simulations, and data throughout the lifecycle of Marine Corps systems. This could include design, manufacturing, testing, and sustainment. Alignment with best practices would involve adherence to standards like Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and digital thread implementation to improve efficiency and reduce errors.

What factors led to the 'limited' competition for this $21.4M contract, and were alternatives explored?

The 'limited' competition designation suggests that only a select number of vendors were solicited, possibly due to specific technical requirements, existing relationships, or the nature of the task order under a larger contract. It is crucial to understand if a broader search for qualified vendors was conducted or if justifications for limiting competition were robustly documented.

How will the effectiveness of Sabel Systems' digital engineering solutions be measured to ensure the USMC realizes the intended technological advancements?

Effectiveness should be measured through defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) tied to project milestones, system performance improvements, cost savings, and adherence to digital engineering standards. Regular performance reviews and feedback mechanisms between the USMC and Sabel Systems are essential to track progress and ensure the contract delivers tangible benefits.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: ID05190030005

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 14300 GRACKLE CT, GAINESVILLE, VA, 20155

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $23,934,207

Exercised Options: $21,991,068

Current Obligation: $21,398,087

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 5

Total Subaward Amount: $393,888

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QFLA19D0007

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline