NASA's $36M IT Support Contract Awarded to General Dynamics for Office Administrative Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $35,947,655 ($35.9M)
Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2020-10-01
End Date: 2021-09-30
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $98.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: NASA SHARED SERVICES CENTER SUPPORT SERVICES - TASK ORDER - CY6
Place of Performance
Location: STENNIS SPACE CENTER, HANCOCK County, MISSISSIPPI, 39529
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $35.9 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: NASA SHARED SERVICES CENTER SUPPORT SERVICES - TASK ORDER - CY6 Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in essential IT infrastructure and administrative support. 2. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive bidding process, which can drive better pricing. 3. The contract's duration of one year (with potential for extensions) allows for flexibility but requires ongoing performance monitoring. 4. Fixed-price contract type shifts performance risk to the contractor, encouraging efficient service delivery. 5. The specific NAICS code (561110) indicates a focus on general office administrative services, a common requirement across government agencies. 6. Awarded to a large, established contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc., suggesting a focus on reliability and experience.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of approximately $36 million for a one-year period for office administrative services appears reasonable given the scope of support typically required by a major agency like NASA. Benchmarking against similar IT support contracts across federal agencies would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the firm fixed-price nature of the contract suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which is generally favorable for the government. The award amount is within the expected range for comprehensive IT and administrative support services.
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 method is generally preferred as it maximizes the pool of potential offerors and fosters a competitive environment. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' designation implies a robust competition that should lead to a fair market price and a selection based on the best value to the government.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it is designed to drive down costs through market forces and ensure the government receives competitive pricing and high-quality services.
Public Impact
Benefits NASA's Shared Services Center by providing essential IT and administrative support, ensuring smooth operations. Delivers critical office administrative services, including IT support, which are fundamental to NASA's mission execution. The geographic impact is primarily focused on the location of the NASA Shared Services Center in Mississippi. Workforce implications include the potential for direct employment by General Dynamics or its subcontractors to fulfill the contract requirements.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in if services become highly integrated and difficult to transition.
- Reliance on a single large contractor could limit future competition if not managed carefully.
- Performance monitoring is crucial to ensure service levels meet NASA's evolving needs.
Positive Signals
- Award to an experienced contractor with a proven track record in government IT services.
- Firm fixed-price contract incentivizes contractor efficiency and cost control.
- Full and open competition suggests a strong initial market assessment and potential for competitive pricing.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Information Technology and Professional Services sector, specifically focusing on administrative and IT support. The market for such services is vast and highly competitive, with numerous large and small businesses vying for government contracts. NASA, as a major federal agency, represents a significant customer for IT support, and spending in this area is consistent with the operational needs of large scientific and research organizations. Benchmarks for similar IT support contracts often range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars annually, depending on the scope and complexity.
Small Business Impact
The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside requirement for this particular task order (ss: false, sb: false). While General Dynamics is a large business, there may be opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors. The extent of small business subcontracting will depend on General Dynamics' strategy and the specific needs of the services required. Agencies are generally encouraged to promote small business utilization, but it is not explicitly detailed in this award's summary.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the NASA Shared Services Center contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded within the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring the contractor to meet defined service levels and performance standards. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.
Related Government Programs
- NASA IT Support Services
- Federal Administrative Services Contracts
- General Dynamics IT Contracts
- Shared Services Center Operations
Risk Flags
- Contract Duration
- Performance Monitoring
- Vendor Lock-in Potential
Tags
it, nasa, general-dynamics-information-technology, office-administrative-services, full-and-open-competition, firm-fixed-price, delivery-order, mississippi, professional-services, it-support
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $35.9 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. NASA SHARED SERVICES CENTER SUPPORT SERVICES - TASK ORDER - CY6
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $35.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-10-01. End: 2021-09-30.
What is the historical spending trend for IT support services at the NASA Shared Services Center?
Analyzing historical spending for IT support services at the NASA Shared Services Center (NSSC) is crucial for understanding trends and identifying potential anomalies. While specific historical data for this exact task order is not provided, general trends in federal IT spending show a consistent demand for support services. Agencies like NASA often rely on long-term contracts for IT infrastructure and administrative functions. Fluctuations in spending can be attributed to contract re-competitions, changes in technology requirements, shifts in agency priorities, or the consolidation or expansion of shared services. A detailed analysis would involve examining NSSC's budget allocations and contract awards over several fiscal years to identify patterns in spending levels, contractor performance, and the evolution of service requirements.
How does the awarded price compare to industry benchmarks for similar IT support services?
Comparing the awarded price of approximately $36 million for a one-year IT support contract to industry benchmarks requires careful consideration of the specific services rendered. General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. is a large, established provider, and their pricing reflects their overhead, expertise, and market position. For broad office administrative and IT support services, this price point is not unusual for a federal agency of NASA's size and complexity. However, a precise benchmark would necessitate a detailed breakdown of the services provided (e.g., help desk, network management, system administration, cybersecurity support) and comparison with similar contracts awarded by other agencies or within the private sector for comparable scopes of work. Factors like geographic location, labor rates, and the level of service required significantly influence pricing.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate General Dynamics' performance under this contract?
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract would be defined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and are essential for ensuring General Dynamics meets NASA's requirements. Typical KPIs for IT support services include metrics such as help desk response and resolution times, system uptime and availability, network performance, cybersecurity incident response times, and user satisfaction ratings. For administrative services, KPIs might focus on process efficiency, accuracy of data management, and adherence to established procedures. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract implies that failure to meet these KPIs could result in penalties or impact future contract renewals. NASA's contracting officers and technical monitors would be responsible for tracking these KPIs and formally evaluating the contractor's performance against them throughout the contract period.
What is the track record of General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. with NASA and other federal agencies for similar contracts?
General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. (GDIT) has a substantial track record of performing IT and administrative support services for NASA and numerous other federal agencies. As a major government contractor, GDIT has experience across a wide spectrum of IT disciplines, including infrastructure management, cloud services, cybersecurity, and enterprise IT solutions. Their history with NASA likely includes previous support contracts, demonstrating familiarity with the agency's unique technological environment and operational needs. Evaluating their past performance, including contract awards, past performance reviews, and any documented issues or successes, is a standard part of the government procurement process. This historical data provides insight into their capability to deliver services effectively and manage complex projects within budget and schedule constraints.
What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single large contractor for these critical support services?
Relying on a single large contractor like General Dynamics for critical IT and administrative support services presents several potential risks. One primary concern is vendor lock-in, where the deep integration of services and proprietary knowledge held by the contractor can make transitioning to a new provider difficult and costly. This can reduce future competition and potentially lead to complacency or price increases over time. Another risk is the potential for service degradation if the contractor faces internal challenges, such as staffing issues, financial difficulties, or shifts in strategic focus. Furthermore, a sole reliance on one entity might limit the adoption of innovative solutions if the contractor's offerings are not cutting-edge. Robust contract management, clear performance metrics, and contingency planning are essential to mitigate these risks.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Office Administrative Services › Office Administrative Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Wico Limited
Address: 3150 FAIRVIEW PARK DR STE 100, FALLS CHURCH, VA, 22042
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $35,947,655
Exercised Options: $35,947,655
Current Obligation: $35,947,655
Actual Outlays: $35,947,655
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $67,441
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNX16MA01B
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-10-01
Current End Date: 2021-09-30
Potential End Date: 2021-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-04-07
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