CNCS awards $15M IT contract to General Dynamics for Computer Systems Design Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,051,688 ($15.1M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Corporation for National and Community Service

Start Date: 2020-04-30

End Date: 2021-07-31

Contract Duration: 457 days

Daily Burn Rate: $32.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: CNCS MANAGEMENT INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS (MITS) SHORT TERM CONTRACT

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20525

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Corporation for National and Community Service obligated $15.1 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: CNCS MANAGEMENT INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS (MITS) SHORT TERM CONTRACT Key points: 1. The contract is for IT management systems, a critical function for government operations. 2. General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. is a major player in the IT services sector. 3. The contract value is substantial, requiring careful oversight to ensure value for money. 4. The sector is highly competitive, with many firms capable of providing these services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $15,051,688.29 for a 457-day duration appears reasonable given the scope of IT management systems design services. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for comparable services would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust price discovery process. This method generally leads to more competitive pricing as multiple vendors have the opportunity to bid.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is expected to yield fair pricing, maximizing the value of taxpayer funds spent on these essential IT services.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operation and modernization of critical IT infrastructure for the Corporation for National and Community Service. Supports the agency's mission delivery through reliable and efficient technology systems. Potential for improved service delivery to the public through enhanced IT capabilities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Contract duration is relatively short (457 days), potentially leading to follow-on contract needs.
No specific mention of small business participation, despite the importance of SMBs in the IT sector.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
Firm Fixed Price contract type helps control costs.
Experienced contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically Computer Systems Design Services. Spending in this area is significant across federal agencies, supporting a wide range of operational and mission-critical functions. Benchmarks vary widely based on complexity and duration.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to a small business (ss: false, sb: false). While General Dynamics is a large corporation, opportunities for small businesses in subcontracting roles should be explored to ensure broader economic impact.

Oversight & Accountability

The Corporation for National and Community Service is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard government oversight mechanisms for contract performance, quality, and financial management should be in place.

Related Government Programs

Computer Systems Design Services
Corporation for National and Community Service Contracting
Corporation for National and Community Service Programs

Risk Flags

Contract duration may be insufficient for full system lifecycle.
Lack of explicit small business participation noted.
Potential for scope creep in IT system design projects.
Need for robust oversight to ensure value and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Corporation for National and Community Service awarded $15.1 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. CNCS MANAGEMENT INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS (MITS) SHORT TERM CONTRACT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Corporation for National and Community Service (Corporation for National and Community Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $15.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-04-30. End: 2021-07-31.

What specific IT management functions does this contract cover, and how do they align with CNCS's strategic goals?

This contract covers Computer Systems Design Services (NAICS 541512) for CNCS's Management Information Technology Systems (MITS). These services are crucial for maintaining and potentially upgrading the agency's internal IT infrastructure, which supports all operational and administrative functions. Alignment with strategic goals would depend on CNCS's specific IT modernization plans and objectives for improving efficiency and service delivery.

What are the potential risks associated with a 457-day contract for complex IT systems design?

A 457-day contract, while substantial, may be insufficient for large-scale IT system redesigns, potentially leading to scope creep or the need for costly extensions. Risks include vendor lock-in if the system becomes highly specialized, potential for performance gaps if the contractor's expertise doesn't fully match evolving needs, and the administrative burden of managing a follow-on procurement if the project extends beyond the initial term.

How effectively does the firm fixed price (FFP) contract type manage cost overruns for IT system design services?

The Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract type is generally effective in controlling costs for well-defined IT system design services, as it shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor. However, for complex or evolving IT projects, FFP can sometimes incentivize the contractor to cut corners on quality or scope if not meticulously managed. Clear performance metrics and change control processes are essential to ensure value and prevent unintended consequences.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design 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: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp

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: $15,051,688

Exercised Options: $15,051,688

Current Obligation: $15,051,688

Actual Outlays: $11,707,786

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 10

Total Subaward Amount: $1,167,741

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F088AA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline