DoD's $27.4M contract for engineering technical services awarded to Computer Sciences Corporation shows questionable value
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $27,438,214 ($27.4M)
Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2002-03-06
End Date: 2007-03-31
Contract Duration: 1,851 days
Daily Burn Rate: $14.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Sector: IT
Official Description: 200206!001893!2100!AB07 !USA COMMUNICATIONS-ELECTRONICS !GS35F4381G !C!N! !N!DAAB0702F0039 !20020306!20070311!043991108!043991108!009581091!N!COMPUTER SCIENCES CORPORATION !3160 FAIRVIEW PARK DRIVE !FALLS CHURCH !VA!22042!19840!025!34!EATONTOWN !MONMOUTH !NEW JERSEY!+000000308413!N!N!000000000000!R425!ENGINEERING TECHNICAL SERVICES !A7 !ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION !1GVE!SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS !541330!E! !6! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! ! ! !A! ! ! !000! ! ! ! ! ! ! !Y!C!N!N! ! ! ! ! ! !* ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !0001!
Place of Performance
Location: EATONTOWN, MONMOUTH County, NEW JERSEY, 07724, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $27.4 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: 200206!001893!2100!AB07 !USA COMMUNICATIONS-ELECTRONICS !GS35F4381G !C!N! !N!DAAB0702F0039 !20020306!20070311!043991108!043991108!009581091!N!COMPUTER SCIENCES CORPORATION !3160 FAIRVIEW PARK DRIVE !FALLS CHURCH !VA!22042!19840!025!34!EATONTOWN !MONMOUTH !NEW JERSEY!+000000308413… Key points: 1. The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The duration of 1851 days (approx. 5 years) indicates a long-term need for these services. 3. The award to Computer Sciences Corporation, a large established firm, raises questions about potential overpricing. 4. The sector is IT, specifically engineering technical services and satellite communications.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $27.4 million over approximately 5 years averages to about $5.5 million annually. Without specific per-unit cost data or benchmarks for similar engineering technical services contracts, it's difficult to definitively assess value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing. However, the specific pricing outcomes and whether the lowest price technically acceptable was achieved are not detailed.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently, but the ultimate value for money is unclear without further analysis.
Public Impact
This contract supported the Department of the Army's need for engineering and technical services, likely impacting military communications and operations. The significant contract value suggests a substantial investment in IT infrastructure and support. The long-term nature of the contract implies ongoing reliance on these services for critical functions.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of detailed cost breakdown
- Potential for price creep over a long contract duration
- Limited insight into specific performance metrics and outcomes
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition
- Long-term contract indicates sustained need and potential for stable service delivery
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically focusing on engineering technical services and satellite communications. Spending in this area is critical for modern defense capabilities, with benchmarks varying widely based on the complexity and scope of services.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Computer Sciences Corporation, a large business. There is no indication that small businesses were involved as subcontractors or prime contractors in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Army, oversaw this contract. Standard procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms would apply, but specific details on performance monitoring or audits are not provided.
Related Government Programs
- Other Computer Related Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of detailed cost justification
- Potential for cost overruns in long-term IT contracts
- Limited transparency on performance metrics
- Absence of small business participation noted
Tags
other-computer-related-services, department-of-defense, nj, do, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $27.4 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. 200206!001893!2100!AB07 !USA COMMUNICATIONS-ELECTRONICS !GS35F4381G !C!N! !N!DAAB0702F0039 !20020306!20070311!043991108!043991108!009581091!N!COMPUTER SCIENCES CORPORATION !3160 FAIRVIEW PARK DRIVE !FALLS CHURCH !VA!22042!19840!025!34!EATONTOWN !MONMOUTH !NEW JERSEY!+000000308413!N!N!000000000000!R425!ENGINEERING TECHNICAL SERVICES !A7 !ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION !1GVE!SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS !541330!E! !6! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! ! ! !A! ! ! !000! ! ! ! ! ! ! !Y!C!N!N! ! ! ! ! ! !* ! ! ! ! !
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, 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 $27.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2002-03-06. End: 2007-03-31.
What specific engineering technical services were provided under this contract, and how did they contribute to the Army's mission?
The contract was for engineering technical services, including aspects of satellite communications. These services likely supported the development, maintenance, or operation of communication systems crucial for military command, control, and intelligence. The exact nature of the contribution would depend on the specific systems and operational requirements addressed by Computer Sciences Corporation's work.
Were there any performance issues or contract modifications that impacted the final cost or delivery?
The provided data does not detail any performance issues or contract modifications. The contract ran its full course from March 2002 to March 2007. Without access to contract performance reports or modification logs, it's impossible to determine if issues arose that affected the final cost or delivery timeline.
How does the average annual cost of $5.5 million compare to industry benchmarks for similar satellite communication engineering services?
Benchmarking this contract's average annual cost of $5.5 million is challenging without more specific details on the scope and complexity of the services. The satellite communications field is highly specialized, and costs can vary significantly based on technology, security requirements, and the level of expertise needed. A thorough comparison would require detailed service descriptions and access to proprietary industry cost data.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 3
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Computer Sciences Corporation (UEI: 009581091)
Address: 15000 CONFERENCE CENTER DR, CHANTILLY, VA, 20151
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS35F4381G
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2002-03-06
Current End Date: 2007-03-31
Potential End Date: 2007-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2015-06-01
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