Patent File Wrapper Phase II contract awarded to General Dynamics for $11.07M for custom computer programming
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $11,068,131 ($11.1M)
Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2007-11-08
End Date: 2009-05-19
Contract Duration: 558 days
Daily Burn Rate: $19.8K/day
Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE
Sector: IT
Official Description: CSCS-08-76 - PATENT FILE WRAPPER (PFW) PHASE II - INITIAL DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT - POP: NOVEMBER 7, 2007 THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2008
Place of Performance
Location: ALEXANDRIA, ALEXANDRIA (CITY) County, VIRGINIA, 22313
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $11.1 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: CSCS-08-76 - PATENT FILE WRAPPER (PFW) PHASE II - INITIAL DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT - POP: NOVEMBER 7, 2007 THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2008 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. for custom computer programming services. 2. The contract is a Cost Plus Incentive type, indicating potential for cost overruns. 3. The total award amount is $11,068,131. 4. The contract duration is 558 days. 5. The contract falls under the Custom Computer Programming Services sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Incentive pricing structure can lead to higher costs than fixed-price contracts if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar custom programming contracts is difficult without more detailed scope information.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: unknown
This was a competitive delivery order, suggesting multiple vendors were considered. The competitive nature should have driven a reasonable price, but the CPIP structure introduces uncertainty.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for custom software development. The effectiveness of the spending depends on the successful delivery and utility of the Patent File Wrapper system.
Public Impact
Enhances the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's ability to manage patent filings. Supports the modernization of critical government IT infrastructure. Potential for improved efficiency in patent application processing. Development of a system that impacts intellectual property management.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Incentive Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns.
- Contract duration is relatively long for initial design and development.
- Specific performance metrics and success criteria are not detailed.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through a competitive process.
- Addresses a critical need for the USPTO.
- Development of a key IT system.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically custom computer programming. Spending benchmarks for similar custom software development projects vary widely based on complexity and scope.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. Large prime contractors like General Dynamics often utilize subcontractors, which could include small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically be managed by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office contracting officers. The effectiveness of oversight depends on the agency's internal controls and monitoring processes.
Related Government Programs
- Custom Computer Programming Services
- Department of Commerce Contracting
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Incentive Fee contract.
- Contract duration of 558 days.
- Lack of detailed scope and performance metrics.
- Potential for cost escalation.
Tags
custom-computer-programming-services, department-of-commerce, va, do, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $11.1 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. CSCS-08-76 - PATENT FILE WRAPPER (PFW) PHASE II - INITIAL DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT - POP: NOVEMBER 7, 2007 THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2008
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 Commerce (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $11.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-11-08. End: 2009-05-19.
What specific functionalities does the Patent File Wrapper (PFW) system aim to provide, and how will its success be measured?
The PFW system is intended to modernize the management of patent application files. Success measurement would likely involve metrics related to processing times, data accuracy, system uptime, and user adoption. Without detailed documentation, the precise functionalities and measurement criteria remain unclear, impacting a full assessment of value.
What are the potential risks associated with the Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) contract type for this development phase?
The CPIF structure incentivizes the contractor to control costs while meeting performance targets. However, it carries inherent risks of cost overruns if targets are missed or if the baseline cost estimates are inaccurate. The government may end up paying more than initially anticipated, and the incentive structure needs careful monitoring to ensure it aligns with taxpayer interests.
How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the USPTO's patent examination process?
The PFW system is designed to streamline the handling of patent application documentation, potentially reducing manual processes and improving accessibility. Its effectiveness hinges on seamless integration with existing USPTO systems and user acceptance by patent examiners and staff. Successful implementation should lead to faster processing times and better data management.
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: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE (V)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Computer Sciences Corporation (UEI: 009581091)
Address: 15000 CONFERENCE CENTER D, CHANTILLY, VA, 90
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $11,068,131
Exercised Options: $11,068,131
Current Obligation: $11,068,131
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: DOC50PAPT0501005
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-11-08
Current End Date: 2009-05-19
Potential End Date: 2012-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2009-01-07
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