Coast Guard C4ISR system integration contract awarded to Integrated Coast Guard Systems LLC for $39.1M

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $39,065,841 ($39.1M)

Contractor: Integrated Coast Guard Systems LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2003-02-08

End Date: 2008-08-14

Contract Duration: 2,014 days

Daily Burn Rate: $19.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: PRODUCTION AND DEPLOYMENT, INTEGRATION AND TEST CENTER (PHASE 2) FOR COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS, COMPUTERS, INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE AND RECONNAISANCE (C4ISR)- CLIN 0020DB

Place of Performance

Location: MOORESTOWN, BURLINGTON County, NEW JERSEY, 08057

State: New Jersey Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $39.1 million to INTEGRATED COAST GUARD SYSTEMS LLC for work described as: PRODUCTION AND DEPLOYMENT, INTEGRATION AND TEST CENTER (PHASE 2) FOR COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS, COMPUTERS, INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE AND RECONNAISANCE (C4ISR)- CLIN 0020DB Key points: 1. Contract awarded for production and deployment of a C4ISR system. 2. The contract was competed using full and open competition. 3. The contract duration was 5 years and 5 months. 4. The contract was awarded under a Firm Fixed Price type. 5. The contract was awarded by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard. 6. The contractor is Integrated Coast Guard Systems LLC. 7. The contract was awarded in February 2003 and ended in August 2008.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $39.1 million for a C4ISR system integration over five years appears to be within a reasonable range for such complex systems. However, without specific details on the system's capabilities, performance metrics, and the number of units or services delivered, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Benchmarking against similar C4ISR integration contracts would provide a clearer picture of whether the pricing was competitive and reflected the delivered value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. This method generally promotes a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and innovation. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a robust competition was intended.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it maximizes the pool of potential offerors, increasing the likelihood of receiving competitive bids and thus potentially lower prices.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Coast Guard personnel who will utilize the enhanced Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities. The services delivered include the production and deployment of an integrated C4ISR system, crucial for maritime security and operational effectiveness. The geographic impact is likely nationwide, supporting Coast Guard operations across various regions. The contract supports a specialized workforce involved in the development, integration, and deployment of advanced defense and security systems.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the full value delivered.
Specific system capabilities and their impact on operational effectiveness are not detailed.
No information on potential cost overruns or contract modifications is readily available.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment.
Firm Fixed Price contract type helps control costs and provides budget certainty.
The contract addresses critical C4ISR capabilities for the U.S. Coast Guard.

Sector Analysis

The Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) sector is a critical component of national defense and homeland security. This contract falls within the broader defense and government IT services market, which is characterized by complex system integration, high technological requirements, and significant government spending. The market size for C4ISR systems is substantial, driven by ongoing modernization efforts and evolving threats. This contract represents a specific investment in enhancing the Coast Guard's operational capabilities within this sector.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract included specific small business set-asides. As a full and open competition, it would have been accessible to all eligible businesses. The subcontracting opportunities for small businesses would depend on the prime contractor's strategy and the nature of the work packages required for system integration.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would have been managed by the U.S. Coast Guard contracting and program management offices within the Department of Homeland Security. Accountability measures are typically embedded in contract terms, including performance standards and delivery schedules. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed operational performance data may be considered sensitive.

Related Government Programs

Coast Guard C4ISR Modernization Programs
Department of Homeland Security IT Modernization
Defense C4ISR System Integration Contracts
Naval C4ISR Systems Procurement

Risk Flags

Contract Duration
System Integration Complexity
Technological Advancement
Cybersecurity Risks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $39.1 million to INTEGRATED COAST GUARD SYSTEMS LLC. PRODUCTION AND DEPLOYMENT, INTEGRATION AND TEST CENTER (PHASE 2) FOR COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS, COMPUTERS, INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE AND RECONNAISANCE (C4ISR)- CLIN 0020DB

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INTEGRATED COAST GUARD SYSTEMS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Coast Guard).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $39.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2003-02-08. End: 2008-08-14.

What specific C4ISR capabilities were delivered under this contract?

The contract data indicates 'PRODUCTION AND DEPLOYMENT, INTEGRATION AND TEST CENTER (PHASE 2) FOR COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS, COMPUTERS, INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE AND RECONNAISANCE (C4ISR)'. This suggests the contract covered the physical production of system components, their integration into a cohesive system, testing, and final deployment. Phase 2 implies a continuation or expansion of previous efforts. The specific functionalities would likely include enhanced situational awareness, improved communication links, data processing for intelligence and surveillance, and command and control functionalities tailored for Coast Guard missions, such as maritime domain awareness, search and rescue coordination, and law enforcement support.

How does the $39.1 million contract value compare to similar C4ISR integration efforts?

Comparing the $39.1 million contract value requires context on the scope and duration. This contract spanned over five years (February 2003 to August 2008). C4ISR integration projects can vary significantly in cost based on complexity, technology involved, and the number of platforms or units being integrated. For instance, a contract for integrating C4ISR systems across a fleet of vessels or aircraft would naturally be more expensive than a system for a single shore-based facility. Without knowing the exact deliverables and the number of systems or units integrated, a direct comparison is difficult. However, for a multi-year, phased integration project for a major federal agency like the Coast Guard, this value appears within a plausible range, assuming it delivered the intended capabilities effectively.

What were the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how were they measured?

The provided data does not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract. Typically, for C4ISR integration contracts, KPIs would focus on aspects such as system uptime, data processing speed, accuracy of threat detection, reliability of communication links, successful integration of new components, and adherence to deployment schedules. Measurement methods would involve rigorous testing, operational performance monitoring, and user feedback from Coast Guard personnel. The 'integration and test center' aspect suggests a strong emphasis on testing and validation as part of the performance assessment. The absence of explicit KPIs in the summary data limits a detailed assessment of contractor performance against defined objectives.

What is the track record of Integrated Coast Guard Systems LLC in delivering C4ISR solutions?

Integrated Coast Guard Systems LLC (ICGS) was a joint venture formed specifically to address the Coast Guard's C4ISR needs, notably for the Deepwater program. Its formation involved major defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, indicating significant backing and expertise. While ICGS was instrumental in developing and integrating C4ISR capabilities, the broader Deepwater program faced scrutiny regarding cost, schedule, and performance. Therefore, ICGS's track record is complex; it was a vehicle for delivering advanced technology but operated within a program that encountered challenges. Assessing ICGS's performance requires looking at its specific deliverables against contract requirements, separate from the overall program's difficulties.

Were there any significant risks identified or managed during the execution of this contract?

Given the nature of C4ISR system integration, potential risks would likely include technological obsolescence, integration challenges between different system components, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, schedule delays due to complexity, and potential cost overruns if not managed tightly under the Firm Fixed Price (FFP) structure. The 'Phase 2' designation suggests that initial integration challenges might have been addressed in Phase 1. Effective risk management would have involved proactive identification of technical hurdles, robust testing protocols, strong project management, and clear communication channels between the contractor and the Coast Guard. The FFP contract type inherently shifts some cost risk to the contractor, incentivizing efficient execution.

How has spending on C4ISR systems by the U.S. Coast Guard evolved since this contract period?

Spending on C4ISR systems by the U.S. Coast Guard has generally trended upwards and evolved significantly since the 2003-2008 period of this contract. Post-9/11 security imperatives and the increasing complexity of maritime threats have driven continuous investment in enhancing situational awareness, communication interoperability, and data analysis capabilities. Modern C4ISR systems increasingly incorporate advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and sophisticated sensor fusion. The Coast Guard's budget allocations reflect a sustained focus on modernizing its C4ISR infrastructure to maintain operational effectiveness in areas such as drug interdiction, illegal fishing enforcement, and homeland security patrols. This evolution signifies a move towards more integrated, data-driven, and technologically advanced operational environments.

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1530 WILSON BLVD STE 400, ARLINGTON, VA, 08

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $39,065,841

Exercised Options: $39,065,841

Current Obligation: $39,065,841

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Timeline