DoD's $31.5M contract for technical assistance to Anteon Corp. shows potential for cost savings

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,541,752 ($31.5M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2002-09-16

End Date: 2009-01-31

Contract Duration: 2,329 days

Daily Burn Rate: $13.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: 200211!001431!5700!GC20 !ASC/PKWO !GS23F8049H !C!N! !Y!F3360102FA581 !20020916!20030915!067641597!067641597!099312725!N!ANTEON CORPORATION !3211 JERMANTOWN RD, STE 70!FAIRFAX !VA!22030!86660!057!39!WRIGHT PATTERSON AFB!GREENE !OHIO !+000000280415!N!N!000000000000!R421!TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE !S1 !SERVICES !3000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !561110!E! !6! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! ! ! !A! ! ! !000! ! ! ! ! ! ! !Y!C!N!N! ! ! ! ! ! !* ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !0001!

Place of Performance

Location: DAYTON, GREENE County, OHIO, 45433

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $31.5 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: 200211!001431!5700!GC20 !ASC/PKWO !GS23F8049H !C!N! !Y!F3360102FA581 !20020916!20030915!067641597!067641597!099312725!N!ANTEON CORPORATION !3211 JERMANTOWN RD, STE 70!FAIRFAX !VA!22030!86660!057!39!WRIGHT PATTERSON AFB!GREEN… Key points: 1. The contract's value of $31.5 million over its period of performance suggests a significant investment in technical assistance services. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open competition, which typically fosters better pricing and value for the government. 3. The contract was awarded to Anteon Corporation, a company with a track record that warrants further investigation into performance and reliability. 4. The service category, Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services, is broad and requires specific performance metrics to assess effectiveness. 5. The contract's duration of over 2300 days highlights the long-term nature of the support required by the Department of the Air Force. 6. The absence of small business set-aside flags suggests that large businesses were the primary focus for this procurement.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking this contract's value is challenging without more specific details on the services rendered and the labor hours involved. The total award amount of $31.5 million spread over approximately 6.4 years (from Sept 2002 to Jan 2009) suggests an average annual spend of roughly $4.9 million. This figure needs to be compared against similar technical assistance contracts within the Department of Defense and specifically the Air Force to determine if it represents good value for money. Factors such as the complexity of the technical assistance, the specialized skills required, and the prevailing market rates for such services would be crucial for a comprehensive value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under a 'full and open competition' framework, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. While the specific number of bidders is not provided in the data, this type of competition is generally considered the most robust method for ensuring fair pricing and access to the widest range of capabilities. The open nature of the competition suggests that the Department of the Air Force sought to leverage market forces to obtain the best possible technical assistance services.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down prices through market competition and ensuring that the government receives services at a fair market value. It also promotes transparency and reduces the risk of favoritism.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries of this contract are likely the personnel and operations within the Department of the Air Force at Wright-Patterson AFB, who receive technical assistance. The services delivered fall under Administrative Management and General Management Consulting, aimed at improving operational efficiency and support functions. The geographic impact is centered around Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, a major hub for Air Force research, development, and sustainment. Workforce implications could include the employment of skilled consultants and technical experts, both within the contractor organization and potentially by the government agency receiving the support.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to gauge the true effectiveness and value derived from the technical assistance.
The long contract duration could lead to vendor lock-in or a decrease in competitive pressure over time if not managed carefully.
The broad service category of 'technical assistance' requires detailed understanding of deliverables to ensure alignment with Air Force needs.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process that should yield fair pricing.
The contract is for technical assistance, which can be crucial for maintaining and improving complex military operations and systems.
The specific location of award at Wright-Patterson AFB indicates support for a critical military installation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically under administrative and management consulting. This sector is a significant component of federal spending, supporting a wide array of government functions. The market for such services is competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized expertise. Benchmarking this contract's value would involve comparing its per-year cost against similar consulting contracts awarded by the DoD and other federal agencies for comparable services and scope.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests that the procurement was likely aimed at larger, more established companies capable of handling the scope and complexity of the technical assistance required. Consequently, there may be limited direct subcontracting opportunities for small businesses unless specifically mandated or pursued by the prime contractor, Anteon Corporation. The impact on the small business ecosystem would be minimal in terms of direct set-aside awards for this particular contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program management office within the Department of the Air Force at Wright-Patterson AFB. Accountability measures would be defined in the contract's statement of work and performance standards. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS, though detailed performance reports are often internal. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Defense Technical Support Services
Management and Consulting Services
Air Force Logistics and Sustainment Support
Wright-Patterson AFB Support Contracts
Federal Professional Services Procurement

Risk Flags

Lack of detailed performance metrics.
Broad service description requires further clarification.
Potential for long-term vendor dependency.
Limited visibility into specific deliverables.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $31.5 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. 200211!001431!5700!GC20 !ASC/PKWO !GS23F8049H !C!N! !Y!F3360102FA581 !20020916!20030915!067641597!067641597!099312725!N!ANTEON CORPORATION !3211 JERMANTOWN RD, STE 70!FAIRFAX !VA!22030!86660!057!39!WRIGHT PATTERSON AFB!GREENE !OHIO !+000000280415!N!N!000000000000!R421!TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE !S1 !SERVICES !3000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !561110!E! !6! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B

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 Air Force).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $31.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2002-09-16. End: 2009-01-31.

What was the specific nature of the 'technical assistance' provided under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract was for 'TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE' under NAICS code 541611 (Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services). However, the specific nature of the assistance is not detailed. Typically, such contracts could encompass a wide range of support, including process improvement, organizational analysis, strategic planning, program management support, or advice on operational efficiency. Without a detailed statement of work or task orders, it's impossible to ascertain the precise services rendered. The broad categorization suggests support for administrative and management functions rather than highly specialized technical engineering or IT services, though 'technical assistance' can sometimes be used broadly.

How does the awarded amount of $31.5 million compare to similar technical assistance contracts within the Air Force?

Comparing the $31.5 million total award for this contract (over approximately 6.4 years) requires access to a broader dataset of similar Air Force technical assistance contracts. However, as a rough estimate, the average annual spend was around $4.9 million. This figure needs to be benchmarked against contracts for management consulting and administrative support services awarded to similar-sized companies. Factors such as the specific base supported (Wright-Patterson AFB is a major installation), the complexity of the support, and the duration are key comparison points. Without direct comparable data, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents a high, low, or average spend for such services.

What was Anteon Corporation's performance history prior to and during this contract?

The provided data does not include Anteon Corporation's performance history. To assess their track record for this specific contract, one would need to consult past performance evaluations, CPARS (Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System) reports, or other feedback mechanisms used by the government. A review of these sources would reveal whether Anteon met its contractual obligations, delivered quality services, and adhered to timelines and budgets. Without this information, it's impossible to evaluate their performance reliability for this $31.5 million award.

What were the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of this technical assistance contract?

The provided data does not specify the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract. For a contract categorized under Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services, KPIs could potentially include metrics related to process efficiency improvements, cost savings achieved, successful implementation of recommendations, client satisfaction, or adherence to project timelines. The effectiveness and value of the technical assistance are directly tied to how well these (unspecified) KPIs were met and whether the contractor's efforts demonstrably improved the targeted administrative or management functions within the Air Force.

How did the 'full and open competition' process influence the final contract price and terms?

A 'full and open competition' process is designed to maximize the number of potential bidders, thereby increasing competition. This increased competition typically exerts downward pressure on prices as contractors vie for the award. It also allows the government to select from a wider pool of capabilities, potentially leading to better terms and innovative solutions. While the specific impact on this $31.5 million contract's price isn't quantifiable from the data alone, the process itself suggests that the Department of the Air Force aimed to secure the best possible value by leveraging market forces and ensuring a level playing field for all eligible bidders.

What is the significance of the PSC code (likely related to professional services) and NAICS code (541611) in understanding the contract's scope?

The NAICS code 541611, 'Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services,' clearly defines the primary business activity solicited for this contract. It indicates the government sought expertise in improving organizational efficiency, strategic planning, and management practices. The Product and Service Code (PSC) is not explicitly provided in the abbreviated data, but it would further refine the classification of the services procured. Together, these codes help categorize the contract within the federal procurement landscape, allowing for comparisons with similar service contracts and providing insight into the type of support Anteon Corporation was expected to deliver to the Air Force.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp (UEI: 001381284)

Address: 3211 JERMANTOWN RD # 700, FAIRFAX, VA, 22030

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS23F8049H

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline