Air Force Awards $39.8M for Weather Systems Support to Science Applications International Corp
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $39,863,941 ($39.9M)
Contractor: Science Applications International Corp
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-01-11
End Date: 2027-01-10
Contract Duration: 1,095 days
Daily Burn Rate: $36.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: IT
Official Description: SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, SYSTEMS INTEGRATION, AND SYSTEMS SUSTAINMENT. CONDUCT UPGRADES, REFRESHES, TECHNOLOGY INSERTIONS, DEVELOPMENT, AND SUSTAINMENT OF AIR FORCE WEATHER SYSTEMS INCLUDING LIMITED RETURN TO SERVICE.
Place of Performance
Location: OFFUTT AFB, SARPY County, NEBRASKA, 68113
State: Nebraska Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $39.9 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORP for work described as: SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, SYSTEMS INTEGRATION, AND SYSTEMS SUSTAINMENT. CONDUCT UPGRADES, REFRESHES, TECHNOLOGY INSERTIONS, DEVELOPMENT, AND SUSTAINMENT OF AIR FORCE WEATHER SYSTEMS INCLUDING LIMITED RETURN TO SERVICE. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical weather system upgrades and sustainment for the Air Force. 2. Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) is the sole awardee. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns. 4. This falls under Computer Systems Design Services, a significant sector for government IT spending.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type introduces risk for cost control. Without clear benchmarks for similar sustainment and upgrade contracts, assessing value is challenging. The total award value of $39.8M over three years needs careful monitoring.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the specific award is a delivery order, and the pricing for this particular order needs scrutiny to ensure it reflects competitive discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential military weather system maintenance and upgrades. The CPFF structure necessitates robust oversight to ensure cost-effectiveness and prevent unnecessary expenditure.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operational capability of vital Air Force weather systems. Supports technological advancements and modernization of weather forecasting infrastructure. Impacts military readiness and decision-making reliant on accurate weather data. Potential for cost overruns due to the CPFF contract type requires vigilance.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- No small business participation noted
- Potential for scope creep in sustainment and upgrades
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition utilized
- Supports critical national defense infrastructure
- Long-term sustainment ensures system longevity
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT and professional services sector, specifically Computer Systems Design Services. Government spending in this area is substantial, focusing on system development, integration, and maintenance. Benchmarks for similar weather system sustainment contracts are crucial for evaluating cost-effectiveness.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates no small business participation in this contract (sb: false). This suggests that large system integrators were likely the primary bidders, potentially limiting opportunities for smaller, specialized firms in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure requires diligent oversight from the Department of the Air Force to manage costs effectively. Regular audits and performance reviews are essential to ensure the contractor is operating efficiently and taxpayer funds are used appropriately.
Related Government Programs
- Computer Systems Design Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type may lead to cost overruns.
- Lack of small business participation.
- Potential for undefined scope creep in sustainment and upgrade tasks.
- Reliance on a single contractor (SAIC) for critical systems.
- Complexity of 'limited return to service' could impact operational readiness.
Tags
computer-systems-design-services, department-of-defense, ne, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $39.9 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORP. SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, SYSTEMS INTEGRATION, AND SYSTEMS SUSTAINMENT. CONDUCT UPGRADES, REFRESHES, TECHNOLOGY INSERTIONS, DEVELOPMENT, AND SUSTAINMENT OF AIR FORCE WEATHER SYSTEMS INCLUDING LIMITED RETURN TO SERVICE.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORP.
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 $39.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-01-11. End: 2027-01-10.
How does the pricing structure of this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract compare to similar weather system sustainment contracts awarded under different pricing models?
Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts can incentivize contractors to increase costs to maximize their fee, which is a percentage of the total cost. Comparing this to fixed-price contracts or other CPFF agreements for similar services is crucial. Without specific benchmark data on the 'cost' component for comparable Air Force weather system sustainment efforts, it's difficult to definitively assess if the current pricing is optimal or if potential cost efficiencies were missed during negotiation.
What are the specific risks associated with the 'limited return to service' aspect of the contract, and how are these risks being mitigated?
The 'limited return to service' phrase suggests potential constraints or complexities in restoring systems to full operational status. Risks could include extended downtime, increased repair costs, or reliance on specialized, potentially scarce, components or expertise. Mitigation strategies should involve clear service level agreements (SLAs), robust contingency planning, and potentially performance incentives tied to timely and complete service restoration to minimize operational impact.
Beyond basic sustainment, what specific technological advancements or upgrades are included in this contract, and what is their expected impact on Air Force weather capabilities?
The contract mentions 'upgrades, refreshes, technology insertions, development, and sustainment.' While specific details are not provided, these activities likely aim to enhance data processing, improve sensor accuracy, integrate new forecasting models, or modernize communication systems. The expected impact is improved weather prediction accuracy, faster dissemination of critical information, and enhanced resilience of the weather infrastructure, ultimately supporting more effective military operations.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Science Applications International Corporation
Address: 11720 PLAZA AMERICA DR, RESTON, VA, 20190
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $47,008,061
Exercised Options: $44,418,796
Current Obligation: $39,863,941
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 27
Total Subaward Amount: $10,539,408
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA460020D0002
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-01-11
Current End Date: 2027-01-10
Potential End Date: 2027-11-19 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-15
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