Air Force awards $9.08M for Space Operations Center tech support to Credence Dynamo Solutions
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $9,075,896 ($9.1M)
Contractor: Credence Dynamo Solutions LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-12-01
End Date: 2026-10-31
Contract Duration: 1,065 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: SPACE OPERATIONS CENTER WEST PRO TECH - INITIAL FULL FUNDING FOR 0001-0005. INCREMENTAL FUNDING FOR CLIN 0006 AND 0007
Place of Performance
Location: LOMPOC, SANTA BARBARA County, CALIFORNIA, 93437
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $9.1 million to CREDENCE DYNAMO SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: SPACE OPERATIONS CENTER WEST PRO TECH - INITIAL FULL FUNDING FOR 0001-0005. INCREMENTAL FUNDING FOR CLIN 0006 AND 0007 Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a firm-fixed-price basis, indicating clear cost expectations. 2. The contract spans over three years, suggesting a need for sustained support. 3. Awarded under full and open competition, implying a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract is for engineering services, a critical component of space operations. 5. The primary performance location is California, a hub for aerospace and defense activities. 6. This award represents a significant investment in maintaining critical space infrastructure.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract's value of $9.08 million over approximately three years for engineering services appears reasonable given the specialized nature of space operations support. Benchmarking against similar contracts for technical support in defense sectors suggests this pricing is within expected ranges. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government, mitigating risk of cost overruns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources,' indicating that the solicitation was broadly advertised and multiple bids were likely considered. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, encouraging bidders to offer their best pricing and technical solutions to secure the award.
Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process helps ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by driving down costs and promoting innovation among contractors.
Public Impact
The Department of the Air Force benefits from enhanced capabilities for its Space Operations Center. Services delivered include crucial engineering support for space systems. The geographic impact is concentrated in California, supporting the state's significant defense industrial base. The contract supports a specialized workforce in engineering and technical fields.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep if initial funding increments do not fully capture project needs.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical space operations technology could pose a risk if performance falters.
Positive Signals
- Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
- Long-term duration allows for stable support and knowledge retention.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting the aerospace and defense industry. The market for space operations support is highly specialized, with a limited number of firms possessing the requisite expertise and security clearances. Spending in this area is driven by national security priorities and the increasing importance of space-based assets.
Small Business Impact
The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss and sb fields) is not a primary focus for this specific award. There is no indication of a small business set-aside. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist but are not explicitly detailed in this award summary. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Air Force contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, requiring the contractor to meet defined performance standards. Transparency is facilitated through the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS), where contract awards are publicly reported.
Related Government Programs
- Space Force Operations Support
- Aerospace Engineering Services
- Defense Technology Development
- National Security Space Initiatives
Risk Flags
- Performance Risk
- Cost Overrun Potential (if scope changes)
- Key Personnel Dependency
Tags
defense, air-force, california, engineering-services, full-and-open-competition, firm-fixed-price, space-operations, technology-support, large-contract, dod
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $9.1 million to CREDENCE DYNAMO SOLUTIONS LLC. SPACE OPERATIONS CENTER WEST PRO TECH - INITIAL FULL FUNDING FOR 0001-0005. INCREMENTAL FUNDING FOR CLIN 0006 AND 0007
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CREDENCE DYNAMO SOLUTIONS LLC.
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 $9.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-12-01. End: 2026-10-31.
What is the track record of Credence Dynamo Solutions LLC with the Department of Defense, particularly in similar engineering services contracts?
Credence Dynamo Solutions LLC has a history of performing contracts for the Department of Defense, including various engineering and technical support services. While specific details on past performance for space operations technology are not provided in this summary, their engagement with the DoD suggests a level of established capability and familiarity with government contracting requirements. A deeper dive into their contract history, including past performance evaluations and any reported issues, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and expertise in this specialized domain. Their ability to secure this current award indicates they met the DoD's criteria for technical competence and past performance.
How does the $9.08 million contract value compare to similar engineering support contracts for space operations centers?
The $9.08 million contract value for three years of engineering support for a Space Operations Center appears to be within a reasonable range when compared to industry benchmarks. Specialized technical support for critical national infrastructure like space operations centers often commands significant investment due to the high level of expertise, security clearances, and specialized equipment required. Contracts for similar services in the defense sector can range from several million to tens of millions of dollars annually, depending on the scope, complexity, and duration. The firm-fixed-price nature of this award also suggests that the government has a clear understanding of the expected costs, making direct comparisons more straightforward.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?
Key risks include potential performance deficiencies by the contractor, leading to disruptions in space operations, and the possibility of cost overruns if the scope expands beyond initial estimates, despite the firm-fixed-price structure. Another risk is the contractor's reliance on key personnel, where their departure could impact service continuity. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust performance monitoring by the Air Force, clearly defined deliverables and milestones, and contract clauses that allow for remedies in case of non-performance. The competitive award process itself serves as a risk mitigation tool by selecting a contractor deemed most capable. Regular communication and oversight are crucial for early identification and resolution of issues.
What is the expected effectiveness of the engineering services provided under this contract for the Space Operations Center?
The engineering services are expected to ensure the continued operational readiness, reliability, and potential modernization of the Space Operations Center's technological infrastructure. This includes maintaining complex systems, troubleshooting issues, and potentially implementing upgrades or new capabilities. The effectiveness will be measured by the contractor's ability to meet performance metrics outlined in the contract, such as system uptime, response times for technical support, and successful implementation of engineering tasks. Ultimately, the services aim to bolster the Air Force's ability to conduct and command space-based operations effectively, contributing to national security objectives.
How does historical spending on similar engineering services for space operations compare to this award?
Historical spending on engineering services for space operations centers by the Department of Defense and its branches, like the Air Force, has consistently been substantial, reflecting the critical nature and complexity of these assets. Annual spending can fluctuate based on modernization cycles, new program starts, and sustainment needs. This $9.08 million award, spread over approximately three years, represents a moderate investment compared to larger, multi-year platform development contracts but is significant for ongoing sustainment and specialized support. Analyzing past FPDS data for similar CLINs (Contract Line Item Numbers) and PSCs (Product Service Codes) would reveal trends and allow for a more precise comparison of this award's magnitude within the broader historical context of space operations support spending.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: FA461023R0007
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1951 KIDWELL DR STE 550, VIENNA, VA, 22182
Business Categories: Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, SBA Certified 8 a Joint Venture, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $23,888,528
Exercised Options: $12,309,152
Current Obligation: $9,075,896
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 47QRAD20D8134
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-12-01
Current End Date: 2026-10-31
Potential End Date: 2029-05-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-14
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