DoD's $214M 'BIG SAFARI' Contract Awarded to Sierra Nevada Company for Technical Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $214,286,974 ($214.3M)
Contractor: Sierra Nevada Company, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-11-01
End Date: 2026-10-31
Contract Duration: 729 days
Daily Burn Rate: $293.9K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: BIG SAFARI
Place of Performance
Location: CENTENNIAL, ARAPAHOE County, COLORADO, 80112
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $214.3 million to SIERRA NEVADA COMPANY, LLC for work described as: BIG SAFARI Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $214.3 million awarded. 2. Sole-source award to Sierra Nevada Company, LLC. 3. Contract covers 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' (NAICS 541990). 4. Long-term duration of 729 days (approx. 2 years).
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if the fixed fee represents a fair price for the services rendered.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers compared to a competitive process.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition for a $214 million contract raises concerns about potential overspending and reduced value for taxpayer funds.
Public Impact
Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the absence of competitive bidding. Potential for cost overruns inherent in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts. Limited transparency into the justification for a sole-source award. Impact on innovation if alternative solutions were not considered.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Lack of transparency in justification
- Potential for inflated costs
Positive Signals
- Specific technical services likely critical to DoD mission
- Long-term contract provides stability for service provider
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under professional, scientific, and technical services, a broad category often involving specialized expertise. Benchmarks for this sector vary widely, but large sole-source awards warrant scrutiny due to the potential for above-market pricing.
Small Business Impact
The awardee is Sierra Nevada Company, LLC, which is not typically considered a small business. There is no indication that small businesses were subcontracted for this award, suggesting limited direct impact on the small business sector.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award necessitates robust oversight from the Department of the Air Force to ensure the fixed fee is reasonable and that the contractor is delivering services efficiently and effectively.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award lacks competitive pricing.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract increases risk of overruns.
- Limited transparency on justification for sole-sourcing.
- Potential for reduced value for taxpayer money.
- No clear small business participation.
Tags
all-other-professional-scientific-and-te, department-of-defense, co, delivery-order, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $214.3 million to SIERRA NEVADA COMPANY, LLC. BIG SAFARI
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SIERRA NEVADA COMPANY, 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 $214.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-11-01. End: 2026-10-31.
What was the specific justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and were any market research efforts conducted to explore competitive alternatives?
The justification for a sole-source award is critical for ensuring fair pricing and maximizing taxpayer value. Without detailed documentation of market research and a compelling reason for sole-sourcing (e.g., unique capabilities, national security urgency), it's difficult to ascertain if competitive alternatives were adequately explored or if the government secured the best possible terms.
How will the Department of Defense ensure cost control and prevent overruns with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, especially given the lack of competitive pressure?
Effective cost control for Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts relies heavily on stringent government oversight, detailed performance metrics, and regular audits. The Department of Defense must actively monitor expenditures, validate costs, and ensure the fixed fee remains appropriate throughout the contract lifecycle to mitigate the inherent risks of cost escalation associated with non-competitive awards.
What specific technical services are being procured under 'BIG SAFARI,' and how do these services align with the Air Force's strategic objectives?
Understanding the precise nature of the 'BIG SAFARI' services is crucial for assessing their strategic importance and value. If these services represent unique, mission-critical capabilities that cannot be obtained elsewhere, it might lend some justification to a sole-source award. However, without this clarity, the significant expenditure raises questions about resource allocation and potential alternative solutions.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 12500 BELFORD AVE, ENGLEWOOD, CO, 80112
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $332,448,249
Exercised Options: $299,101,981
Current Obligation: $214,286,974
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 110
Total Subaward Amount: $27,344,793
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA862021G4009
IDV Type: BOA
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-11-01
Current End Date: 2026-10-31
Potential End Date: 2026-10-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-18
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