DoD's $48M Contract for Tuba Program Technical Support: Engineering Services Awarded to American Systems Corp

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $47,966,292 ($48.0M)

Contractor: American Systems Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2016-02-21

End Date: 2021-04-20

Contract Duration: 1,885 days

Daily Burn Rate: $25.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: IGF::CT::IGF SCIENTIFIC, ENGINEERING, AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE TUBA PROGRAM AT THE NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER, CARDEROCK DIVISION (NSWCCD). THIS IS A FOLLOW-ON CONTRACT TO N00178-04-D-4032-FD06.

Place of Performance

Location: MCLEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22102

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $48.0 million to AMERICAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION for work described as: IGF::CT::IGF SCIENTIFIC, ENGINEERING, AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE TUBA PROGRAM AT THE NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER, CARDEROCK DIVISION (NSWCCD). THIS IS A FOLLOW-ON CONTRACT TO N00178-04-D-4032-FD06. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to American Systems Corporation for specialized engineering and technical support. 2. Follow-on contract indicates continued need for these services for the Tuba Program. 3. The $47.9M value over 5 years suggests significant investment in program support. 4. Engineering Services (NAICS 541330) is a critical sector for defense readiness.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure allows for flexibility but requires careful monitoring of costs to ensure value. Benchmarking against similar engineering support contracts is recommended.

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 that should have driven a fair price. The use of a delivery order under a larger IDIQ contract is a common procurement method.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for necessary defense program support.

Public Impact

Ensures continued technical expertise for the Naval Surface Warfare Center's Tuba Program. Supports critical research and development efforts within the Department of Defense. Maintains operational readiness and technological advancement for naval systems. Provides stable employment for specialized engineering and technical personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

CPFF contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed closely.
Follow-on nature may limit new innovative approaches if not actively encouraged.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition ensures market best practices.
Award to established contractor suggests proven capability.
Long-term contract provides stability for program execution.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, which is vital for defense acquisition and modernization. Spending in this area is benchmarked against the overall DoD R&D and professional services budgets, with this contract representing a moderate investment.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and was awarded to a large business (American Systems Corporation). There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, to ensure contract performance and cost control. Regular reporting and performance reviews are standard accountability measures for such contracts.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
Risk of contractor 'lock-in' on follow-on work.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical technical expertise.
Need for vigilant oversight to ensure value for taxpayer money.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $48.0 million to AMERICAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION. IGF::CT::IGF SCIENTIFIC, ENGINEERING, AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE TUBA PROGRAM AT THE NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER, CARDEROCK DIVISION (NSWCCD). THIS IS A FOLLOW-ON CONTRACT TO N00178-04-D-4032-FD06.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AMERICAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $48.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-02-21. End: 2021-04-20.

What specific technical challenges or advancements does the Tuba Program address that necessitate this level of sustained engineering support?

The Tuba Program likely involves complex naval systems requiring specialized engineering expertise for development, testing, and integration. Sustained support ensures continuity in addressing technical challenges, incorporating new technologies, and maintaining the program's overall effectiveness and readiness. This could range from acoustic research to advanced propulsion systems, demanding deep technical knowledge.

How does the CPFF structure mitigate risks associated with evolving technical requirements in a defense program?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure allows for flexibility in adapting to evolving technical requirements by reimbursing allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee. This is beneficial when project scope is not fully defined initially. However, it necessitates robust oversight to prevent cost creep and ensure the fixed fee remains appropriate for the effort expended.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the effectiveness of American Systems Corporation's support for the Tuba Program?

Effectiveness KPIs likely include on-time delivery of technical reports and analyses, successful integration of new system components, adherence to program milestones, quality of engineering solutions provided, and responsiveness to technical inquiries. Performance metrics are crucial for ensuring the contractor meets the demanding technical and operational needs of the Naval Surface Warfare Center.

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

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: N0002415R3295

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 14151 PARK MEADOW DR STE 500, CHANTILLY, VA, 20151

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $50,673,034

Exercised Options: $50,673,034

Current Obligation: $47,966,292

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 6

Total Subaward Amount: $3,661,968

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017804D4032

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline