DoD's $43.7M contract for trainer upgrades and maintenance awarded to Science Applications International Corporation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $43,682,280 ($43.7M)

Contractor: Science Applications International Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2012-07-20

End Date: 2015-02-12

Contract Duration: 937 days

Daily Burn Rate: $46.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE UPGRADES, SYSTEMS AND MAINTENANCE IN SUPPORT OF THESE TRAINERS AND PRODUCTION SOFTWARE TESTING SYSTEMS. THESE TRAINERS ALL INVOLVE SIGNATURE GUIDANCE, SIGNATURE TRAINING, AND SYNTHETIC SIGNATURE GENERATION FOR ACOUSTIC, VISUAL, EW, AND NON-ACOUSTIC SUBSYSTEMS AND REQUIRE INTEGRATION OF STIMULATION AND TACTICAL SUBSYSTEM AND EMULATIONS OF TACTICAL COMPONENTS.

Place of Performance

Location: SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92121, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $43.7 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION for work described as: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE UPGRADES, SYSTEMS AND MAINTENANCE IN SUPPORT OF THESE TRAINERS AND PRODUCTION SOFTWARE TESTING SYSTEMS. THESE TRAINERS ALL INVOLVE SIGNATURE GUIDANCE, SIGNATURE TRAINING, AND SYNTHETIC SIGNATURE GENERATION FOR ACOUSTIC, VISUAL, EW, AND NON-ACOUSTIC SU… Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical upgrades and ongoing maintenance for advanced trainer systems. 2. Systems support signature guidance, training, and synthetic generation across multiple sensor types. 3. Integration of stimulation and tactical subsystems is a key component of the work. 4. The contract value represents a significant investment in simulation and training capabilities. 5. Performance is benchmarked against similar complex engineering service contracts. 6. Risk indicators are monitored through performance metrics and contractor responsiveness.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $43.7 million for engineering services appears reasonable given the complexity of the systems involved, which include signature guidance, training, and synthetic generation across acoustic, visual, EW, and non-acoustic subsystems. Benchmarking against similar large-scale defense engineering contracts suggests that the pricing is within an expected range for the scope of work. The cost-no-fee (CNF) contract type implies that the contractor is incentivized to manage costs effectively, as their profit is fixed.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The presence of a competitive bidding process generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a robust competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the best value for the funds expended on these critical training systems.

Public Impact

Naval personnel will benefit from enhanced training capabilities provided by upgraded systems. Services delivered include system upgrades, maintenance, and integration for advanced trainers. The geographic impact is primarily within Department of the Navy facilities where these trainers are deployed. Workforce implications include specialized engineering and technical roles required for system development and support.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in complex system integration projects.
Ensuring long-term maintainability and obsolescence management for advanced trainers.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment.
Contractor's experience in complex engineering services is likely a positive signal.
Focus on critical training systems indicates alignment with defense readiness priorities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, a critical component of the broader defense industrial base. The market for specialized defense training and simulation systems is highly competitive, with significant investment from various government agencies. Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) is a major player in this space, providing a range of technical and engineering solutions to the government. Comparable spending benchmarks in this sector often involve multi-year contracts for system development, integration, and sustainment.

Small Business Impact

The contract details do not indicate any specific small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements. As a large prime contract awarded to Science Applications International Corporation, it is possible that smaller businesses could be involved as subcontractors, but this is not explicitly detailed in the provided data. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Department of the Navy contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures would be tied to contract performance metrics, delivery schedules, and adherence to technical specifications. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific oversight details are not provided.

Related Government Programs

Defense Training Systems
Simulation and Modeling
Engineering Services
Naval Aviation Support
Signature Management Systems

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to technical complexity.
Risk of schedule delays in system integration.
Dependency on contractor for critical system maintenance.
Ensuring long-term system obsolescence management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $43.7 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE UPGRADES, SYSTEMS AND MAINTENANCE IN SUPPORT OF THESE TRAINERS AND PRODUCTION SOFTWARE TESTING SYSTEMS. THESE TRAINERS ALL INVOLVE SIGNATURE GUIDANCE, SIGNATURE TRAINING, AND SYNTHETIC SIGNATURE GENERATION FOR ACOUSTIC, VISUAL, EW, AND NON-ACOUSTIC SUBSYSTEMS AND REQUIRE INTEGRATION OF STIMULATION AND TACTICAL SUBSYSTEM AND EMULATIONS OF TACTICAL COMPONENTS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL 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 $43.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-07-20. End: 2015-02-12.

What is Science Applications International Corporation's track record with similar Department of Defense contracts?

Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) has a long and extensive history of performing complex engineering, IT, and technical services for the Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal agencies. They are a major defense contractor known for their work in areas such as command and control, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, logistics, and training systems. SAIC has been involved in numerous large-scale contracts, often involving system integration, software development, and lifecycle support for critical defense platforms. Their track record generally indicates a capacity to handle complex technical requirements and manage large programs, though like any large contractor, specific contract performance can vary. Reviewing their past performance on similar simulation and training system contracts would provide further insight into their reliability and effectiveness in this specific domain.

How does the value of this contract compare to other similar trainer upgrade and maintenance contracts?

The contract value of approximately $43.7 million for upgrades, systems, and maintenance of trainer and production software testing systems is substantial, reflecting the complexity and critical nature of the work. To benchmark this value, one would typically compare it against other contracts for advanced simulation and training systems, particularly those involving multi-sensor signature generation (acoustic, visual, EW) and integration of tactical subsystems. Contracts of this nature often span several years and require significant engineering expertise. Without access to a comprehensive database of comparable contracts, a precise comparison is difficult. However, for systems requiring sophisticated integration and ongoing support for advanced training, a value in the tens of millions of dollars over a multi-year period is not uncommon within the defense sector.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of engineering services contract?

Primary risks associated with this type of engineering services contract include technical complexity and integration challenges, as the systems involve multiple subsystems (acoustic, visual, EW) and require integration of stimulation and tactical components. There's a risk of schedule delays due to unforeseen technical hurdles or contractor performance issues. Cost overruns can also be a concern, particularly if the contract type is not fixed-price or if scope creep occurs. Furthermore, ensuring the long-term maintainability and obsolescence management of advanced training systems presents an ongoing risk. The reliance on a single contractor for critical upgrades and maintenance also introduces a dependency risk for the government.

How effective are these trainer systems in improving warfighter readiness?

The effectiveness of these trainer systems in improving warfighter readiness is directly linked to their fidelity, realism, and the quality of the training scenarios they can simulate. Systems that accurately replicate acoustic, visual, and electronic warfare signatures, and allow for the integration of tactical subsystems, are crucial for preparing personnel for complex operational environments. Advanced trainers enable realistic practice of skills without the cost and risk associated with live exercises. The Department of the Navy's investment in upgrading and maintaining these systems suggests a belief in their critical role for readiness. The specific effectiveness would be measured through metrics such as improved performance in subsequent training phases, reduced errors in operational deployment, and overall mission success rates, which are typically tracked by the program office.

What has been the historical spending trend for similar signature guidance and training systems within the Department of the Navy?

Historical spending trends for signature guidance and training systems within the Department of the Navy (DoN) generally show a consistent and significant investment. The DoN, like other branches of the military, relies heavily on advanced simulation and training to maintain a technological edge and ensure warfighter proficiency. Spending in this area often fluctuates based on modernization cycles, emerging threats, and the development of new platforms or capabilities. Contracts for simulation, training, and related engineering services can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars annually, depending on the scope and duration of specific programs. The need for continuous upgrades to counter evolving threats and incorporate new technologies means that spending on these systems is typically sustained over time.

What is the potential impact of this contract on future technology development in defense training?

This contract has the potential to significantly influence future technology development in defense training by driving innovation in areas such as synthetic signature generation, multi-sensor integration, and realistic emulation of tactical environments. The requirements for acoustic, visual, and EW signature training necessitate advancements in modeling and simulation capabilities. Successful integration of stimulation and tactical subsystems could lead to more immersive and effective training experiences. Furthermore, the insights gained from maintaining and upgrading these systems can inform the design of next-generation trainers, potentially leading to more cost-effective, adaptable, and high-fidelity training solutions that better prepare warfighters for future conflicts.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: N0002412R3088

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1710 SAIC DR, MCLEAN, VA, 22102

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $46,622,942

Exercised Options: $46,622,942

Current Obligation: $43,682,280

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 38

Total Subaward Amount: $115,569,957

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017804D4119

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline