GSA awards $157M contract to Camber Corp for simulation support to Air Force, extending to 2020

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $156,835,964 ($156.8M)

Contractor: HII Mission Technologies Corp

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2015-06-07

End Date: 2020-12-06

Contract Duration: 2,009 days

Daily Burn Rate: $78.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: ''IGF::OT::IGF'', THIS ACTION AWARDS GSQ0015AJ0056 TO CAMBER CORPORATION TO PROVIDE SPECIALIZED M&S/LVC OPERATIONAL, TECHNICAL, AND INNOVATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES TO AFAMS AND THE M&S COMMUNITY TO ASSIST IN THE GOVERNMENT S TRANSITION FROM LIVE TRAINING TO REALISTIC SIMULATION ENVIRONMENTS. THE TO AWARD, COR LETTER, TPOC LETTER, AND NOTICE OF AWARD ARE ATTACHED BELOW. THE AWARD DATE FOR THIS TASK ORDER IS MAY 29, 2015, BUT THE PROJECT START DATE WILL BE JUNE 7TH, 2015.

Place of Performance

Location: ORLANDO, ORANGE County, FLORIDA, 32826

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $156.8 million to HII MISSION TECHNOLOGIES CORP for work described as: ''IGF::OT::IGF'', THIS ACTION AWARDS GSQ0015AJ0056 TO CAMBER CORPORATION TO PROVIDE SPECIALIZED M&S/LVC OPERATIONAL, TECHNICAL, AND INNOVATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES TO AFAMS AND THE M&S COMMUNITY TO ASSIST IN THE GOVERNMENT S TRANSITION FROM LIVE TRAINING TO REALISTIC SIMULATION ENV… Key points: 1. Contract aims to transition Air Force training from live exercises to realistic simulation environments. 2. The contract value represents a significant investment in modernizing military training capabilities. 3. Competition dynamics suggest a potentially competitive bidding process for this specialized support. 4. Performance risks may include the successful integration of new simulation technologies and user adoption. 5. The duration of the contract indicates a long-term commitment to simulation-based training. 6. This award falls within the Engineering Services sector, supporting advanced military operational needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $157 million over its period of performance (June 2015 - December 2020) appears reasonable for specialized operational and technical support services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for simulation and training support would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the scope of providing innovative support for transitioning to realistic simulation environments suggests a complex and valuable service.

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 were likely considered. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this approach generally fosters competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value offer. The open competition suggests a healthy market for these specialized simulation support services.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically leads to more competitive pricing and ensures that the government is not overpaying for services.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Air Force (AFAMS and the M&S community) who will receive enhanced training capabilities. Services delivered include specialized operational, technical, and innovative support for military simulation environments. The geographic impact is likely focused on Air Force installations and training centers, primarily in Florida where the contractor is located. Workforce implications may involve skilled technical personnel, simulation engineers, and support staff required to implement and manage the simulation systems.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if simulation technology integration proves more complex than anticipated.
Risk of vendor lock-in if specialized knowledge becomes concentrated with the contractor.
Challenges in measuring the direct effectiveness of simulation training compared to traditional methods.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive market and potentially fair pricing.
Contract duration indicates a stable, long-term partnership for critical training modernization.
Focus on innovative support suggests a forward-looking approach to military readiness.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector (NAICS 541330), specifically supporting defense-related simulation and training. The market for defense simulation and training is substantial, driven by the need for cost-effective and realistic training solutions. This contract represents a significant portion of spending dedicated to modernizing military training infrastructure and capabilities, moving towards virtual and constructive simulation environments.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, small businesses are unlikely to be direct prime contractors. However, there may be opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors to Camber Corporation, depending on the subcontracting plan requirements and the specific needs of the support services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the technical point of contact (TPOC) within AFAMS. The General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Acquisition Service is the awarding agency. Transparency is facilitated through contract award announcements and available documentation. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Air Force Simulation and Training Programs
Military Readiness and Modernization Initiatives
Defense Acquisition Services
Engineering and Technical Support Services

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns
Risk of simulation fidelity issues
User adoption challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $156.8 million to HII MISSION TECHNOLOGIES CORP. ''IGF::OT::IGF'', THIS ACTION AWARDS GSQ0015AJ0056 TO CAMBER CORPORATION TO PROVIDE SPECIALIZED M&S/LVC OPERATIONAL, TECHNICAL, AND INNOVATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES TO AFAMS AND THE M&S COMMUNITY TO ASSIST IN THE GOVERNMENT S TRANSITION FROM LIVE TRAINING TO REALISTIC SIMULATION ENVIRONMENTS. THE TO AWARD, COR LETTER, TPOC LETTER, AND NOTICE OF AWARD ARE ATTACHED BELOW. THE AWARD DATE FOR THIS TASK ORDER IS MAY 29, 2015, BUT THE PROJECT START DATE WILL BE JUNE 7TH, 2015.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HII MISSION TECHNOLOGIES CORP.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $156.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2015-06-07. End: 2020-12-06.

What is Camber Corporation's track record with similar simulation and training support contracts for the Department of Defense?

Camber Corporation, prior to its acquisition by HII Mission Technologies Corp, had a history of providing technical and operational support services to various government agencies, including the Department of Defense. Their experience often involved systems engineering, integration, and support for complex defense programs. While specific details on prior simulation-focused contracts with AFAMS are not detailed here, their general profile suggests capability in supporting advanced technological requirements. A deeper dive into their contract history, particularly concerning simulation environments and live training transitions, would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment of their track record for this specific task order.

How does the awarded value of $157 million compare to other contracts for similar simulation support services?

Benchmarking the $157 million value requires comparing it against contracts with similar scope, duration, and complexity within the defense simulation and training sector. Contracts for developing, integrating, and supporting large-scale simulation environments, especially those involving transitions from live training, can range widely. Factors influencing cost include the level of customization, the technologies involved (e.g., virtual reality, augmented reality, constructive simulations), the number of users supported, and the required operational and technical expertise. Without specific comparable contract data, it's challenging to definitively state if $157 million is high or low. However, for a multi-year effort supporting a major Air Force command's transition to advanced simulation, this figure appears within a plausible range for significant modernization efforts.

What are the primary risks associated with transitioning military training from live environments to simulation?

Key risks in transitioning military training from live to simulation environments include technological obsolescence, where simulation systems may not keep pace with evolving threats or operational needs. There's also the risk of 'simulation fidelity' – ensuring the simulated environment accurately reflects real-world conditions to provide effective training. User adoption and proficiency with new simulation interfaces and protocols can be a challenge, potentially leading to decreased training effectiveness if not managed properly. Furthermore, the cost of developing, maintaining, and upgrading sophisticated simulation systems can be substantial, posing a financial risk. Finally, ensuring the security of sensitive training data within these digital environments is paramount.

How effective is simulation-based training in preparing military personnel compared to traditional live training?

Simulation-based training offers several advantages over traditional live training, including cost-effectiveness, safety, and the ability to practice dangerous or complex scenarios repeatedly without real-world risk. It allows for standardized training experiences and detailed performance data collection for analysis and improvement. However, the effectiveness hinges on the fidelity and realism of the simulation. While simulations can replicate many aspects of combat, they may not fully capture the unpredictable human elements, stress, and sensory experiences of live training. Therefore, a blended approach, combining simulation with targeted live exercises, is often considered optimal for comprehensive military preparedness, ensuring personnel are adept in both virtual and physical environments.

What has been the historical spending trend for simulation and training support services within the Air Force or DoD?

Historical spending on simulation and training support services within the Air Force and the broader Department of Defense has generally trended upwards, driven by technological advancements and the recognized benefits of simulation. As live training becomes more expensive and logistically complex, and as simulation technologies mature, there's a strategic shift towards virtual and constructive training solutions. This trend is supported by consistent budget allocations for modernization programs aimed at enhancing training realism, cost-efficiency, and readiness. Specific figures would vary year-to-year and by service branch, but the overall trajectory indicates a sustained and growing investment in simulation capabilities.

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

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc (UEI: 967362331)

Address: 670 DISCOVERY DR, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35806

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $174,998,437

Exercised Options: $174,998,437

Current Obligation: $156,835,964

Actual Outlays: $-656,413

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 67

Total Subaward Amount: $24,628,143

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADU109

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline