GSA's $262M contract for Army mission command services awarded to Bowhead Mission Solutions, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $262,321,700 ($262.3M)

Contractor: Bowhead Mission Solutions, LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2016-02-12

End Date: 2023-04-11

Contract Duration: 2,615 days

Daily Burn Rate: $100.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: "IGF::OT::IGF" OTHER FUNCTION. GLOBAL FIELDING SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF US ARMY PROJECT MANAGER MISSION COMMAND.

Place of Performance

Location: ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, HARFORD County, MARYLAND, 21005

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $262.3 million to BOWHEAD MISSION SOLUTIONS, LLC for work described as: "IGF::OT::IGF" OTHER FUNCTION. GLOBAL FIELDING SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF US ARMY PROJECT MANAGER MISSION COMMAND. Key points: 1. Contract value of $262.3 million over its period of performance. 2. Awarded through full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 3. Performance period spans from February 2016 to April 2023. 4. Contract type is Firm Fixed Price, indicating predictable costs. 5. The contract supports the US Army Project Manager Mission Command. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541330 (Engineering Services). 7. The contractor, Bowhead Mission Solutions, LLC, is a key provider in this domain. 8. The contract was issued as a Delivery Order.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's total value of $262.3 million over approximately 7 years suggests a substantial investment in Army mission command capabilities. While specific value-for-money metrics are not provided, the firm fixed-price structure helps control costs. Benchmarking against similar large-scale engineering and support contracts for military systems would provide further insight into its cost-effectiveness. The absence of detailed performance data makes a definitive value assessment challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources,' indicating a competitive process was initiated, but specific sources were excluded. The fact that it was competed suggests an effort to achieve fair pricing. The number of bidders (10) is a positive sign of market interest and potential for competitive pricing. However, the 'exclusion of sources' aspect warrants further investigation to understand its impact on the breadth of competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process, despite source exclusions, likely resulted in a more favorable price for taxpayers compared to a sole-source award. The participation of 10 bidders suggests a healthy market for these services.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the US Army personnel who rely on enhanced mission command systems for operational effectiveness. Services delivered include engineering and support for Army Project Manager Mission Command systems. The geographic impact is likely focused on Army installations and operational theaters where these systems are deployed. Workforce implications include employment for engineers, technical specialists, and support staff employed by Bowhead Mission Solutions, LLC and its potential subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential lack of transparency regarding the 'exclusion of sources' in the competition.
Limited public information on specific performance metrics and their correlation to cost.
The long duration of the contract could lead to scope creep or evolving requirements not fully captured in initial pricing.

Positive Signals

Awarded through a competitive process, indicating market validation.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty.
The contractor, Bowhead Mission Solutions, LLC, has a track record in supporting defense contracts.
The contract supports a critical Army function, ensuring operational readiness.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting defense-related command and control systems. The market for defense engineering and IT support services is substantial, driven by continuous modernization and operational needs of the armed forces. This contract represents a significant portion of spending within its niche, contributing to the overall defense IT and engineering services market.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a primary set-aside focus for this specific contract. There is no explicit mention of small business subcontracting goals or achievements. This suggests that the prime contract was awarded to a large business, and the impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether Bowhead Mission Solutions, LLC utilizes small business subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the purview of the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Department of the Army's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the Firm Fixed Price contract type, requiring delivery of specified services. Transparency is facilitated by contract award databases, but detailed performance and cost-efficiency data may be less accessible to the public.

Related Government Programs

Army Command and Control Systems
Defense IT Services
Engineering Support Services
Federal IT Contracts
GSA Schedules

Risk Flags

Competition exclusion rationale unclear
Potential for cost overruns impacting contractor profitability
Risk of scope creep or requirement changes over long duration
Limited public data on performance metrics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $262.3 million to BOWHEAD MISSION SOLUTIONS, LLC. "IGF::OT::IGF" OTHER FUNCTION. GLOBAL FIELDING SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF US ARMY PROJECT MANAGER MISSION COMMAND.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BOWHEAD MISSION SOLUTIONS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $262.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-02-12. End: 2023-04-11.

What is the specific nature of the 'engineering services' provided under this contract for Army Mission Command?

The contract, identified by NAICS code 541330 (Engineering Services), supports the US Army Project Manager Mission Command. While the exact technical specifications are not detailed in the provided data, 'engineering services' in this context typically encompass a broad range of activities. These can include system design, integration, testing, maintenance, lifecycle support, and technical consulting for command, control, communications, computer, and intelligence (C4I) systems. The goal is to ensure the Army's mission command capabilities are robust, reliable, and effective in diverse operational environments. This could involve software development, hardware integration, network engineering, and cybersecurity solutions tailored for battlefield command.

How does the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' process differ from standard full and open competition, and what are its implications?

Standard 'full and open competition' means that all responsible sources are permitted to submit offers. 'Full and open competition after exclusion of sources' implies that an initial broad solicitation was made, but certain potential offerors were subsequently excluded from the competition for specific reasons, such as not meeting minimum qualifications, past performance issues, or other criteria defined in the solicitation. This exclusion is typically justified and documented. The implication is that while the competition was intended to be broad, it was narrowed down. This can still lead to competitive pricing if multiple qualified bidders remain, but it raises questions about the fairness and completeness of the initial market outreach and the rationale for exclusions, which could potentially limit the range of innovative solutions or the most competitive pricing.

What is the track record of Bowhead Mission Solutions, LLC in supporting similar federal contracts, particularly within the Department of Defense?

Bowhead Mission Solutions, LLC is a known entity within the federal contracting space, particularly supporting the Department of Defense. As a subsidiary of the Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation (UIC), it leverages significant corporate backing and experience. Publicly available contract databases show that Bowhead Mission Solutions has been awarded numerous contracts across various agencies, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force, often in areas related to IT services, engineering, logistics, and program management. Their experience often involves complex systems support and sustainment. While specific performance ratings for this particular $262M contract are not detailed here, their consistent award of substantial contracts suggests a generally positive track record and capability to meet the demanding requirements of defense clients.

Can the value of this $262.3 million contract be benchmarked against similar engineering services contracts for military command systems?

Benchmarking this $262.3 million contract requires comparing it to other large-scale engineering and support services contracts awarded to the Department of Defense for similar command and control systems over a comparable period. Factors to consider include the scope of work (e.g., system development vs. sustainment), the specific technologies involved, the number of users or systems supported, and the duration of the contract. Without access to detailed performance data and specific deliverables for this contract, a precise benchmark is difficult. However, the total contract value spread over approximately 7 years ($262.3M / 7 years ≈ $37.5M per year) places it in the category of significant, long-term defense IT and engineering support programs. Comparisons could be made with contracts for other major weapon system support or C4ISR system development.

What are the potential risks associated with a Firm Fixed Price contract of this magnitude and duration?

Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contracts are generally preferred for cost control, but they carry inherent risks, especially for large, long-duration contracts like this one. For the contractor (Bowhead Mission Solutions, LLC), the primary risk is cost overrun. If the actual costs of performing the services exceed the fixed price, the contractor absorbs the loss, potentially impacting their profitability and financial stability. For the government, the risk is that the contractor may cut corners on quality or scope to protect their profit margin if costs escalate unexpectedly. Additionally, if requirements change significantly over the contract's 7-year span, modifying an FFP contract can be complex and may lead to disputes or costly change orders. Ensuring the initial price accurately reflects the anticipated work and risks is crucial.

How does the contract's performance period (Feb 2016 - Apr 2023) align with the typical lifecycle of Army Mission Command systems?

The performance period of February 2016 to April 2023, spanning over seven years, aligns reasonably well with the typical lifecycle management needs of complex military systems like those within Army Mission Command. Modern military technology, especially IT and C4I systems, requires continuous updates, maintenance, and support to remain effective against evolving threats and technological advancements. A multi-year contract allows for sustained support, system upgrades, and integration of new capabilities. This duration provides stability for both the contractor and the Army, enabling the development of expertise and long-term planning. However, it also necessitates robust contract management to ensure the system remains relevant and that the fixed price remains fair throughout its extended term.

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: ID03150039

Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6564 LOISDALE CT STE 900, SPRINGFIELD, VA, 22150

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $339,946,363

Exercised Options: $331,408,908

Current Obligation: $262,321,700

Actual Outlays: $-33,113

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADS311

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline