DoD's Advanced Tactical Information System contract awarded to General Dynamics for $103.8M
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $103,775,273 ($103.8M)
Contractor: General Dynamics C4 Systems, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2009-11-16
End Date: 2013-11-16
Contract Duration: 1,461 days
Daily Burn Rate: $71.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 59
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: ADVANCED TACTICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM
Place of Performance
Location: SCOTTSDALE, MARICOPA County, ARIZONA, 85257
State: Arizona Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $103.8 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS C4 SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: ADVANCED TACTICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single large business, General Dynamics C4 Systems, Inc. 2. Spending focused on Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 3. The contract was awarded under full and open competition. 4. The contract duration was 1461 days, ending in 2013. 5. The contract type was Cost Plus Fixed Fee.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The final award amount of $103.8M needs to be benchmarked against similar R&D contracts for effectiveness.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the specific pricing discovery mechanisms and their effectiveness are not detailed.
Taxpayer Impact: The $103.8M spent on this system represents taxpayer investment in advanced defense technology.
Public Impact
Development of advanced tactical information systems for the Department of Defense. Potential impact on military operational effectiveness and information sharing. Investment in R&D for national security purposes.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize contractor to increase costs.
- Contract ended in 2013, making current relevance and effectiveness difficult to assess.
- No small business participation indicated.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Focus on R&D aligns with technological advancement goals.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending benchmarks for similar defense R&D projects would provide further context on the $103.8M award.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates no small business participation in this contract, which was awarded to a single large business entity.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency. Further details on oversight mechanisms and performance reviews would be needed to assess accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Lack of small business participation.
- Contract ended in 2013, making current relevance unclear.
- Limited information on specific R&D outcomes.
- No indication of follow-on contracts or sustainment.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, az, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $103.8 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS C4 SYSTEMS, INC.. ADVANCED TACTICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS C4 SYSTEMS, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $103.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2009-11-16. End: 2013-11-16.
What was the specific technological advancement achieved by the Advanced Tactical Information System and how did it enhance military capabilities?
The Advanced Tactical Information System likely aimed to improve battlefield communication, data processing, and situational awareness for military personnel. Its success would be measured by its contribution to mission effectiveness, reduced response times, and enhanced decision-making capabilities in tactical environments. Specific advancements would depend on the system's intended functions, such as real-time intelligence sharing or improved command and control.
Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, what were the mechanisms in place to control costs and ensure value for money?
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require robust oversight to manage costs effectively. Mechanisms likely included detailed cost reporting, regular audits, negotiation of the fixed fee based on estimated costs, and clear performance metrics. The Defense Contract Management Agency would have been responsible for monitoring expenditures and ensuring the contractor adhered to the contract's terms and conditions to prevent excessive spending.
How did the R&D investment in this system compare to other similar defense R&D projects during that period?
Benchmarking this $103.8M investment against other defense R&D projects from 2009-2013 is crucial for assessing its relative value. Factors to consider include the project's scope, technological innovation, potential impact on military readiness, and the competitive landscape. Without comparative data, it's difficult to definitively state if this spending was optimal or if similar outcomes could have been achieved at a lower cost.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Offers Received: 59
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp
Address: 8201 E MCDOWELL RD, SCOTTSDALE, AZ, 85257
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $133,982,531
Exercised Options: $113,771,123
Current Obligation: $103,775,273
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2009-11-16
Current End Date: 2013-11-16
Potential End Date: 2013-11-16 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-06-29
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