DHS Awards $62.9M for Tactical Communications Modernization to SAIC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $62,904,817 ($62.9M)
Contractor: Science Applications International Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2010-09-29
End Date: 2024-08-15
Contract Duration: 5,069 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: IT
Official Description: TACTICAL COMMUNICATIONS MODERNIZATION PROGRAM, EL PASO, TX FOCUS AREA, AMERICAN REINVESTMENT & RECOVERY ACT (ARRA)
Place of Performance
Location: EL PASO, EL PASO County, TEXAS, 79901
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $62.9 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION for work described as: TACTICAL COMMUNICATIONS MODERNIZATION PROGRAM, EL PASO, TX FOCUS AREA, AMERICAN REINVESTMENT & RECOVERY ACT (ARRA) Key points: 1. SAIC secured a significant contract for tactical communications modernization. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition. 3. Potential risks include cost overruns given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure. 4. The IT sector benefits from this investment in critical infrastructure.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $62.9M appears reasonable for a multi-year IT modernization program. Benchmarking against similar large-scale communications infrastructure projects would provide further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. The Delivery Order structure indicates it's part of a larger IDIQ, but the specific competition for this order is not detailed.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential government communications infrastructure, aiming for improved operational efficiency.
Public Impact
Enhances border security and operational capabilities for Customs and Border Protection. Modernizes critical communication systems, potentially improving response times and effectiveness. Supports technological advancement within a key federal agency.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to higher costs if not managed tightly.
- Long contract duration (over 13 years) increases exposure to scope creep and evolving technology.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Modernizes essential government infrastructure.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically focusing on telecommunications and computer facilities management. Spending benchmarks for similar modernization programs vary widely based on scope and technology.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Homeland Security, specifically U.S. Customs and Border Protection, is the awarding agency. Oversight will be crucial to manage costs and ensure successful program delivery.
Related Government Programs
- Computer Facilities Management Services
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Long contract duration.
- Potential for technological obsolescence.
- Lack of specific performance metrics provided.
Tags
computer-facilities-management-services, department-of-homeland-security, tx, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $62.9 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION. TACTICAL COMMUNICATIONS MODERNIZATION PROGRAM, EL PASO, TX FOCUS AREA, AMERICAN REINVESTMENT & RECOVERY ACT (ARRA)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $62.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-09-29. End: 2024-08-15.
What is the specific breakdown of costs within the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, and what are the fee percentages?
The provided data does not detail the cost breakdown or fee percentages for this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract. Further analysis would require access to the contract's financial details and negotiated terms to understand how the fixed fee is applied and what costs are reimbursable.
How will the modernization program address potential technological obsolescence over its 13-year duration?
The long duration of the contract presents a risk of technological obsolescence. Effective program management will need to incorporate regular technology refresh cycles, flexible architecture, and potentially phased upgrades to ensure the system remains current and effective throughout its lifecycle.
What performance metrics are in place to measure the success and effectiveness of the tactical communications modernization?
Specific performance metrics are not detailed in the provided data. Key performance indicators should focus on system uptime, data transmission speeds, interoperability, user satisfaction, and cost-efficiency to ensure the modernization program meets its objectives and delivers value.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Facilities Management Services
Product/Service Code: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT (INCLD FIRMWARE) SOFTWARE,SUPPLIES& SUPPORT EQUIPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: HSBP1010R0068
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
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: $62,904,817
Exercised Options: $62,904,817
Current Obligation: $62,904,817
Actual Outlays: $40,692
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 25
Total Subaward Amount: $54,024,841
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HSHQDC06D00026
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-09-29
Current End Date: 2024-08-15
Potential End Date: 2024-08-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-04-02
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