DoD's $26.3M GFM Software Contract with Unisys: Long-Term Deal Raises Value Questions
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $26,295,972 ($26.3M)
Contractor: Unisys Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2009-04-25
End Date: 2015-04-10
Contract Duration: 2,176 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: GFM SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT, MAINTENANCE, & SUSTAINMENT
Place of Performance
Location: SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, ST. CLAIR County, ILLINOIS, 62225, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
State: Illinois Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $26.3 million to UNISYS CORPORATION for work described as: GFM SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT, MAINTENANCE, & SUSTAINMENT Key points: 1. The contract value of $26.3M over 6 years suggests a significant investment in GFM software. 2. Competition was full and open, indicating a potentially competitive pricing environment. 3. The long duration and firm-fixed-price nature may limit flexibility and potentially inflate costs. 4. This spending falls within the broader IT sector, specifically software development and maintenance.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The $26.3M contract value over six years averages approximately $4.38M annually. Without specific performance metrics or comparable contracts, it's difficult to definitively assess value. However, the duration suggests a need for sustained support.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing. However, the long-term nature of the contract might have influenced initial pricing strategies.
Taxpayer Impact: While competition was present, the extended duration of the contract could mean taxpayers are committed to a specific solution for an extended period, potentially missing out on more cost-effective alternatives that may emerge.
Public Impact
Military logistics and supply chain operations rely on effective GFM software. Sustained software development and maintenance are crucial for national security. The long-term commitment impacts the agency's ability to adopt newer technologies. Contract performance directly affects the efficiency of military resource management.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration may lead to cost inefficiencies.
- Firm-fixed-price contract limits flexibility for evolving needs.
- Lack of specific performance data makes value assessment difficult.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition ensures a baseline of market competitiveness.
- Contract addresses critical GFM software needs for the DoD.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Information Technology sector, specifically focusing on software development, maintenance, and sustainment for the DoD's Global Force Management system. Annual spending of approximately $4.38M is moderate for large-scale government IT projects.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, as 'sb' is false. This suggests larger, established IT service providers were the primary competitors for this significant software development and sustainment requirement.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a degree of oversight in the initial procurement process. However, the long duration necessitates ongoing monitoring to ensure continued value and performance.
Related Government Programs
- Computer and Software Stores
- Department of Defense Contracting
- USTRANSCOM Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration (6 years) may lead to cost inefficiencies.
- Firm-fixed-price contract limits flexibility for evolving needs.
- Lack of specific performance data makes value assessment difficult.
- No small business participation noted.
Tags
computer-and-software-stores, department-of-defense, il, do, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $26.3 million to UNISYS CORPORATION. GFM SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT, MAINTENANCE, & SUSTAINMENT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNISYS CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (USTRANSCOM).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $26.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2009-04-25. End: 2015-04-10.
What specific GFM functionalities does this contract support, and how do they align with current USTRANSCOM operational needs?
This contract supports the development, maintenance, and sustainment of Global Force Management (GFM) software. GFM systems are critical for tracking and managing military assets and personnel across various operational theaters. Understanding the specific modules and functionalities covered is key to assessing if the software remains aligned with USTRANSCOM's evolving logistical and operational requirements, especially given the contract's six-year duration.
How has the firm-fixed-price structure impacted the cost-effectiveness of this contract over its lifespan, considering potential scope changes or technological advancements?
A firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract provides cost certainty but can be less adaptable to evolving requirements or technological shifts. Over a six-year period, if the GFM software's needs changed significantly or newer, more efficient technologies emerged, the FFP structure might have prevented the agency from capitalizing on cost savings or performance improvements that could have been achieved through a more flexible contract type.
What metrics were used during the full and open competition to evaluate the long-term sustainment capabilities and cost proposals of competing vendors?
During the full and open competition, evaluation likely focused on a combination of technical approach, past performance, and price. For a long-term sustainment contract, agencies typically assess a vendor's ability to maintain system integrity, provide timely support, manage upgrades, and offer competitive pricing over the contract's duration. Specific metrics might include response times, system uptime guarantees, and projected maintenance costs.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Retail Trade › Electronics and Appliance Stores › Computer and Software Stores
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 8008 WESTPARK DR, MC LEAN, VA, 22102
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $26,295,972
Exercised Options: $26,295,972
Current Obligation: $26,295,972
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS35F0343J
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2009-04-25
Current End Date: 2015-04-10
Potential End Date: 2015-04-10 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2015-03-24
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