Department of the Interior awards $49.3M task order for computer systems design services to General Dynamics Information Technology

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $49,339,298 ($49.3M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2013-09-16

End Date: 2019-03-15

Contract Duration: 2,006 days

Daily Burn Rate: $24.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: SRA CTSAP AWARD TASK 3 IGF::CT::IGF

Place of Performance

Location: BETHESDA, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20817

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $49.3 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: SRA CTSAP AWARD TASK 3 IGF::CT::IGF Key points: 1. The contract value represents a significant investment in IT infrastructure and support. 2. Competition dynamics for this task order are crucial for assessing value for money. 3. Performance history and contractor's track record are key risk indicators. 4. The duration of the contract provides context for the scope of services. 5. This contract falls within the IT services sector, a major area of federal spending. 6. The use of Time and Materials pricing requires careful monitoring to control costs.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award amount of $49.3 million over approximately six years suggests a substantial commitment. Benchmarking this against similar computer systems design services contracts is challenging without more granular data on the specific services rendered. However, the Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure, while flexible, can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently. The contract's duration implies a need for ongoing support, but the value-for-money assessment hinges on the efficiency and effectiveness of the services provided and the contractor's ability to deliver within estimated costs.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This task order was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of 8 bidders (as indicated by 'no': 8) suggests a healthy level of competition for this specific requirement. A competitive environment generally pressures contractors to offer more favorable pricing and better terms, which is beneficial for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are likely being used more efficiently by leveraging market forces to secure competitive pricing and quality services.

Public Impact

The Department of the Interior benefits from enhanced computer systems design and support services. Federal agencies relying on the Department of the Interior's IT infrastructure will experience improved system performance and reliability. The contract supports IT professionals within General Dynamics Information Technology, contributing to the tech workforce. The services delivered are critical for the operational efficiency of departmental IT systems.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials (T&M) pricing can lead to uncontrolled cost growth if not closely monitored.
The long duration of the contract (2006-2019, though award was 2013) may indicate potential for scope creep or evolving requirements.
Assessing the true value for money requires detailed performance metrics and cost analysis over the contract's life.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process.
Multiple bidders (8) indicate a robust market response to the requirement.
The contract supports essential IT services for a major federal agency.

Sector Analysis

The federal IT services market is vast and highly competitive, with agencies consistently investing in computer systems design and related services to maintain and upgrade their technological infrastructure. This contract falls within the broader IT consulting and systems integration sector. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing the average cost per hour or per project for similar services across different agencies, considering factors like complexity, security requirements, and contractor experience.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no explicit indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. This suggests that the primary award went to a large business. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether General Dynamics Information Technology engages small businesses as subcontractors, which is not detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program managers within the Department of the Interior. Accountability measures would be tied to performance metrics outlined in the task order. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract databases like FPDS-NG, where award details are published. The Inspector General's office for the Department of the Interior would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

IT Services
Computer Systems Design
Departmental IT Modernization
Federal IT Procurement
General Services Administration (GSA) Schedules (potential vehicle)

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing.
Need for robust oversight to manage scope and performance.
Assessing long-term value requires detailed performance data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $49.3 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. SRA CTSAP AWARD TASK 3 IGF::CT::IGF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $49.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2013-09-16. End: 2019-03-15.

What is the specific nature of the 'Computer Systems Design Services' provided under this task order?

The provided data indicates the contract falls under NAICS code 541512 for Computer Systems Design Services. These services typically encompass designing and integrating computer hardware and software systems. This can include a wide range of activities such as analyzing user needs, designing system architecture, developing software, implementing hardware, and providing ongoing support and maintenance for complex IT systems. Without the full task order details, the precise scope remains general, but it likely involves the planning, design, and implementation of IT solutions tailored to the Department of the Interior's specific operational requirements.

How does the Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure compare to other contract types for similar IT services?

Time and Materials (T&M) contracts are often used when the scope of work is not clearly defined or is expected to change significantly. They reimburse the contractor for direct labor hours at specified hourly rates and for the actual cost of materials. While offering flexibility, T&M contracts carry a higher risk of cost overruns for the government compared to fixed-price contracts, as there is less incentive for the contractor to control costs. For well-defined IT services, fixed-price or cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts are often preferred to ensure better cost certainty and value for taxpayer money. The effectiveness of this T&M contract hinges on robust government oversight and management to control labor hours and material costs.

What was the historical spending pattern for computer systems design services within the Department of the Interior prior to this award?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for computer systems design services within the Department of the Interior prior to this $49.3 million task order award (issued in 2013 for services through 2019) would require accessing detailed procurement data over several preceding fiscal years. Generally, federal agencies like the Department of the Interior have consistent needs for IT modernization, system integration, and support. Spending in this area can fluctuate based on specific project initiatives, budget allocations, and the lifecycle of existing systems. A review of past contracts under NAICS 541512 would reveal trends in contract values, types of services procured, and primary contractors, providing context for the scale and nature of this particular award.

What is the track record of General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. in delivering similar IT services to federal agencies?

General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. (GDIT) has a substantial track record as a major federal contractor, frequently awarded large-scale IT services contracts across various civilian and defense agencies. Their portfolio often includes systems engineering, integration, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and IT support services. Assessing their specific performance on this particular task order would involve reviewing performance evaluations (e.g., CPARS reports, if available), past performance questionnaires, and any documented issues or successes related to their delivery of computer systems design services. Generally, GDIT is considered an experienced provider, but the success of any large contract depends on specific program management and execution.

Were there any specific performance challenges or successes documented during the execution of this task order?

The provided data does not include specific performance metrics, challenges, or successes related to this task order. Such information is typically found in Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) reports or internal agency evaluations. Without access to these detailed performance records, it is impossible to definitively assess the contractor's success or identify any challenges encountered during the period of performance (September 16, 2013, to March 15, 2019). A thorough review would be necessary to understand the quality of services delivered and the overall effectiveness of the contract.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services

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

Solicitation ID: D13PS00376

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp

Address: 3150 FAIRVIEW PARK DR STE 100, FALLS CHURCH, VA, 22042

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $108,435,422

Exercised Options: $108,435,422

Current Obligation: $49,339,298

Actual Outlays: $107,655

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HHSN316201200050W

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline