DoD's $93M C4ISR Systems Support Contract Awarded to ManTech Advanced Systems International, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $92,985,791 ($93.0M)

Contractor: Mantech Advanced Systems International, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2014-09-08

End Date: 2017-03-07

Contract Duration: 911 days

Daily Burn Rate: $102.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF AWARD OF S3R-1035 C4ISR SYSTEMS OPERATIONS, INSTALLATION, LOGISTICS, TRAINING, MAINTENANCE, AND RELATED SUSTAINMENT SUPPORT FOR ELEVATED SENSOR SYSTEMS.

Place of Performance

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

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $93.0 million to MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF AWARD OF S3R-1035 C4ISR SYSTEMS OPERATIONS, INSTALLATION, LOGISTICS, TRAINING, MAINTENANCE, AND RELATED SUSTAINMENT SUPPORT FOR ELEVATED SENSOR SYSTEMS. Key points: 1. Contract provides comprehensive support for elevated sensor systems, including operations, installation, logistics, training, and maintenance. 2. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration is approximately 3 years, indicating a medium-term support requirement. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 5. This contract falls under Engineering Services (NAICS 541330), a sector requiring specialized technical expertise. 6. The contract was awarded as a Delivery Order, suggesting it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award amount of $92,985,791.15 over approximately three years suggests a significant investment in C4ISR systems support. Benchmarking this against similar contracts for elevated sensor systems operations and maintenance is challenging without more specific details on the scope of services and system complexity. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type introduces a degree of risk, as it allows for the reimbursement of costs plus a fixed fee, potentially leading to higher final costs than fixed-price contracts if costs escalate beyond initial projections. Further analysis would require comparing the fixed fee percentage and the projected costs against industry standards for similar support services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of two bidders (no: 2) suggests a moderate level of competition for this specific delivery order. While full and open competition is generally preferred for maximizing price discovery and ensuring fair market value, a low number of bidders could indicate a specialized niche or limited market capacity for the required services.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process, even with a limited number of bidders, generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging more favorable pricing and service offerings compared to sole-source or limited competition scenarios.

Public Impact

The Department of the Army benefits from enhanced operational capabilities of its elevated sensor systems. Services include critical functions like system operations, installation, logistics, training, and ongoing maintenance. The contract supports national defense by ensuring the readiness and effectiveness of C4ISR infrastructure. Workforce implications include the potential for skilled technical and logistical personnel to be employed by the contractor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can incentivize cost overruns if not closely monitored.
Limited competition (2 bidders) may indicate a specialized market, potentially impacting long-term cost-effectiveness.
The specific nature of 'elevated sensor systems' requires specialized expertise, potentially limiting the pool of qualified contractors.

Positive Signals

Awarded under 'full and open competition,' which is a positive indicator for market fairness.
Contract provides comprehensive support, suggesting a commitment to system sustainment and operational readiness.
The contract duration of approximately 3 years allows for stable support and potential for performance improvements over time.

Sector Analysis

The Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) sector is a critical component of modern defense operations. This contract falls within the broader Engineering Services (NAICS 541330) industry, which encompasses firms providing specialized engineering expertise. The market for C4ISR systems support is often characterized by high technical barriers to entry and significant government investment. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing other contracts for similar sensor system sustainment, maintenance, and operational support across various defense agencies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (sb: false) and the contractor, ManTech Advanced Systems International, Inc., is likely a large business. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses within this award. Without specific subcontracting goals or reporting, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is unclear, though large prime contractors often utilize small businesses for specialized support services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program management office within the Department of the Army. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure necessitates rigorous oversight of incurred costs to ensure they are reasonable and allocable to the contract. Transparency would be enhanced through regular performance reviews and financial reporting by the contractor. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

C4ISR Systems Modernization Programs
Defense Intelligence Information Systems
Military Sensor Technology Development
Aerospace Engineering and Support Services
Logistics and Maintenance Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type carries inherent risk of cost escalation.
Limited number of bidders (2) may indicate reduced competition and potentially higher prices.
Need for specialized expertise in 'elevated sensor systems' could limit contractor pool.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $93.0 million to MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF AWARD OF S3R-1035 C4ISR SYSTEMS OPERATIONS, INSTALLATION, LOGISTICS, TRAINING, MAINTENANCE, AND RELATED SUSTAINMENT SUPPORT FOR ELEVATED SENSOR SYSTEMS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $93.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2014-09-08. End: 2017-03-07.

What is the historical spending pattern for ManTech Advanced Systems International, Inc. with the Department of Defense, particularly for C4ISR-related services?

Analyzing ManTech Advanced Systems International, Inc.'s historical spending with the Department of Defense requires access to comprehensive federal procurement databases. Typically, a contractor's track record involves reviewing the number and value of previous awards, the types of services rendered, and their performance ratings. For C4ISR-related services, one would look for contracts involving similar technical requirements, such as system integration, software development, maintenance, and operational support for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms. A history of successful contract completions, positive performance reviews, and competitive pricing on prior awards would indicate a lower risk profile. Conversely, a pattern of cost overruns, performance issues, or frequent contract modifications might raise concerns about the contractor's ability to deliver effectively and efficiently on future engagements. Without specific historical data for ManTech in this precise domain, a definitive assessment is not possible, but the existence of this $93M award suggests a significant existing relationship and capability.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure compare to other contract types in terms of value for money for C4ISR support services?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is often used when the scope of work is not precisely defined, or when there is significant uncertainty in the costs associated with performance. In the context of C4ISR systems support, where technology evolves rapidly and operational environments can be unpredictable, CPFF can provide flexibility. However, it generally offers less value for money compared to fixed-price contracts because the government bears the risk of cost overruns. The contractor is incentivized to incur costs to achieve the fixed fee, rather than to minimize costs. For taxpayers, this means potentially higher overall expenditures. Fixed-price contracts, conversely, incentivize the contractor to control costs to maximize profit. However, they may be less suitable for highly complex or R&D-intensive C4ISR work where cost estimation is inherently difficult. Best value is often achieved through a well-defined scope and a competitive bidding process, regardless of contract type, with careful oversight to manage risks inherent in CPFF.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) typically used to measure the success of C4ISR systems operations and maintenance contracts?

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for C4ISR systems operations and maintenance contracts are crucial for ensuring mission effectiveness and contractor accountability. Common KPIs include system uptime and availability rates, ensuring that critical C4ISR platforms are operational when needed. Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) and Mean Time To Repair (MTTR) are vital for assessing system reliability and the efficiency of maintenance services. Response times for technical support and incident resolution are also critical, especially in dynamic operational environments. For training components, metrics might include trainee proficiency levels or the successful completion of training modules. Logistics KPIs could involve on-time delivery rates for parts and equipment, and inventory accuracy. Ultimately, the success of such contracts is measured by the contractor's contribution to the overall readiness and effectiveness of the supported C4ISR capabilities, often validated through operational assessments and user feedback.

What is the typical market size and competitive landscape for companies providing C4ISR systems support services to the U.S. Department of Defense?

The market for C4ISR systems support services is substantial, driven by continuous technological advancements and the critical role these systems play in national security. It's a highly specialized sector, often dominated by large defense contractors and a tier of mid-sized and smaller specialized firms. The competitive landscape can vary significantly depending on the specific technology or platform involved. For broad C4ISR support, competition might be moderate, as seen with two bidders in this case. However, for highly niche technologies or specific legacy systems, the number of capable providers can be limited, leading to less intense competition. Companies in this space require deep technical expertise, robust security clearances, and a proven track record of performance with government agencies. The overall market size is in the tens of billions of dollars annually, encompassing a wide range of services from hardware maintenance and software sustainment to system integration and operational support.

How does the geographic location of contract performance (Maryland) potentially influence costs and logistics for this C4ISR support contract?

The contract indicates performance in Maryland (MD), which is a hub for defense activities and government contracting. This proximity to major military installations and federal agencies can offer logistical advantages, potentially reducing travel time and shipping costs for personnel and equipment. Access to a skilled workforce experienced in defense contracting is also generally high in the Maryland region. However, the cost of living and doing business in Maryland can be higher than in other regions, which might translate into increased labor costs for the contractor and potentially higher overall contract prices. The presence of numerous defense-related entities could also mean a more competitive environment for talent, potentially driving up wages. Therefore, while geographic concentration can streamline certain aspects of performance, it may also contribute to a higher baseline cost structure for the contract.

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

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Mantech International Corporation

Address: 12015 LEE JACKSON MEMORIAL HWY, FAIRFAX, VA, 22033

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $103,735,842

Exercised Options: $97,196,504

Current Obligation: $92,985,791

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 32

Total Subaward Amount: $35,339,516

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W15P7T06DE403

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline