Marine Corps Systems Command awards $16.8M contract for R&D in Electronics & Communication Equipment

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,839,181 ($16.8M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Decision Systems

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2002-09-04

End Date: 2008-09-30

Contract Duration: 2,218 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 23

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: 200212!000783!1700!F9999 !MARINE CORPS SYSTEMS COMMAND !M6785402C2065 !A!N! !N! !20020904!20040531!046863929!046863929!001381284!N!GENERAL DYNAMICS DECISION SYST!8201 E MCDOWELL RD !SCOTTSDALE !AZ!85257!65000!013!04!SCOTTSDALE !MARICOPA !ARIZONA !+000000500000!N!N!000000000000!AC62!RDTE/ELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATION EQ-APPLIED RESEA !A7 !ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION !2000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !A!N!U!2!023!E! !Z!Y!Z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !A!A!A!A!000!A!C!N! ! ! ! ! ! !0001!

Place of Performance

Location: SCOTTSDALE, MARICOPA County, ARIZONA, 85257

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $16.8 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS DECISION SYSTEMS for work described as: 200212!000783!1700!F9999 !MARINE CORPS SYSTEMS COMMAND !M6785402C2065 !A!N! !N! !20020904!20040531!046863929!046863929!001381284!N!GENERAL DYNAMICS DECISION SYST!8201 E MCDOWELL RD !SCOTTSDALE !AZ!85257!65000!013!04!SCOTTSDALE !MARIC… Key points: 1. Contract awarded to General Dynamics Decision Systems for applied research. 2. Significant duration of 2218 days suggests a long-term R&D effort. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, indicating a competitive bidding process. 4. The sector is Research and Development, focusing on electronics and communication.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $16.8M over 2218 days averages to approximately $7,592 per day. Benchmarking this against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more specific details on the deliverables.

Cost Per Unit: $7,592/day

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests taxpayers likely received a fair price, though the long duration and R&D nature make precise value assessment challenging.

Public Impact

Enhances Marine Corps' communication and electronic capabilities through applied research. Supports technological advancement in defense electronics. Potential for new communication systems and equipment development. Long-term nature of the contract implies sustained investment in R&D.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 75 / 10

Warning Flags

Positive Signals

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on electronics and communication equipment. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority in defense.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. The prime contractor is General Dynamics Decision Systems, a large defense contractor.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was managed by the Marine Corps Systems Command, with oversight from the Defense Contract Management Agency. The long duration necessitates robust oversight to ensure progress and cost control.

Related Government Programs

Risk Flags

Tags

research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, az, definitive-contract, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $16.8 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS DECISION SYSTEMS. 200212!000783!1700!F9999 !MARINE CORPS SYSTEMS COMMAND !M6785402C2065 !A!N! !N! !20020904!20040531!046863929!046863929!001381284!N!GENERAL DYNAMICS DECISION SYST!8201 E MCDOWELL RD !SCOTTSDALE !AZ!85257!65000!013!04!SCOTTSDALE !MARICOPA !ARIZONA !+000000500000!N!N!000000000000!AC62!RDTE/ELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATION EQ-APPLIED RESEA !A7 !ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION !2000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS DECISION SYSTEMS.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $16.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2002-09-04. End: 2008-09-30.

What specific technological advancements or systems are expected from this R&D contract?

The contract details are limited, but the classification 'Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' with a focus on 'Electronics & Communication Equipment' suggests the work could involve developing next-generation communication systems, advanced sensor technologies, or improved electronic warfare capabilities for the Marine Corps.

How will the effectiveness of the R&D be measured over its 2218-day duration?

Effectiveness is typically measured through milestone achievements, prototype demonstrations, and final system integration reports. The contracting agency would establish specific performance metrics and evaluation criteria within the contract's statement of work to track progress and ensure the R&D efforts align with the Marine Corps' operational requirements.

What are the potential risks associated with a long-term R&D contract of this nature?

Risks include technological obsolescence during the development period, potential cost overruns due to unforeseen technical challenges, and the possibility that the final developed technology may not meet evolving operational needs. Effective risk mitigation requires continuous monitoring, adaptive management, and clear communication between the contractor and the government.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesScientific Research and Development ServicesResearch and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENTC – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH

Offers Received: 23

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp (UEI: 001381284)

Address: 8201 E MCDOWELL RD, SCOTTSDALE, AZ, 85257

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

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline

Start Date: 2002-09-04

Current End Date: 2008-09-30

Potential End Date: 2008-09-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2016-05-20

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