DoD's $155.6M AN/BYG-1 WCS Engineering Contract Awarded to General Dynamics Mission Systems
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $155,621,976 ($155.6M)
Contractor: General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2009-07-10
End Date: 2020-02-29
Contract Duration: 3,886 days
Daily Burn Rate: $40.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: ENGINEERING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES FOR THE AN/BYG-1 WEAPON CONTROL SYSTEM (WCS)
Place of Performance
Location: PITTSFIELD, BERKSHIRE County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01201
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $155.6 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: ENGINEERING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES FOR THE AN/BYG-1 WEAPON CONTROL SYSTEM (WCS) Key points: 1. The contract supports the AN/BYG-1 Weapon Control System (WCS), a critical naval technology. 2. General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc. is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. The contract spans nearly 10 years, indicating a long-term need for these services. 4. The award type is 'Definitive Contract', suggesting a fixed scope and price, though the fee structure is incentive-based.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The total award value is $155.6 million over approximately 10 years. Without specific per-unit data or comparable contracts for similar complex weapon systems, a precise value assessment is difficult. The Cost Plus Incentive Fee structure suggests potential for cost savings but also carries inherent risk.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition. However, the data indicates only one awardee, General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc. This suggests that while the opportunity was open, only one entity was selected, potentially due to specialized capabilities or a competitive bidding process that resulted in a single strong proposal.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for the development and engineering of a critical defense system. The effectiveness of the competition and the incentive fee structure will determine the ultimate value for money.
Public Impact
Enhances naval combat capabilities through advanced weapon control systems. Supports national defense objectives by maintaining and improving critical military technology. Potential for job creation within the defense sector, particularly at General Dynamics Mission Systems. Ensures the operational readiness of naval assets equipped with the AN/BYG-1 WCS.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of detailed cost breakdowns for unit pricing.
- Long contract duration could lead to cost overruns if not managed effectively.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical system development.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Cost Plus Incentive Fee structure encourages cost efficiency.
- Contract supports a vital national defense system.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically for defense systems. Benchmarks for similar complex weapon system development contracts are highly variable, but $155.6 million over nearly a decade for a specialized system like the AN/BYG-1 WCS is substantial.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses (sb: false). There is no information provided on subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Department of the Navy. Oversight would typically involve program managers, contracting officers, and potentially Inspector General reviews to ensure performance, cost control, and adherence to contract terms. The long duration necessitates consistent oversight.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to long contract duration.
- Lack of transparency on specific performance metrics for incentive fees.
- Sole awardee raises questions about the breadth of competition realized.
- No indication of small business subcontracting participation.
Tags
engineering-services, department-of-defense, ma, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $155.6 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC.. ENGINEERING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES FOR THE AN/BYG-1 WEAPON CONTROL SYSTEM (WCS)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $155.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2009-07-10. End: 2020-02-29.
What specific performance metrics are tied to the incentive fee structure, and how do they ensure optimal value for the AN/BYG-1 WCS development?
The incentive fee structure is designed to align the contractor's performance with the government's objectives, potentially including factors like meeting technical specifications, adhering to schedules, and controlling costs. Specific metrics are usually detailed within the contract's Statement of Work and award terms. Effective oversight ensures these metrics are rigorously tracked and that incentives are appropriately applied to drive desired outcomes and maximize taxpayer value.
Given the long duration and critical nature of the AN/BYG-1 WCS, what are the primary risks associated with relying on General Dynamics Mission Systems for this engineering support?
Key risks include potential cost escalation over the decade-long period, contractor lock-in limiting future competition or innovation, and the possibility of technical obsolescence if the system isn't continuously updated. There's also the risk of performance degradation or failure to meet evolving requirements. Mitigation strategies would involve robust contract management, regular performance reviews, and potentially incorporating clauses for technology refresh or competitive re-solicitation.
How does the 'full and open competition' designation reconcile with a single awardee, and what does this imply for the effectiveness of the bidding process?
Full and open competition means the solicitation was advertised widely, allowing all eligible responsible sources to submit proposals. A single awardee can result if only one proposal meets the technical and cost requirements, or if one offer is significantly superior to others. This implies the bidding process was effective in identifying the best-suited contractor, but it also warrants scrutiny to ensure no qualified competitors were inadvertently excluded or discouraged from participating.
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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: N0002408R6294
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE FEE (V)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Wico Limited
Address: 12450 FAIR LAKES CIR STE 800, FAIRFAX, VA, 22033
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $245,297,404
Exercised Options: $236,638,299
Current Obligation: $155,621,976
Actual Outlays: $67,339
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2009-07-10
Current End Date: 2020-02-29
Potential End Date: 2020-02-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-11-04
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