Naval Sea Systems Command contract for marine architecture and engineering services awarded to CSRA LLC for over $38 million

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $38,418,468 ($38.4M)

Contractor: Csra LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 1994-11-04

End Date: 2010-10-01

Contract Duration: 5,810 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: 199702!1700!0158!BZ004!NAVAL SEA SYSTEMS COMMAND !N0002495C4120 !A!*!P00037 !19961104!19970910!040546988!040546988!081390726!N!55273!ADVANCED MARINE ENTERPRISES IN!1725 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY !ARLINGTON !VA!22202!03000!013!51!ARLINGTON !ARLINGTON !VIRGINIA !0001!+000001114994!N!N!000000000000!C216!MARINE ARCHITECT & ENGINEERING SERVICES !A3 !SHIPS !2000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !8711!3!*!*!C!B!A!*!A !N!U!2!002!B!* !Z!N!Z!* !* !N!C!*!C!C!A!A!A!*!* !*!N!A!D!N!*!*!*!*!*!

Place of Performance

Location: FALLS CHURCH, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22042

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $38.4 million to CSRA LLC for work described as: 199702!1700!0158!BZ004!NAVAL SEA SYSTEMS COMMAND !N0002495C4120 !A!*!P00037 !19961104!19970910!040546988!040546988!081390726!N!55273!ADVANCED MARINE ENTERPRISES IN!1725 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY !ARLINGTON !VA!22202!03000!013!51!ARLINGTON !ARLING… Key points: 1. Contract value exceeds $38 million, indicating a significant investment in specialized marine engineering. 2. Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process. 3. The contract type is 'Definitive Contract', typically used for long-term, complex requirements. 4. The period of performance spans over 16 years, from 1994 to 2010, highlighting sustained need. 5. The primary service category is 'Marine Architect & Engineering Services', crucial for naval operations. 6. The contract was awarded to CSRA LLC, a known entity in government contracting.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award amount of $38,418,468 for a definitive contract spanning over 16 years suggests a substantial but potentially reasonable investment for long-term, complex marine architecture and engineering services. Benchmarking this value is challenging without specific details on the scope of work and deliverables. However, the extended performance period implies a consistent need for these specialized services within the Naval Sea Systems Command. The cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) pricing structure, while common for R&D and complex services, can introduce risk if not closely managed to control costs.

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 data suggests there were at least two bids received (no=2). A full and open competition generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and innovation. However, with only two bids, the level of competition might be considered moderate rather than extensive, potentially limiting the full benefits of price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it aims to secure the best value through a wide range of potential bidders. While the number of bidders was two, the process itself suggests an effort to find competitive pricing.

Public Impact

Naval operations and fleet readiness benefit from advanced marine architecture and engineering expertise. The contract supports the development and maintenance of naval vessels and related infrastructure. Services are likely concentrated in Virginia, given the contractor's address and the agency's location. The contract supports specialized engineering and architectural jobs within the defense sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The extended performance period of over 16 years could lead to potential cost overruns if not managed diligently.
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can incentivize contractors to increase costs if the fixed fee is not adequately tied to performance metrics.
Limited competition (2 bidders) might have resulted in a higher price than if more bidders had participated.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting an effort to maximize value and access a broad range of capabilities.
The definitive contract type implies a structured and well-defined long-term requirement, indicating strategic planning by the agency.
The contract supports critical naval engineering functions, essential for national defense.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on marine architecture and engineering. This is a niche but critical area for naval operations, involving design, construction oversight, and modernization of ships and maritime systems. The defense industry heavily relies on such specialized services to maintain its fleet's technological edge and operational readiness. Comparable spending in this sector often involves significant long-term investments due to the complexity and lifespan of naval assets.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss=false, sb=false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a set-aside provision. The primary contractor, CSRA LLC, would determine any subcontracting opportunities based on their own business strategy and the nature of the work required.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), as indicated by the 'sa' field. DCMA is responsible for ensuring contractor performance, compliance with contract terms, and proper cost accounting. Transparency is generally maintained through contract reporting systems, though specific details of performance and cost management are often internal to the agency and contractor. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Naval Ship Systems Engineering
Marine Engineering Services
Defense Architecture and Design
Naval Vessel Modernization
Shipbuilding and Repair Support

Risk Flags

Extended performance period may increase risk of cost escalation.
CPFF contract type requires diligent oversight to control costs.
Moderate competition level (2 bidders) could impact price competitiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $38.4 million to CSRA LLC. 199702!1700!0158!BZ004!NAVAL SEA SYSTEMS COMMAND !N0002495C4120 !A!*!P00037 !19961104!19970910!040546988!040546988!081390726!N!55273!ADVANCED MARINE ENTERPRISES IN!1725 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY !ARLINGTON !VA!22202!03000!013!51!ARLINGTON !ARLINGTON !VIRGINIA !0001!+000001114994!N!N!000000000000!C216!MARINE ARCHITECT & ENGINEERING SERVICES !A3 !SHIPS !2000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !8711!3!*!*!C!B!A!*!A !N!U!2!0

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CSRA LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $38.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 1994-11-04. End: 2010-10-01.

What was the specific scope of work for the marine architecture and engineering services provided under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract was for 'MARINE ARCHITECT & ENGINEERING SERVICES' under the PSC code 'C216' and the NAICS code '8711'. While the specific scope is not detailed, these codes generally encompass services related to the design, development, testing, and evaluation of marine systems and structures. This could include naval architecture, ship design, structural engineering, propulsion systems engineering, combat systems integration, and lifecycle support for naval vessels. The extended performance period suggests a broad and ongoing need for these specialized engineering capabilities within the Naval Sea Systems Command.

How does the total contract value of over $38 million compare to similar marine engineering contracts awarded by the Navy?

Comparing the $38.4 million total award value requires context regarding the contract's duration and scope. This contract spanned over 16 years (1994-2010), making the average annual value approximately $2.4 million. This figure is moderate for long-term, complex engineering support within the defense sector. Larger naval shipbuilding or major modernization programs often involve contracts in the hundreds of millions or billions. However, for ongoing, specialized engineering services and architectural support, this value is within a reasonable range, especially considering the sustained need implied by the long performance period. Benchmarking would ideally involve comparing it to other definitive contracts for similar services awarded by NAVSEA or other naval commands during that era.

What were the key performance indicators (KPIs) or metrics used to assess the contractor's performance under this Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract?

The provided data does not specify the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or metrics used for this particular contract. However, under a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure, performance is typically evaluated based on adherence to technical specifications, delivery schedules, quality standards, and effective cost management within the approved budget. The 'fixed fee' component is earned upon satisfactory completion of the work. Agencies like the Naval Sea Systems Command usually have detailed performance standards and reporting requirements outlined in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) and Performance Work Statement (PWS). Regular reviews and milestone assessments would have been conducted by the contracting officer and technical representatives.

What is the historical spending pattern for marine architecture and engineering services by the Naval Sea Systems Command?

The provided data represents a single contract award from 1994 to 2010. To understand historical spending patterns, a broader analysis of NAVSEA's procurement data over multiple years and contract types would be necessary. This contract, valued at over $38 million over 16 years, suggests a consistent, albeit not massive, annual investment in these specialized services. Historically, NAVSEA's spending on engineering and technical services is substantial, driven by the continuous need for ship design, modernization, maintenance, and acquisition support. Spending fluctuates based on defense budgets, fleet modernization priorities, and new platform development.

What are the potential risks associated with a definitive contract that has a performance period exceeding 16 years?

A definitive contract with a performance period exceeding 16 years carries several potential risks. Firstly, the extended duration increases the likelihood of scope creep or changes in requirements due to evolving naval technology or strategic needs, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed through contract modifications. Secondly, market conditions, material costs, and labor rates can change significantly over such a long period, potentially impacting the initial cost estimates. Thirdly, maintaining consistent oversight and ensuring the contractor remains aligned with the agency's objectives over such a long timeframe can be challenging. Finally, there's a risk of technological obsolescence if the services or solutions provided become outdated before the contract concludes.

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3170 FAIRVIEW PARK DR, FALLS CHURCH, VA, 22042

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline