DoD Awards $25.9M Contract to SAIC for Naval Doctrine and Tactics Development

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $25,943,284 ($25.9M)

Contractor: Science Applications International Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-05-01

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $35.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TRAIN CARRIER STRIKE GROUPS (CSG), EXPEDITIONARY STRIKE GROUPS (ESG) AND AMPHIBIOUS READY GROUPS (ARG) OF COMMANDER IN THIRD AND SEVENTH FLEETS I AND III MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCES IN DOCTRINE, TACTICS, TECHNIQUES AND PROCEDURES.

Place of Performance

Location: SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92147

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $25.9 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION for work described as: TRAIN CARRIER STRIKE GROUPS (CSG), EXPEDITIONARY STRIKE GROUPS (ESG) AND AMPHIBIOUS READY GROUPS (ARG) OF COMMANDER IN THIRD AND SEVENTH FLEETS I AND III MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCES IN DOCTRINE, TACTICS, TECHNIQUES AND PROCEDURES. Key points: 1. SAIC secures a significant contract for critical naval training and doctrine development. 2. The contract focuses on enhancing the operational effectiveness of Carrier and Expeditionary Strike Groups. 3. Potential risks include the complexity of integrating advanced tactics and the long-term sustainment of doctrine. 4. The IT and professional services sector is key to supporting these advanced military capabilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $25.9M over two years appears reasonable for specialized engineering and professional services supporting complex naval operations. Benchmarking against similar large-scale defense doctrine development contracts would provide further context.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process that likely drove a fair price. The use of a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type allows for flexibility while managing costs.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to enhance the readiness and effectiveness of naval forces, which is a core government function.

Public Impact

Enhances the combat readiness and strategic capabilities of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Supports the development of advanced operational doctrines for critical naval assets. Contributes to the technological edge of U.S. naval forces in a dynamic geopolitical landscape.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in doctrine development.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical intellectual property.
Integration challenges with existing naval systems and training.

Positive Signals

Clear objective to improve naval operational effectiveness.
Awarded through full and open competition.
Experienced contractor with a track record in defense services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically engineering services for defense applications. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining military readiness and technological superiority.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates no specific set-aside for small businesses, suggesting large prime contractors are likely involved. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist but are not explicitly detailed in this award.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Navy is responsible for oversight. The contract's duration and complexity necessitate robust monitoring to ensure adherence to scope, budget, and quality standards.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for contractor lock-in due to specialized knowledge.
Risk of outdated doctrines if not continuously updated.
Dependency on key personnel within SAIC.
Challenges in measuring the direct impact of doctrine on mission success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $25.9 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION. TRAIN CARRIER STRIKE GROUPS (CSG), EXPEDITIONARY STRIKE GROUPS (ESG) AND AMPHIBIOUS READY GROUPS (ARG) OF COMMANDER IN THIRD AND SEVENTH FLEETS I AND III MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCES IN DOCTRINE, TACTICS, TECHNIQUES AND PROCEDURES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $25.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-05-01. End: 2026-04-30.

How will the developed doctrines and tactics be validated and integrated into existing naval training pipelines to ensure practical effectiveness?

Validation will likely involve rigorous testing, simulations, and pilot programs with actual naval units. Integration requires close collaboration between SAIC, the Navy, and Marine Corps training commands to update curricula, operational manuals, and simulation environments. Continuous feedback loops will be essential to refine the doctrines based on real-world application and evolving threats.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of SAIC's contribution to doctrine and tactics development?

Success metrics likely include the timely delivery of doctrine documents, the successful incorporation of new tactics into training exercises, positive feedback from fleet commanders and trainees, and demonstrable improvements in operational readiness or mission success rates attributed to the new doctrines. Measurable advancements in simulation fidelity and training effectiveness would also be key indicators.

What is the long-term strategy for updating and maintaining these doctrines as technology and geopolitical landscapes evolve?

A long-term strategy would involve establishing a continuous review process, potentially through follow-on contracts or standing agreements, to incorporate lessons learned from exercises, real-world operations, and emerging threats. This ensures doctrines remain relevant and effective. SAIC's role might extend to providing ongoing technical support and analysis for future doctrine updates.

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

Solicitation ID: N0024424R3000

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 12010 SUNSET HILLS RD, RESTON, VA, 20190

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $119,864,717

Exercised Options: $37,504,030

Current Obligation: $25,943,284

Actual Outlays: $3,055,600

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 4

Total Subaward Amount: $6,444,659

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017819D8470

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline