DoD's $39.4M DynCorp Contract for Metrology Support Faces Limited Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $39,428,734 ($39.4M)

Contractor: Dyncorp International LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2019-07-01

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 2,740 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.4K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: METROLOGY AND CALIBRATION (METCAL) FOREIGN MILITARY SALES (FMS) IN SUPPORT OF AIR-6.7.3

Place of Performance

Location: CHANTILLY, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20151

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $39.4 million to DYNCORP INTERNATIONAL LLC for work described as: METROLOGY AND CALIBRATION (METCAL) FOREIGN MILITARY SALES (FMS) IN SUPPORT OF AIR-6.7.3 Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $39.4M awarded to DynCorp International LLC. 2. Limited competition raises questions about price discovery and potential overspending. 3. Contract duration extends to late 2026, indicating long-term reliance. 4. Engineering services sector, with potential for high specialized costs.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can incentivize higher costs. Without available pricing data or benchmarks, it's difficult to assess if the $39.4M is reasonable for the engineering services provided.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not available for competition, suggesting a limited or sole-source award. This lack of competition hinders price discovery and may lead to less favorable terms for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition and cost-plus contract type may result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for these essential metrology and calibration services.

Public Impact

Ensures critical metrology and calibration support for the Navy's Air-6.7.3 program. Supports foreign military sales, impacting international defense partnerships. Potential for increased costs due to lack of competitive bidding.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition
Cost-plus contract type
Lack of public pricing data

Positive Signals

Essential support for critical defense program
Long-term contract provides stability

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, which often involves specialized technical expertise. Benchmarks for similar metrology and calibration services are not readily available, making direct comparison difficult.

Small Business Impact

The contract does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses, and the prime contractor is DynCorp International LLC, a large business. There is no information provided on subcontracting opportunities for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of the Navy within the Department of Defense. Oversight mechanisms should ensure cost control and performance, especially given the limited competition and cost-plus nature.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competitive bidding
Cost-plus contract type can lead to cost overruns
No clear indication of small business participation
Limited transparency on pricing and cost components

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $39.4 million to DYNCORP INTERNATIONAL LLC. METROLOGY AND CALIBRATION (METCAL) FOREIGN MILITARY SALES (FMS) IN SUPPORT OF AIR-6.7.3

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DYNCORP INTERNATIONAL LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $39.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-07-01. End: 2026-12-31.

What is the specific breakdown of costs within the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, and how is the fixed fee determined?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure involves the contractor being reimbursed for allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. The fixed fee is negotiated upfront and should reflect the complexity and risk of the effort. Without access to the contract details, the specific cost breakdown and the rationale behind the fixed fee negotiation are not publicly available, making it difficult to assess value.

What steps are being taken to mitigate the risks associated with limited competition and ensure fair pricing?

Given the 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' status, the primary risk mitigation would involve robust negotiation of the fixed fee and cost ceilings by the contracting officers. Regular audits and performance reviews are crucial to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable. However, the inherent lack of competitive pressure means these internal controls are paramount.

How does the performance of DynCorp International LLC on this contract align with the expected outcomes for Air-6.7.3 and FMS requirements?

Performance metrics and evaluation reports are essential to determine if DynCorp is meeting the technical and programmatic requirements for metrology and calibration. Without access to these performance data, it's challenging to assess the effectiveness of the contract in supporting the Air-6.7.3 program and the foreign military sales it underpins. Consistent positive performance would justify the expenditure.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: N0042118R0084

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: PAE Government Services Inc.

Address: 13500 HERITAGE PKWY, FORT WORTH, TX, 76177

Business Categories: Category Business, Foreign Owned, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $44,898,338

Exercised Options: $39,520,793

Current Obligation: $39,428,734

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline