DoD Awards $6.9M for C4ISR Hardware Installation on Navy Ships

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,910,313 ($6.9M)

Contractor: M. C. Dean, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-02-12

End Date: 2026-08-28

Contract Duration: 562 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE INCENTIVE

Sector: IT

Official Description: HARDWARE INSTALLATION OF C4ISR AND NETWORK RELATED SYSTEMS ONBOARD USS RUSSELL (DDG 59) AND USS PRINCETON (CG 59), SAN DIEGO CA

Place of Performance

Location: SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92152

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $6.9 million to M. C. DEAN, INC. for work described as: HARDWARE INSTALLATION OF C4ISR AND NETWORK RELATED SYSTEMS ONBOARD USS RUSSELL (DDG 59) AND USS PRINCETON (CG 59), SAN DIEGO CA Key points: 1. Contract awarded to M. C. Dean, Inc. for critical C4ISR and network system installations. 2. The work supports USS Russell (DDG 59) and USS Princeton (CG 59) in San Diego, CA. 3. This fixed-price incentive contract aims to ensure system functionality and performance. 4. The duration is 562 days, indicating a significant integration effort.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $6.9M for hardware installation of complex C4ISR and network systems appears reasonable given the scope and specialized nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar naval system integration contracts would provide a more precise assessment.

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 led to a fair price discovery. The use of a fixed-price incentive (FPI) contract structure incentivizes cost control while allowing for adjustments based on performance.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential defense modernization, ensuring the operational readiness of naval assets. Competition helps ensure value for money.

Public Impact

Enhances the C4ISR and network capabilities of two key naval vessels. Supports the operational readiness and technological advancement of the U.S. Navy. Contributes to the defense industrial base through a significant contract award. Ensures critical systems are installed and integrated effectively for national security.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns with FPI contract if performance targets are not met efficiently.
Dependency on a single contractor for critical system integration.
Logistical challenges of performing installations on active naval vessels.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Focus on critical C4ISR and network systems.
Clear delivery order structure for specific vessels.
Long-term contract duration allows for thorough integration.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector (NAICS 541330), specifically supporting defense-related technology integration. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining and upgrading military hardware and systems, with significant government investment annually.

Small Business Impact

The prime contractor, M. C. Dean, Inc., is not listed as a small business. There is no explicit mention of small business subcontracting goals in the provided data, which warrants further investigation to ensure opportunities for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Navy, under the Department of Defense, is responsible for oversight. The use of a delivery order under a larger contract structure implies established oversight mechanisms, but specific details on monitoring performance and costs are not provided.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost growth due to incentive fee structure.
Lack of explicit small business subcontracting requirements noted.
Integration complexity on potentially aging naval platforms.
Dependency on a single contractor for critical system upgrades.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $6.9 million to M. C. DEAN, INC.. HARDWARE INSTALLATION OF C4ISR AND NETWORK RELATED SYSTEMS ONBOARD USS RUSSELL (DDG 59) AND USS PRINCETON (CG 59), SAN DIEGO CA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is M. C. DEAN, 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 $6.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-02-12. End: 2026-08-28.

What is the specific performance metric tied to the incentive fee in this FPI contract, and how will it be measured?

The specific performance metric for the incentive fee is not detailed in the provided data. Typically, for C4ISR and network installations, incentives might be tied to meeting specific technical performance standards, achieving operational availability by a certain date, or successful completion of system integration tests. The Department of the Navy's contracting officers would monitor adherence to these metrics throughout the contract period.

How does the cost of this installation compare to similar C4ISR integration projects on other naval platforms of comparable size and complexity?

Without access to a database of comparable naval C4ISR integration projects, a direct cost comparison is difficult. However, the $6.9M award for a 562-day duration suggests a substantial undertaking. Factors like the specific technology involved, the extent of upgrades, and the operational tempo of the vessels could significantly influence costs, making direct comparisons challenging without detailed project scope.

What are the potential risks associated with integrating new C4ISR and network systems onto aging platforms like the USS Russell and USS Princeton?

Integrating new C4ISR and network systems onto older platforms like DDG 59 and CG 59 carries risks such as unforeseen compatibility issues with legacy systems, potential structural or power limitations, and the need for extensive retrofitting. These challenges can lead to schedule delays and increased costs if not meticulously managed through thorough planning and risk mitigation strategies.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: INSTALLATION OF EQUIPMENT › INSTALLATION OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE INCENTIVE (L)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1765 GREENSBORO STATION PLACE SUITE 1400, TYSONS, VA, 22102

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,910,313

Exercised Options: $6,910,313

Current Obligation: $6,910,313

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 13

Total Subaward Amount: $1,287,135

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0003919D0022

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline