General Dynamics IT awarded $15.6M for computer systems design services to OPM

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,626,286 ($15.6M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Office of Personnel Management

Start Date: 2006-09-01

End Date: 2008-02-29

Contract Duration: 546 days

Daily Burn Rate: $28.6K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Sector: IT

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20415

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Office of Personnel Management obligated $15.6 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: Key points: 1. Contract value of $15.6M over 546 days suggests a daily burn rate of approximately $28,620. 2. The contract was competed under SAP, indicating a potentially competitive process within certain procurement thresholds. 3. Awarded as a BPA Call, this suggests it was part of a pre-negotiated agreement, potentially streamlining the acquisition process. 4. The services are categorized under Computer Systems Design Services, a common area for IT support and development. 5. The duration of the contract (546 days) is relatively standard for IT service engagements. 6. The contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc., is a large, established player in the federal IT space.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $15.6 million for computer systems design services over approximately 1.5 years appears reasonable given the contractor's scale and the nature of the services. Benchmarking against similar IT services contracts awarded by OPM or other agencies for system design and integration would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The daily burn rate of roughly $28,620 is within expected ranges for complex IT projects.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically allows for a broader range of competition than micro-purchases but may have limitations compared to full and open competition for larger dollar values. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but competition under SAP generally aims to ensure fair pricing and access for qualified vendors. The use of SAP suggests that the agency sought competitive bids within the established thresholds for simplified acquisitions.

Taxpayer Impact: Competition under SAP generally leads to better pricing for taxpayers compared to sole-source awards, as it encourages multiple vendors to offer their best terms. This process helps ensure that government funds are used efficiently by leveraging market forces.

Public Impact

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) benefits from enhanced computer systems design services, likely improving internal operations and data management. This contract supports the delivery of critical IT infrastructure and services necessary for OPM's mission. The geographic impact is primarily within the District of Columbia, where OPM is headquartered. The contract supports the IT workforce employed by General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess the quality and effectiveness of the services delivered.
The duration of the contract, while standard, could be analyzed for potential cost efficiencies if extended or shortened based on performance.

Positive Signals

Award to a large, experienced contractor like General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. suggests a higher likelihood of successful project execution.
Competition under SAP indicates an effort to secure competitive pricing and vendor selection.
The contract is for a well-defined service category (Computer Systems Design Services), reducing ambiguity in scope.

Sector Analysis

The federal IT services market is vast and highly competitive, with significant spending allocated to computer systems design and related services. This contract falls within the broader category of IT professional services, which includes areas like system integration, software development, and IT consulting. Spending in this sector is driven by the government's continuous need to modernize legacy systems, enhance cybersecurity, and improve the efficiency of its digital infrastructure. Comparable contracts often involve system architecture, network design, and implementation support.

Small Business Impact

The provided 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 small business set-aside. The primary contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc., is a large business, and its internal subcontracting practices would determine any indirect impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) through its contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures would be defined in the contract's statement of work and performance standards. Transparency is facilitated by contract databases like FPDS, which provide public access to award details. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any issues of fraud, waste, or abuse arise during the contract's performance.

Related Government Programs

IT Professional Services
Computer Systems Design
IT Support Services
Federal IT Modernization

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep given the nature of system design services.
Reliance on a single large contractor may limit flexibility.
Need for clear performance metrics to ensure value for money.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Office of Personnel Management awarded $15.6 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. See the official description on USAspending.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Office of Personnel Management (Office of Personnel Management).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $15.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2006-09-01. End: 2008-02-29.

What was the specific scope of 'Computer Systems Design Services' for this contract?

The provided data categorizes the contract under NAICS code 541512, 'Computer Systems Design Services.' This broad category typically encompasses designing, developing, and implementing software and hardware solutions, as well as integrating them into existing IT infrastructures. For this specific contract with OPM, the services likely involved activities such as system architecture design, network configuration, software development lifecycle support, database design, and potentially the implementation of new IT systems or upgrades to existing ones. Without the full contract details, the precise deliverables and technical specifications remain unspecified, but the core function revolves around the design and integration of computer systems to meet OPM's operational needs.

How does the $15.6 million award compare to other OPM IT contracts?

Comparing the $15.6 million award to other OPM IT contracts requires access to historical OPM procurement data. However, as a general benchmark, $15.6 million over approximately 1.5 years represents a significant but not exceptionally large IT services contract for a federal agency like OPM. OPM manages a substantial IT infrastructure to support its personnel and benefits administration missions, often requiring multi-million dollar investments in system design, development, and maintenance. Larger agencies might award IT contracts in the hundreds of millions or even billions. For OPM, this award appears to be within a typical range for substantial IT system design and integration projects, suggesting a moderate level of investment in its IT capabilities.

What are the potential risks associated with a contract of this nature and duration?

Potential risks for a contract of this nature and duration include scope creep, where project requirements expand beyond the original agreement, leading to cost overruns and schedule delays. Technical risks involve the possibility of unforeseen complexities in system design or integration, compatibility issues with existing infrastructure, or the emergence of new technologies that render the designed solutions obsolete before full implementation. Contractor performance risk is also present; while General Dynamics is a large firm, any contractor can face challenges in delivering services on time and to specification. Furthermore, changes in agency priorities or budget constraints could impact the project's continuation or scope. Cybersecurity risks are inherent in any IT contract, requiring robust security protocols throughout the design and implementation phases.

What is the track record of General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. with federal contracts?

General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. (GDIT) has a long and extensive track record as a major federal contractor across numerous agencies and departments. They are consistently among the top IT service providers to the U.S. government, handling a wide array of complex projects. Their portfolio includes IT modernization, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and mission-critical support for defense, intelligence, and civilian agencies. GDIT has a history of winning large, high-value contracts, indicating a strong capability to manage complex programs and meet stringent government requirements. While specific performance on every contract varies, their sustained presence and significant contract awards suggest a generally reliable performance history and substantial capacity.

How has federal spending on computer systems design services evolved over the past decade?

Federal spending on computer systems design services has generally seen a consistent upward trend over the past decade, driven by the ongoing digital transformation initiatives across government agencies. Agencies are increasingly reliant on sophisticated IT systems to deliver services, manage data, and ensure national security. This has led to increased demand for services related to cloud migration, cybersecurity enhancements, data analytics platforms, and the modernization of legacy systems. While specific figures fluctuate annually based on budget allocations and agency priorities, the overall trajectory indicates a sustained and significant investment in IT infrastructure and services. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this trend by necessitating remote work capabilities and digital service delivery, reinforcing the importance of robust computer systems design.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: SRA International, Inc. (UEI: 606261683)

Address: 4300 FAIR LAKES CT, FAIRFAX, VA, 22033

Business Categories: Category Business, Hospital, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: OPMBPA510600018

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline