DoD's $27.2M Deep Green Battle Command System Contract Awarded to BAE Systems Under Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,213,054 ($27.2M)

Contractor: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2008-04-21

End Date: 2018-01-31

Contract Duration: 3,572 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 11

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: 1 BASE YEAR; 2 OPTION YEARS TO SUPPORT THE DEEP GREEN BATTLE COMMAND DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM

Place of Performance

Location: BURLINGTON, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01803

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $27.2 million to BAE SYSTEMS INFORMATION AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS INTEGRATION INC. for work described as: 1 BASE YEAR; 2 OPTION YEARS TO SUPPORT THE DEEP GREEN BATTLE COMMAND DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM Key points: 1. The contract supports the development and sustainment of a critical decision support system for the Department of Defense. 2. BAE Systems, a major defense contractor, secured the award. 3. The contract was awarded using full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The research and development nature of the contract (NAICS 541712) indicates innovation and advanced technological application.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award value of $27.2 million over 3,572 days (approximately 9.7 years) suggests a moderate annual spend. Without specific per-unit cost data or comparable systems, a precise value assessment is difficult, but the duration implies a sustained need.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The award was made under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to compete. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is beneficial for taxpayers, as it likely drove down costs compared to a sole-source or limited competition scenario.

Public Impact

Enhances military decision-making capabilities through advanced battle command systems. Supports ongoing research and development in defense technology. Provides a long-term sustainment solution for a critical military system. The contract's duration suggests a significant, ongoing investment in defense modernization.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 76 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not closely managed.
Long contract duration may present risks if technology becomes obsolete or requirements change significantly.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Supports a critical defense system.
Long-term sustainment plan in place.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically for defense applications. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority but can be subject to budget fluctuations and evolving strategic needs.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the prime contractor is BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc., a large business. There is no explicit information provided regarding small business participation in this specific contract award.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), which provides contract administration services to ensure compliance and performance. The use of a Definitive Contract suggests a structured approach to managing the agreement.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Department of Defense Contracting
Defense Contract Management Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
Risk of technological obsolescence over the contract's long duration.
Dependency on a single large contractor.
Effectiveness hinges on successful integration and user adoption.
Potential budget cuts impacting long-term R&D funding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $27.2 million to BAE SYSTEMS INFORMATION AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS INTEGRATION INC.. 1 BASE YEAR; 2 OPTION YEARS TO SUPPORT THE DEEP GREEN BATTLE COMMAND DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BAE SYSTEMS INFORMATION AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS INTEGRATION INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $27.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-04-21. End: 2018-01-31.

What specific technological advancements does the Deep Green Battle Command Decision Support System aim to achieve, and how do these align with current DoD modernization priorities?

The Deep Green system likely focuses on integrating vast amounts of battlefield data to provide commanders with enhanced situational awareness and faster, more informed decision-making capabilities. This aligns with DoD priorities for digital transformation, AI integration, and multi-domain operations, aiming to improve command and control effectiveness in complex, contested environments.

Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type, what mechanisms are in place to control costs and prevent potential overruns for this long-term R&D effort?

CPFF contracts require robust oversight. The DCMA likely monitors BAE Systems' costs closely, ensuring they are reasonable and allowable. Fixed fee components incentivize efficiency, but the government must actively manage scope, performance, and contractor expenditures to mitigate risks associated with potential cost escalations over the contract's extended period.

How will the performance of the Deep Green system be measured over its lifecycle, particularly considering the R&D nature and the long duration of the contract?

Performance measurement will likely involve a combination of technical milestones, system effectiveness metrics, and user feedback. For R&D, key performance indicators might include successful integration of new capabilities, achievement of specific analytical outputs, and demonstrated improvements in decision-making speed or accuracy. Regular reviews and option year exercises will assess continued relevance and performance.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 11

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: BAE Systems PLC

Address: 6 NEW ENGLAND EXECUTIVE PARK, BURLINGTON, MA, 01803

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $28,698,352

Exercised Options: $27,230,938

Current Obligation: $27,213,054

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline