DoD Awards $44.4M for Programmatic Support Services to System Studies & Simulation, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $44,416,316 ($44.4M)
Contractor: System Studies & Simulation, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-06-16
End Date: 2026-06-15
Contract Duration: 1,095 days
Daily Burn Rate: $40.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 7
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: R&D
Official Description: PROGRAMMATIC SUPPORT SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35806
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $44.4 million to SYSTEM STUDIES & SIMULATION, INC. for work described as: PROGRAMMATIC SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded for programmatic support services, indicating a need for specialized research and development expertise. 2. System Studies & Simulation, Inc. is the sole awardee, raising questions about the breadth of competition. 3. The contract is for Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, a critical sector for defense innovation. 4. A Time and Materials pricing structure may pose risks if not carefully managed and monitored.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed effectively. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without detailed labor rates and scope.
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. However, the specific award type (Delivery Order) implies it might be against a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract, where the initial competition occurred.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally leads to better pricing for taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment. The final cost will depend on the execution and management of the Time and Materials contract.
Public Impact
Supports critical research and development for the Department of the Army. Potential for advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Contract duration of three years allows for sustained project development. Awarded to a single vendor, highlighting the importance of monitoring performance and cost.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Time and Materials pricing structure
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited visibility into specific R&D deliverables without further detail
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition
- Supports critical defense R&D needs
- Long-term contract duration
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (NAICS 541715). Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement and national security, with significant government investment annually.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors. Further investigation is needed to determine the extent of small business participation in this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be critical to manage the Time and Materials contract effectively, ensuring that costs remain within budget and that the programmatic support services meet the Army's requirements. The number of delivery orders (7) suggests ongoing tasking.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Time and Materials pricing risk
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited detail on specific services procured
- Need for strong government oversight
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, al, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $44.4 million to SYSTEM STUDIES & SIMULATION, INC.. PROGRAMMATIC SUPPORT SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SYSTEM STUDIES & SIMULATION, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $44.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-06-16. End: 2026-06-15.
What specific programmatic support services are being procured, and how do they align with current Army R&D priorities?
The contract is for 'PROGRAMMATIC SUPPORT SERVICES' within R&D. Without more detailed statements of work for each delivery order, it's difficult to ascertain the exact services. These likely involve technical analysis, simulation, modeling, or research assistance crucial for Army programs. Alignment with priorities would require comparing the contract's scope against the Army's strategic R&D objectives and modernization plans.
How will the government ensure cost control and prevent overruns with a Time and Materials contract for R&D services?
Effective cost control requires robust government oversight, including detailed monitoring of labor hours, rates, and material costs. Establishing clear ceilings, regular performance reviews, and potentially using CLINs (Contract Line Item Numbers) with not-to-exceed (NTE) amounts for specific tasks can mitigate risks. Independent government cost estimates and audits are also crucial.
What is the competitive landscape for these specific programmatic support services, and why was System Studies & Simulation, Inc. selected?
While the award was 'full and open,' the specific competitive history for these niche programmatic support services is not detailed. System Studies & Simulation, Inc. was likely selected based on its demonstrated technical expertise, past performance, and potentially competitive pricing submitted during the bidding process for the parent IDIQ contract or this specific delivery order.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
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
Offers Received: 7
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 615 DISCOVERY DR NW, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35806
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $95,355,524
Exercised Options: $44,481,316
Current Obligation: $44,416,316
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 47QRAA19D005Y
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-06-16
Current End Date: 2026-06-15
Potential End Date: 2028-12-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-15
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