DoD awards $29M bridge contract to General Dynamics for mission training support, raising competition concerns

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $29,157,216 ($29.2M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-08-23

End Date: 2024-09-15

Contract Duration: 389 days

Daily Burn Rate: $75.0K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: 18TH AIRBORNE CORPS 6-MONTH BRIDGE CONTRACT, IN SUPPORT OF THE MISSION TRAINING COMPLEX (MTC) TRAINING SERVICE SUPPORT (TSS) EFFORT

Place of Performance

Location: FORT BRAGG, CUMBERLAND County, NORTH CAROLINA, 28310

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $29.2 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: 18TH AIRBORNE CORPS 6-MONTH BRIDGE CONTRACT, IN SUPPORT OF THE MISSION TRAINING COMPLEX (MTC) TRAINING SERVICE SUPPORT (TSS) EFFORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a sole-source basis, limiting competitive price discovery. 2. Bridge contract nature suggests potential urgency or planning gaps. 3. High value for a 6-month duration indicates significant service scope. 4. Focus on training services for a major Army corps highlights critical operational support. 5. Lack of competition may lead to suboptimal pricing for taxpayers. 6. Contractor's extensive experience in IT and defense services is a positive signal for execution.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of approximately $29.16 million for a 6-month period is substantial, averaging around $4.86 million per month. Without comparable sole-source bridge contracts for similar mission training support services, a precise value-for-money assessment is difficult. However, the absence of competition inherently limits the government's ability to secure the best possible pricing. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides some cost certainty, but the lack of competitive benchmarking raises concerns about whether this represents a fair market price.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed. The data indicates 'NOT COMPETED' and 'GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.' as the sole awardee. This approach bypasses the standard competitive bidding process, which typically involves multiple vendors submitting proposals. While sole-source awards can be justified in specific circumstances (e.g., urgent needs, unique capabilities), they limit the government's ability to leverage market forces to drive down costs and ensure the most advantageous terms.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition means taxpayers may not benefit from the cost savings that a competitive bidding process could have generated. Without multiple bids, there is a reduced incentive for the contractor to offer the lowest possible price.

Public Impact

Service members within the 18th Airborne Corps will benefit from enhanced training capabilities. The contract supports the Mission Training Complex (MTC) Training Service Support (TSS) effort. Training services are crucial for maintaining operational readiness and effectiveness of a major Army formation. The contract is located in North Carolina, implying a direct impact on the local workforce and economy in that region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competitive pressure on pricing.
Bridge contract nature may indicate insufficient planning or unexpected needs.
High monthly burn rate suggests significant resource allocation.

Positive Signals

General Dynamics Information Technology has a strong track record in defense IT and support services.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost predictability.
Contract duration of over a year (389 days) allows for sustained support.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' (NAICS 541990). This broad category encompasses a wide range of support services, including specialized training and mission support. The defense sector heavily relies on such services to maintain readiness and operational effectiveness. Comparable spending in this area often involves significant investments in simulation, training development, and logistical support for military operations.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a stated factor ('ss': false, 'sb': false). There is no indication of a small business set-aside or specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided information. This suggests that the primary awardee, General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc., will likely perform the majority of the work, with limited direct benefit to the small business ecosystem unless they proactively subcontract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Army's contracting and program management offices. As a definitive contract, it is subject to standard federal procurement regulations and oversight. The Inspector General's office within the Department of Defense could investigate any allegations of waste, fraud, or abuse. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS, though the specific details of performance and cost management are internal to the agency and contractor.

Related Government Programs

Mission Training Complex (MTC) Support Contracts
Army Training and Simulation Programs
Department of Defense IT Services
General Dynamics Information Technology Contracts

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Bridge contract
Lack of competition

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $29.2 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. 18TH AIRBORNE CORPS 6-MONTH BRIDGE CONTRACT, IN SUPPORT OF THE MISSION TRAINING COMPLEX (MTC) TRAINING SERVICE SUPPORT (TSS) EFFORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, 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 $29.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-08-23. End: 2024-09-15.

What is General Dynamics Information Technology's track record with similar mission training support contracts for the Department of Defense?

General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) has a substantial history of providing IT and support services to the Department of Defense. While specific data on 'mission training support' contracts isn't detailed here, GDIT is a major contractor for various defense agencies, including the Army. Their portfolio often includes complex IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, enterprise resource planning, and specialized technical support. Their experience in large-scale defense programs suggests a capacity to handle the requirements of the 18th Airborne Corps' training needs. However, the absence of direct, publicly available data on comparable mission training contracts makes a precise assessment of their specific expertise in this niche challenging without further investigation into their past performance reports and contract awards.

How does the $29.16 million value for a 6-month bridge contract compare to typical spending for similar training support services?

The approximate $29.16 million value for a 6-month bridge contract equates to roughly $4.86 million per month. This is a significant monthly expenditure. Without specific benchmarks for 'Mission Training Complex Training Service Support' (TSS) for a major Army corps, direct comparison is difficult. However, this figure suggests a high level of service complexity, extensive personnel requirements, or specialized equipment/technology involved. Bridge contracts are often awarded to maintain continuity during extended procurement processes or unforeseen circumstances, and their value can sometimes be higher than anticipated due to urgency. A more thorough analysis would require benchmarking against other large-scale military training support contracts, considering factors like the number of personnel supported, the scope of training scenarios, and the technological sophistication required.

What are the primary risks associated with awarding a sole-source bridge contract of this magnitude?

The primary risks associated with a sole-source bridge contract of this magnitude include potential overpayment due to lack of competition, reduced incentive for the contractor to innovate or optimize costs, and the possibility that the chosen contractor may not be the most capable or cost-effective long-term solution. Bridge contracts, by their nature, are intended to be temporary, but awarding a large-value one solely sourced can indicate potential planning deficiencies or an over-reliance on a single vendor. This can create vendor lock-in and limit future competitive opportunities. Furthermore, the urgency often associated with bridge contracts might lead to less rigorous oversight initially, increasing the risk of performance issues or cost overruns if not managed diligently.

What is the expected impact of this contract on the operational readiness of the 18th Airborne Corps?

This contract is intended to directly support the Mission Training Complex (MTC) Training Service Support (TSS) effort for the 18th Airborne Corps. By ensuring continuous and effective training services, the contract aims to maintain and enhance the operational readiness of this major Army formation. High-quality training is critical for preparing soldiers for complex combat environments, improving unit cohesion, and ensuring proficiency with various military systems and tactics. The sustained support provided by this contract is expected to prevent disruptions in training schedules and allow the Corps to meet its readiness objectives, ultimately contributing to national security.

How has spending on 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' by the Department of the Army trended in recent years?

Spending on 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' (NAICS 541990) by the Department of the Army has generally been substantial and has seen fluctuations based on global security needs and budgetary priorities. While specific year-over-year trends for this exact NAICS code require detailed analysis of historical federal procurement data (e.g., FPDS), the Army consistently invests heavily in a wide array of support services, including technical, scientific, and professional expertise. This category often captures specialized services that don't fit neatly into other classifications, such as mission support, specialized consulting, and advanced technical services. Recent years have likely seen continued high demand for such services to support modernization efforts, readiness training, and complex operational requirements.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: W900KK23R18TH

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Wico Limited

Address: 3150 FAIRVIEW PARK DR, FALLS CHURCH, VA, 22042

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $29,228,147

Exercised Options: $29,228,147

Current Obligation: $29,157,216

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 5

Total Subaward Amount: $3,300,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline