DoD's $43.7M training support contract awarded to General Dynamics IT for 18th Airborne Corps

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $43,664,244 ($43.7M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-09-16

End Date: 2026-07-15

Contract Duration: 667 days

Daily Burn Rate: $65.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: 18TH AIRBORNE CORPS MISSION TRAINING COMPLEX (MTC) TRAINING SERVICE SUPPORT (TSS) EFFORT UNDER THE MISSION TRAINING COMPLEX CONTRACT SUPPORT II (MTCCS II) CONTRACT, COVERING ALL HUB AND SPOKE TRAINING.

Place of Performance

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

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $43.7 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: 18TH AIRBORNE CORPS MISSION TRAINING COMPLEX (MTC) TRAINING SERVICE SUPPORT (TSS) EFFORT UNDER THE MISSION TRAINING COMPLEX CONTRACT SUPPORT II (MTCCS II) CONTRACT, COVERING ALL HUB AND SPOKE TRAINING. Key points: 1. Contract provides comprehensive training services for the 18th Airborne Corps Mission Training Complex. 2. General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. is the prime contractor for this effort. 3. The contract is structured as a Cost Plus Fixed Fee award. 4. This is a Delivery Order under a larger IDIQ contract (MTCCS II). 5. The contract duration spans approximately 22 months. 6. Services will be delivered in North Carolina.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure allows for flexibility in service delivery, but requires careful monitoring of costs to ensure value. Benchmarking against similar training support contracts for large military units would provide a clearer picture of cost-effectiveness. Without specific performance metrics or detailed cost breakdowns, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the fixed fee component suggests a degree of cost control.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process. With three bidders participating, there was a reasonable level of competition, which typically aids in price discovery and can lead to more competitive pricing for the government. The specific details of the bidding process and the number of proposals received would offer further insight into the competitive landscape.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down costs and improve the quality of services received.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the soldiers of the 18th Airborne Corps, who will receive enhanced training capabilities. Services delivered include comprehensive training support for the Mission Training Complex. The geographic impact is concentrated in North Carolina, where the training complex is located. Workforce implications include potential employment opportunities for technical and training specialists.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns inherent in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts if not closely managed.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical training support services could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process.
General Dynamics Information Technology has a significant track record in government contracting.
The contract supports a critical mission for a major military formation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on training and simulation support for military operations. The market for defense training services is substantial, driven by the continuous need for military readiness and technological advancement. This contract represents a component of the broader defense training ecosystem, supporting specialized mission requirements.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a primary focus for this specific contract, as the 'ss' (small business set-aside) field is false and 'sb' (small business) is also false. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting goals for small businesses within the provided data. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist and how they might impact the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would likely fall under the Department of the Army's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures would be tied to the performance requirements outlined in the contract and the delivery order. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance reports may not be publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Mission Training Complex Support II (MTCCS II) Contract
Army Training Support Services
Defense Training and Simulation Contracts
18th Airborne Corps Operations Support

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
Contract duration of nearly two years necessitates monitoring for scope creep and performance consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $43.7 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. 18TH AIRBORNE CORPS MISSION TRAINING COMPLEX (MTC) TRAINING SERVICE SUPPORT (TSS) EFFORT UNDER THE MISSION TRAINING COMPLEX CONTRACT SUPPORT II (MTCCS II) CONTRACT, COVERING ALL HUB AND SPOKE TRAINING.

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 $43.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-16. End: 2026-07-15.

What is the historical spending pattern for training support services for the 18th Airborne Corps?

Analyzing historical spending for the 18th Airborne Corps' training support services requires access to historical contract data beyond this single delivery order. Typically, such services are procured through multi-year contracts or a series of task orders under larger indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicles. The Mission Training Complex Contract Support II (MTCCS II) contract, under which this delivery order was issued, likely represents a continuation or evolution of previous support efforts. To understand the pattern, one would need to examine prior contracts for similar services, noting any trends in contract value, duration, and contractor performance. This would help identify if spending has been consistent, increasing, or decreasing, and whether the scope of services has evolved over time.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar training support contracts for other major military formations?

A direct comparison of pricing for this $43.7 million contract to similar training support contracts for other major military formations is challenging without detailed cost breakdowns and specific service scopes. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure is common for complex service contracts where the exact costs are difficult to predict. Benchmarking would involve identifying contracts with comparable service requirements (e.g., simulation, scenario development, technical support) and contract durations. Factors like geographic location, labor rates, and the specific technologies involved significantly influence pricing. If this contract's fixed fee and estimated cost align with industry averages for similar-sized formations and complexity, it suggests fair pricing. Conversely, significant deviations could indicate either exceptional value or potential overpricing.

What is General Dynamics Information Technology's track record with similar DoD training contracts?

General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) has a substantial and extensive track record of providing a wide array of IT and professional services to the Department of Defense and other federal agencies, including significant experience in training and simulation support. They have historically been awarded large, complex contracts involving the development, implementation, and sustainment of training systems, virtual environments, and instructional services for various military branches. Their past performance on similar contracts would be a key factor in the government's decision-making process for awarding this delivery order. A review of their contract history would likely reveal numerous engagements supporting large-scale military training initiatives, demonstrating their capability to manage complex requirements, technical challenges, and large workforces.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how is performance being measured?

The specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and measurement methodologies for this contract are not detailed in the provided data. However, for a training service support contract of this nature, typical KPIs would likely include metrics related to training effectiveness (e.g., soldier proficiency improvements), system availability and reliability (e.g., uptime of simulation equipment), responsiveness to training requests, accuracy of scenario development, and adherence to schedules. Performance is generally measured through regular progress reports, site visits, user feedback, and formal reviews conducted by the government contracting officer's representative (COR). The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure often ties contractor fee realization to meeting these performance standards, incentivizing successful delivery.

What is the potential risk associated with the duration and value of this contract?

The duration of this contract is approximately 22 months (667 days) with a total value of $43.7 million. The primary risks associated with this duration and value include potential scope creep, where the requirements may expand beyond the initial agreement, leading to cost increases if not managed properly. For a CPFF contract, there's also the risk of cost overruns if the contractor's cost estimation or management is inadequate, although the fixed fee provides some predictability. Contractor performance risk is also present; if GDIT fails to meet performance standards, it could impact the readiness of the 18th Airborne Corps. The value, while substantial, is within the typical range for supporting major military units, suggesting the risk is manageable if robust oversight is maintained.

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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: W900KK23R0006

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp

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: $149,976,869

Exercised Options: $49,972,977

Current Obligation: $43,664,244

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 4

Total Subaward Amount: $49,800,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W900KK24D0005

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline