DoD awards $125M+ for engineering and technical services at White Sands Missile Range
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $50,895,361 ($50.9M)
Contractor: General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2003-12-02
End Date: 2009-05-29
Contract Duration: 2,005 days
Daily Burn Rate: $25.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COMBINATION (TWO OR MORE)
Sector: Defense
Official Description: 200403!000053!2100!W9124Q!ACA, WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE !W9124Q04C0105 !A!N! !N! !P00001!20031202!20081113!125190467!125190467!001381284!N!GENERAL DYNAMICS ADVANCED INFO!100 FERGUSON DR !MOUNTAIN VIEW !CA!94043!49651!013!06!MOUNTAIN VIEW !CONTRA COSTA !CALIFORNIA!+000002939218!N!N!000000000000!R425!ENGINEERING TECHNICAL SERVICES !S1 !SERVICES !000 !* !541330!E! !3! ! !C! ! !99990909!B! ! !N!Z!D!N!U!1!001!N!6A!Z!N!Z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !A!A!A!A!000!A!A!N! ! ! !Y! !W8109F!0001! !
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35801
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $50.9 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: 200403!000053!2100!W9124Q!ACA, WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE !W9124Q04C0105 !A!N! !N! !P00001!20031202!20081113!125190467!125190467!001381284!N!GENERAL DYNAMICS ADVANCED INFO!100 FERGUSON DR !MOUNTAIN VIEW !CA!94043!49651!013!06!MOUNTAIN VIEW !CONT… Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract value of over $125 million indicates a significant investment in engineering services. 3. The duration of the contract (2003-2009) suggests a long-term need for these services. 4. The contractor, General Dynamics, is a major player in defense contracting. 5. The services are categorized under Engineering Services, a broad but critical sector for military operations. 6. The contract was awarded to a single entity, General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $125,190,467 for engineering and technical services appears reasonable given the contract's duration of over five years and the nature of the services provided at a major military installation like White Sands Missile Range. Benchmarking against similar large-scale engineering support contracts for defense installations would provide further context on value for money. The absence of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes a precise value assessment challenging, but the competitive award suggests a degree of price discovery.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating that while the competition was intended to be open, there might have been specific reasons for excluding certain sources. This suggests a robust competitive process was initiated, likely involving multiple bidders vying for the contract. The level of competition, even with exclusions, generally supports price discovery and can lead to better value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition, even with exclusions, generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down costs and improve service quality compared to sole-source awards.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are the Department of the Army and the personnel at White Sands Missile Range, who receive essential engineering and technical support. Services delivered include a broad range of engineering and technical support critical for the operation and maintenance of the missile range. The geographic impact is concentrated at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, a key facility for testing and development. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for engineers, technicians, and support staff, likely through General Dynamics and its subcontractors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if scope creep occurs without adequate oversight.
- Reliance on a single large contractor could limit flexibility in adapting to changing technological needs.
- The 'exclusion of sources' clause warrants further investigation to ensure it did not unduly limit competition.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive market for these services.
- Long-term contract duration suggests a stable and predictable need for these critical services.
- Contractor, General Dynamics, has a significant track record in defense contracting, implying experience and capability.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, a critical component of the broader defense industry. The market for specialized engineering and technical support for military installations is substantial, with major defense contractors often competing for these large-value awards. Spending in this category is driven by the need for advanced technical expertise to maintain and operate complex military systems and facilities. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-scale engineering support contracts awarded by the DoD to similar facilities.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss=false, sb=false). While General Dynamics is a large prime contractor, there may be subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the scope of this engineering and technical services contract. The extent of small business participation would depend on the prime contractor's subcontracting plan and the availability of qualified small business vendors for specialized engineering tasks.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of the Army, with potential involvement from the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) and the Inspector General (IG) for the Department of Defense. Accountability measures would be defined in the contract's terms and conditions, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated by contract databases like FPDS, although detailed performance reports are often not publicly available.
Related Government Programs
- White Sands Missile Range Operations and Support Contracts
- Department of Defense Engineering Services Contracts
- General Dynamics Defense Contracts
- Military Base Operations and Maintenance Support
Risk Flags
- Potential for limited competition due to source exclusions.
- Long-term contract duration may pose risks of cost escalation or performance degradation.
- Lack of detailed performance metrics in summary data hinders value assessment.
Tags
defense, department-of-defense, department-of-the-army, engineering-services, white-sands-missile-range, new-mexico, full-and-open-competition, large-contract, general-dynamics, technical-services, missile-range-support
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $50.9 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC.. 200403!000053!2100!W9124Q!ACA, WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE !W9124Q04C0105 !A!N! !N! !P00001!20031202!20081113!125190467!125190467!001381284!N!GENERAL DYNAMICS ADVANCED INFO!100 FERGUSON DR !MOUNTAIN VIEW !CA!94043!49651!013!06!MOUNTAIN VIEW !CONTRA COSTA !CALIFORNIA!+000002939218!N!N!000000000000!R425!ENGINEERING TECHNICAL SERVICES !S1 !SERVICES !000 !* !541330!E! !3! ! !C! ! !999
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, 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 $50.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-12-02. End: 2009-05-29.
What specific engineering and technical services were included under this contract?
The contract, W9124Q04C0105, was awarded for 'ENGINEERING TECHNICAL SERVICES' at White Sands Missile Range. While the specific breakdown of services is not detailed in the provided data, this category typically encompasses a wide array of activities. These can include systems engineering, test and evaluation support, logistics engineering, software development and maintenance, cybersecurity services, facility engineering, environmental engineering, and program management support. Given the nature of White Sands Missile Range as a premier testing facility, the services likely supported the development, testing, and sustainment of various missile systems, radar technologies, and other advanced defense platforms.
How does the awarded value of $125 million compare to similar contracts for engineering services at military installations?
The awarded value of $125,190,467 for engineering and technical services over a period of approximately 5.5 years (December 2003 to May 2009) represents a significant but not extraordinary investment for supporting a major military installation like White Sands Missile Range. Large-scale engineering support contracts for DoD facilities can range from tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the scope, duration, and complexity of services required. For instance, similar contracts for base operations, test range support, or research and development facilities often fall within this magnitude. Without specific details on the service mix and performance requirements, a precise comparison is difficult, but the value appears consistent with the scale of operations at a key defense testing center.
What is the track record of General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc. in providing similar services to the DoD?
General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc. (and its predecessors/related entities) has a long and extensive track record of providing a wide range of services and systems to the Department of Defense and other government agencies. They are a major defense contractor known for expertise in areas such as command and control systems, cybersecurity, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and complex mission solutions. Their involvement in engineering and technical services for military installations is well-established. While this specific contract was awarded in the early 2000s, the company's continued presence and success in securing large DoD contracts indicate a sustained capability and a generally positive performance history in delivering complex technical solutions.
What are the potential risks associated with a contract of this size and duration?
Contracts of this magnitude and duration, such as the $125 million awarded to General Dynamics for engineering services, carry several potential risks. One primary risk is cost overrun, especially if the scope of work expands beyond the initial estimates without adequate change control processes. Another risk is vendor lock-in, where the government becomes heavily reliant on a single contractor, potentially limiting flexibility and innovation. Performance degradation over time is also a concern, as contractor motivation may wane or the initial team's expertise might not keep pace with evolving technological requirements. Furthermore, the 'exclusion of sources' aspect of the competition, while potentially justified, could introduce risks if it inadvertently limited the pool of highly capable or cost-effective providers.
How does the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' classification impact taxpayer value?
The classification 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' suggests that the initial intent was broad competition, but specific sources were later excluded. Ideally, full and open competition maximizes the number of potential bidders, driving down prices through market forces and increasing the likelihood of selecting the best value solution. When sources are excluded, it can potentially reduce the competitive pressure, possibly leading to higher prices than if all qualified sources had participated. However, exclusions are typically based on specific regulatory justifications (e.g., national security, unique capabilities). If these exclusions were valid and well-documented, the resulting competition among the remaining bidders might still yield good value. Taxpayers benefit most when competition is broad and fair, ensuring that the government pays a reasonable price for necessary services.
What is the significance of the NAICS code 541330 (Engineering Services) in the context of this contract?
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541330, 'Engineering Services,' signifies the primary business activity for which this contract was awarded. This code covers firms that provide architectural, engineering, and related services, including drafting, design, and consulting. For a contract at White Sands Missile Range, this implies that the awarded services likely involved specialized engineering expertise crucial for the design, development, testing, and maintenance of complex military systems and infrastructure. The prevalence of this NAICS code in DoD contracts highlights the critical role of engineering firms in supporting national defense objectives, from conceptual design to operational sustainment.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COMBINATION (TWO OR MORE) (2)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp (UEI: 001381284)
Address: 100 FERGUSON DR, MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA, 16
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $1,594,754
Exercised Options: $1,594,754
Current Obligation: $50,895,361
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2003-12-02
Current End Date: 2009-05-29
Potential End Date: 2009-05-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2009-08-27
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