Knowledge superiority at the right time and for the right cost

Navy Supply Corps Newsletter, March-April, 2009 by Brian Colbert

When innovative decision making tools are needed to advance the Navy's 21st century mission, the Space and Naval Warfare Command (SPAWAR) is always at the forefront. The 2.0 Contracts Directorate supports SPAWAR through the negotiation, execution, and administration of quality contracts and task orders in support of programs for military battlespace dominance.

Led by Tim Dowd, Director for Contracts, and Capt. Allen Booker, Deputy Director for Contracts, SPAWAR 2.0 is composed of seven branches. Five branches provide support to SPAWAR headquarters and associated Program Executive Offices (PEO), and the other two provide policy, process management, and oversight across the entire department. Additionally, the SPAWAR claimancy includes four Systems Support Centers (SSCs) that are located in San Diego, Calif.; Charleston, S.C.; Norfolk, Va.; and New Orleans, La. The PEOs supported include PEO Space Systems; PEO Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I); PEO Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS); and PEO Enterprise Information Systems (EIS). In fiscal year 2008, the SPAWAR claimancy awarded over 30,000 actions valued at over $6.4 billion, in support of various ACAT I, II, and III acquisition programs.

How we support the warfighter

To facilitate reduced procurement lead time, SPAWAR aggressively uses SeaPort-e for Program Office contracting support. SeaPort-e is an electronic, webbased portal where requests for services are managed from "cradle to grave." SeaPort-e is an extension of the current SeaPort procurement vehicle used at Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). This paperless system promotes time efficiency and a reduction in administrative costs. Competition on a task order basis results in cost savings in addition to the already capped fees and pass-through rates established on the SeaPort-e MACs (Multiple Award Contract). Small businesses comprise 68 percent of the awards through SeaPort-e. The SeaPort-e MACs also contain a full small business set-aside and cascading small business set-aside clause in order to protect the small business vendor base for each Warfare Center. Since its inception in FY05, the SPAWAR claimancy has awarded over 138 task orders valued at over $2.5 billion.

Some of SPAWAR's largest and most visible ACAT 1 and 2 programs supported include:

- Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services (CANES). CANES is the consolidation and enhancement of the requirements for five existing legacy network programs, as well as a single support framework for all C4I applications that currently require dedicated infrastructure to operate delivered and managed legacy systems. These include the Integrated Shipboard Network System (ISNS), Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Networks, and Combined Enterprise Regional Information Exchange System Maritime (CENTRIXS-M).

- Distributed Common Ground System--Navy (DCGS-N). DGCS-N provides the Navy's primary intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting (ISR&T) support capability. Afloat (CVN, LHA, LHD, LCC) or Ashore (Maritime Headquarters /Maritime Operations Center), DCGS-N's tools are critical to the Operational Commander's battlespace awareness and Net-Centric operations.

- Naval Tactical Command Support System (NTCSS). A multi-application program providing standardized tactical support information systems capability to afloat, deploying, and shore-based Navy and Marine Corps activities. NTCSS incorporates aviation, surface & subsurface maintenance, supply, inventory, finance, and administration.

- Common Submarine Radio Room (CSRR). CSRR supports the Navy's evolving approach to network-centric warfare IP-based secure communications. CSRR promotes commonality of equipment across the five submarine classes, and maximizes commercial off-the-shelf and state-of-the-art technology in an open architecture to support tech insertion and refresh efforts.

- Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS). JTRS is an open architecture of cutting edge radio waveform technology that allows multiple radio types (e.g., handheld, aircraft, maritime) to communicate with each other. The goal is to produce a family of interoperable, modular softwaredefi ned radios that operate as nodes in a network to ensure secure wireless communication and networking services for mobile and fixed forces. These goals extend to U.S. allies, coalition partners and, in time, to disaster response personnel.

Supply Corps role at SPAWAR

At SPAWAR 2.0, the Supply Corps plays a major role in the acquisition and maintenance of critical, state-oftheart Navy and Joint weapons systems. As contracting professionals, we serve as critical members of the acquisition team and are considered one of the Program Manager's most trusted business advisors. We provide contracting support throughout a systems entire life cycle, from research and development, production, sustainment and phase out. More specific tasks include the negotiation and award of competitive contract vehicles, cradle to grave administration of these contract actions, and cost realism determinations that are integral to supporting fleet readiness and making efficient use of taxpayer dollars.