Dod Awards $21.8M for Afrl XC30 Base System and TDS to Cray Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,800,000 ($21.8M)

Contractor: Cray Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2014-02-05

End Date: 2015-06-30

Contract Duration: 510 days

Daily Burn Rate: $42.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: AFRL XC30 BASE SYSTEM AND TDS

Place of Performance

Location: SEATTLE, KING County, WASHINGTON, 98164

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $21.8 million to CRAY INC. for work described as: AFRL XC30 BASE SYSTEM AND TDS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to CRAY INC. for $21.8 million. 2. Full and open competition was utilized. 3. The contract is for a base system and TDS. 4. The award falls under the Electronic Computer Manufacturing sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $21.8 million for a base system and TDS appears reasonable given the nature of advanced computing systems. Benchmarking against similar large-scale computing procurements would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The use of full and open competition suggests a robust price discovery process. This method allows multiple vendors to bid, theoretically leading to competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is positive for taxpayers, as it likely resulted in a more favorable price than a sole-source or limited competition.

Public Impact

Supports Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) advanced computing needs. Enhances capabilities for data processing and system operations. Potential for broader technological advancements stemming from the system.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if system integration is complex.
Dependence on a single vendor for specialized components.
Risk of obsolescence in rapidly evolving technology sectors.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Clear definition of system and TDS requirements.
Fixed-price contract structure limits cost uncertainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT sector, specifically electronic computer manufacturing. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining technological superiority and supporting research and development initiatives.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses in this contract award. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of the Army, indicating established procurement processes. Oversight would involve monitoring performance, delivery, and adherence to contract terms.

Related Government Programs

Electronic Computer Manufacturing
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

Technological obsolescence risk
Integration complexity
Vendor lock-in potential
Cybersecurity vulnerabilities

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $21.8 million to CRAY INC.. AFRL XC30 BASE SYSTEM AND TDS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CRAY 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 $21.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2014-02-05. End: 2015-06-30.

What is the specific performance capability expected from the AFRL XC30 Base System and TDS?

The specific performance capabilities are not detailed in the provided data. However, given the context of AFRL and advanced computing, it likely involves high-performance computing for complex simulations, data analysis, or research in areas such as artificial intelligence, materials science, or aerospace engineering. The TDS component may relate to threat detection systems or data transmission services.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of this contract?

Key performance indicators are not explicitly stated. Typically, for such contracts, KPIs would include system uptime, processing speed benchmarks, data throughput rates, successful completion of research tasks, and adherence to delivery schedules. Post-award performance reports would detail these metrics.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to industry benchmarks for similar high-performance computing systems?

A direct comparison to industry benchmarks is challenging without detailed specifications of the XC30 system and TDS. However, the $21.8 million award for a large-scale computing system suggests a significant investment. Benchmarking would require analyzing the system's processing power (e.g., FLOPS), storage capacity, and specialized features against comparable commercial or government procurements.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing › Electronic Computer Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT (INCLD FIRMWARE) SOFTWARE,SUPPLIES& SUPPORT EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 901 5TH AVE STE 1000, SEATTLE, WA, 98164

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,800,000

Exercised Options: $21,800,000

Current Obligation: $21,800,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W912DY13G0022

IDV Type: BOA

Timeline