DoD Awards $74M R&D Task Order to Astrion Group, LLC Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $73,967,639 ($74.0M)
Contractor: Astrion Group, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2017-06-21
End Date: 2018-06-20
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $203.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF TASK ORDER 0001
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35806
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $74.0 million to ASTRION GROUP, LLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF TASK ORDER 0001 Key points: 1. Significant R&D investment of $74M highlights focus on advanced physical and engineering sciences. 2. Full and open competition after exclusion of sources suggests a deliberate procurement strategy. 3. Potential risks include cost overruns given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type. 4. The IT sector is not directly involved, but R&D spending can drive future technological advancements.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure can lead to higher costs if not managed closely. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The procurement utilized full and open competition after excluding specific sources, indicating an attempt to ensure a competitive process while potentially addressing unique requirements. This method aims for price discovery but can be complex.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being allocated to advanced research, with the ultimate value dependent on the successful outcomes and applicability of the R&D.
Public Impact
Investment in cutting-edge research and development. Potential for technological advancements with broad applications. Contract awarded to a specific company, Astrion Group, LLC. Research area focuses on physical, engineering, and life sciences.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher spending.
- Limited transparency on specific R&D deliverables and success metrics.
- Exclusion of sources in competition may limit broader market engagement.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition ensures a broad search for qualified contractors.
- Significant investment in a critical R&D area.
- Clear contract duration and award amount.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology). Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation and national security, often characterized by high upfront investment and uncertain but potentially high returns.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or partners in this contract. Further investigation would be needed to assess small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be critical to ensure the R&D objectives are met efficiently and effectively within the awarded budget. The Department of the Army's contracting office is responsible for monitoring performance.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF contract type.
- Lack of detailed R&D deliverables and success metrics.
- Complexity of 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources'.
- Limited visibility into small business participation.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, al, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $74.0 million to ASTRION GROUP, LLC. IGF::OT::IGF TASK ORDER 0001
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ASTRION GROUP, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $74.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-06-21. End: 2018-06-20.
What specific R&D outcomes are expected from this $74M investment, and how will their success be measured?
The expected outcomes are not detailed in the provided data. Measuring success in R&D is inherently challenging and typically involves milestones, prototypes, publications, or patents. The Department of the Army's oversight should define clear, measurable objectives and key performance indicators to track progress and ensure the investment yields valuable results aligned with strategic goals.
What were the specific reasons for excluding certain sources during the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' process?
Excluding sources in a full and open competition typically occurs when specific technical capabilities, proprietary data, or unique security requirements necessitate it. The rationale might stem from the need for specialized expertise, existing government-furnished equipment, or prior development work that only certain entities possess. A thorough justification should exist within the procurement documentation.
How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure impact the government's ability to control costs in this R&D context?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure allows the contractor to recover allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee. While the fee provides an incentive for efficiency, the government bears the risk of cost overruns if actual costs exceed estimates. Effective oversight, detailed cost tracking, and clear scope management are crucial to mitigate this risk and ensure value for taxpayer money.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: W91CRB16R0024
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 308 VOYAGER WAY, SUITE 200, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35806
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $74,133,279
Exercised Options: $74,133,279
Current Obligation: $73,967,639
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 85
Total Subaward Amount: $99,523,445
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NOT OBTAINED - WAIVED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W91CRB17D0009
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2017-06-21
Current End Date: 2018-06-20
Potential End Date: 2018-06-20 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-31
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