DoD's $18.8M Laser Systems Engineering Contract Awarded to Applied Technology, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,812,831 ($18.8M)

Contractor: Applied Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2012-11-15

End Date: 2015-09-07

Contract Duration: 1,026 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: Q20 DIRECTED ENERGY DIVISION ENGINEERING SUPPORT FOR LASER SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT

Place of Performance

Location: DAHLGREN, KING GEORGE County, VIRGINIA, 22448

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $18.8 million to APPLIED TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: Q20 DIRECTED ENERGY DIVISION ENGINEERING SUPPORT FOR LASER SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Applied Technology, Inc. for laser systems engineering support. 2. Significant investment in directed energy research and development. 3. Competition method was full and open, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 4. Sector focus is engineering services within the Department of Defense.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $18.8M over 3 years appears reasonable for specialized engineering services in directed energy. Benchmarking against similar R&D engineering support contracts would provide further context.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded using full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing and allows for a broad range of qualified contractors to bid. This method is expected to yield fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment for contract awards.

Public Impact

Advancement in directed energy technology, potentially impacting national security capabilities. Support for the Department of the Navy's laser systems development efforts. Investment in specialized engineering services crucial for complex technological projects.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Full and open competition utilized.
Clear project scope for engineering support.
Established contract duration.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting advanced technology development in directed energy for the Department of Defense. Spending in this niche area is often project-driven and highly specialized.

Small Business Impact

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

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of the Navy, a component of the Department of Defense, which has established oversight mechanisms for research and development contracts. The number of delivery orders (2) suggests active management.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns in R&D.
Risk of technological obsolescence.
Dependence on specialized contractor expertise.
Long-term effectiveness dependent on successful system integration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $18.8 million to APPLIED TECHNOLOGY, INC.. Q20 DIRECTED ENERGY DIVISION ENGINEERING SUPPORT FOR LASER SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is APPLIED TECHNOLOGY, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $18.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-11-15. End: 2015-09-07.

What is the specific technological advancement expected from this engineering support?

The engineering support is for laser systems development within the Directed Energy Division. While specific advancements are not detailed, it likely contributes to enhancing the power, range, precision, or application of military laser systems, potentially for defense, targeting, or countermeasure purposes.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of R&D contract?

Key risks include technological feasibility challenges, potential cost overruns due to the experimental nature of R&D, schedule delays if breakthroughs are not achieved as planned, and the possibility that the developed technology may not meet evolving operational requirements or become obsolete.

How does this spending align with broader DoD directed energy strategies?

This spending aligns with the DoD's strategic interest in directed energy as a critical capability for future warfare. It supports the development of advanced weapon systems and defensive technologies, contributing to maintaining a technological edge and addressing emerging threats.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: N0002412R3021

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5384 STRAWBERRY LANE, KING GEORGE, VA, 22485

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $18,863,202

Exercised Options: $18,863,202

Current Obligation: $18,812,831

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017807D4963

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline