DoD Awards $21.5M for Test Support to Astrion Group, LLC Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $21,467,785 ($21.5M)
Contractor: Astrion Group, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2011-03-30
End Date: 2018-09-30
Contract Duration: 2,741 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: ORDER PERIOD 2 FOR GENERAL TEST SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35898
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $21.5 million to ASTRION GROUP, LLC for work described as: ORDER PERIOD 2 FOR GENERAL TEST SUPPORT Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $21.5 million for research and development services. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. Contract duration spans over 7 years, suggesting long-term support needs. 4. Focus on R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences (NAICS 541712).
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee. This structure can be effective for R&D where costs are less predictable, but requires careful oversight to manage expenses.
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'. This suggests that while there was an initial exclusion, the subsequent phases were open to all qualified bidders, promoting price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests that taxpayers likely received a fair price for the services rendered, as multiple bidders vied for the contract.
Public Impact
Supports critical research and development efforts for the Department of the Army. Ensures continued operational readiness and technological advancement within the defense sector. Provides specialized scientific and engineering expertise for complex testing requirements.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 78 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration (over 7 years) may lead to scope creep or cost overruns if not managed effectively.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require diligent oversight to ensure cost efficiency.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, maximizing potential for competitive pricing.
- Supports critical R&D for national defense objectives.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS 541712. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining a technological edge, with benchmarks varying widely based on research scope and complexity.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific set-aside for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses had an opportunity to participate in this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' indicates a structured procurement process. However, ongoing oversight of the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure is essential to ensure accountability and prevent potential cost inefficiencies.
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
- Long contract duration.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Potential for cost overruns in R&D.
- Requires robust government oversight.
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 $21.5 million to ASTRION GROUP, LLC. ORDER PERIOD 2 FOR GENERAL TEST SUPPORT
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 $21.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2011-03-30. End: 2018-09-30.
What specific R&D advancements are expected from this contract?
The contract supports Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Specific advancements would likely relate to enhancing Department of the Army capabilities, potentially in areas like advanced materials, simulation technologies, or testing methodologies. Detailed project objectives would be outlined in the contract's statement of work, which is not provided here.
What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for R&D?
The primary risks include potential cost overruns if the fixed fee is not adequately set relative to the R&D complexity, and the contractor may lack strong incentives to control costs beyond achieving the fixed fee. Effective government oversight is crucial to mitigate these risks by monitoring expenditures and ensuring adherence to the scope of work.
How does this contract contribute to the Department of the Army's overall mission effectiveness?
This contract contributes by providing essential research and development support, enabling the Army to innovate and maintain a technological advantage. The R&D services likely address specific operational challenges or future capability needs, ultimately enhancing mission effectiveness through improved equipment, processes, or strategic insights derived from the research.
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
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 4901 CORPORATE DR STE E, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35805
Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $21,467,785
Exercised Options: $21,467,785
Current Obligation: $21,467,785
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W31P4Q10D0009
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2011-03-30
Current End Date: 2018-09-30
Potential End Date: 2018-09-30 12:09:00
Last Modified: 2024-11-04
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