Naval Air Warfare Center contract for engineering services awarded to Jacobs Technology Inc. for over $10.2 million

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,219,271 ($10.2M)

Contractor: Jacobs Technology Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2005-04-29

End Date: 2009-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,615 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: 200507!212682!1700!N68936!NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER !N6893604D0019 !A!N! !N!0003 ! !20050429!20070512!037305646!037305646!037305646!N!TYBRIN CORPORATION !1030 TITAN COURT !FORT WALTON BE !FL!32547!13154!029!06!CHINA LAKE NWC !KERN !CALIFORNIA!+000003300000!N!N!000000000000!5865!ELCT CNTRMSRS, CNTR-CNTR-MSRS & QCK RCTN CPBLTY EQ!C9E!ALL OTHER SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT !000 !* !541330!E! !5!B!M! !A!D!20070512!B! ! !A! !A!N!R!2!004!B! !Z!N!Z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !A!C!A!A!000!A!C!N! ! ! !Y!1719!N60530!0001! !

Place of Performance

Location: RIDGECREST, KERN County, CALIFORNIA, 93555, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $10.2 million to JACOBS TECHNOLOGY INC for work described as: 200507!212682!1700!N68936!NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER !N6893604D0019 !A!N! !N!0003 ! !20050429!20070512!037305646!037305646!037305646!N!TYBRIN CORPORATION !1030 TITAN COURT !FORT WALTON BE !FL!32547!13154!029!06!CHINA LAKE NWC !KERN… Key points: 1. Contract awarded for engineering services, specifically related to electronic countermeasure systems and quick reaction capabilities. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration of 1615 days suggests a significant, long-term project. 4. The primary place of performance is California, a state with a strong aerospace and defense industry presence. 5. The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF), which incentivizes contractor performance. 6. The award amount of over $10.2 million represents a substantial investment in naval aviation support.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $10.2 million for engineering services appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized engineering support in the defense sector would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) structure allows for performance-based incentives, which can drive efficiency and effectiveness, but also requires robust oversight to ensure costs remain controlled.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The presence of 4 bidders indicates a healthy level of competition for this requirement. This competitive environment is generally expected to lead to more favorable pricing and innovative solutions for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition for this contract is beneficial for taxpayers as it likely resulted in a more competitive price and a wider range of technical solutions, maximizing the value of the government's investment.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of the Navy and its personnel, who will receive enhanced capabilities in electronic countermeasures and quick reaction systems. The services delivered will support the operational readiness and technological advancement of naval aviation assets. The geographic impact is centered in California, where the primary place of performance is located, potentially supporting local technical expertise and employment. The contract supports specialized engineering roles, contributing to the skilled workforce within the defense technology sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns inherent in Cost Plus Award Fee contracts if not managed diligently.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical engineering services could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
The specialized nature of the services may limit the pool of readily available alternative contractors.

Positive Signals

Award under full and open competition suggests a robust selection process and potential for strong performance.
The Cost Plus Award Fee structure incentivizes high performance and efficiency.
The contract supports critical naval aviation capabilities, indicating strategic importance and likely adequate resourcing.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting defense applications. The market for defense engineering services is substantial, driven by the continuous need for technological upgrades and maintenance of military platforms. Comparable spending benchmarks for specialized engineering support for naval aviation can vary widely based on complexity, but contracts in the tens of millions are common for significant system development or sustainment.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication of a small business set-aside for this contract, nor are there explicit mentions of subcontracting plans for small businesses in the provided data. This suggests that the primary award went to a large business, and the impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether the prime contractor engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Naval Air Warfare Center, with specific program managers responsible for monitoring performance, costs, and adherence to contract terms. The Cost Plus Award Fee structure necessitates rigorous oversight to ensure that award fees are justified by performance metrics and that costs are reasonable and allocable. Transparency would be facilitated through contract reporting mechanisms and potential reviews by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) or the Inspector General.

Related Government Programs

Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Contracts
Department of Defense Engineering Services
Electronic Warfare Systems Support
Naval Aviation Readiness Programs
Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) Oversight

Risk Flags

Potential for cost growth due to CPAF structure.
Technical complexity of electronic countermeasure systems.
Need for rapid response capabilities may strain resources.
Dependence on specific technical expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $10.2 million to JACOBS TECHNOLOGY INC. 200507!212682!1700!N68936!NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER !N6893604D0019 !A!N! !N!0003 ! !20050429!20070512!037305646!037305646!037305646!N!TYBRIN CORPORATION !1030 TITAN COURT !FORT WALTON BE !FL!32547!13154!029!06!CHINA LAKE NWC !KERN !CALIFORNIA!+000003300000!N!N!000000000000!5865!ELCT CNTRMSRS, CNTR-CNTR-MSRS & QCK RCTN CPBLTY EQ!C9E!ALL OTHER SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT !000 !* !541330!E! !5!B!M! !A!D!200

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JACOBS 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 $10.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-04-29. End: 2009-09-30.

What is the historical spending trend for similar engineering services contracts awarded by the Naval Air Warfare Center?

Analyzing historical spending for similar engineering services contracts by the Naval Air Warfare Center requires access to comprehensive contract databases. However, general trends indicate consistent investment in specialized engineering support for naval aviation platforms. Spending can fluctuate based on modernization programs, new platform development, and sustainment needs. Contracts for electronic warfare, avionics, and systems integration often represent significant portions of the budget. The specific NAICS code (541330 for Engineering Services) can be used to track broader spending patterns within this category across the Department of Defense, revealing overall market size and government priorities in this sector.

How does the performance of Jacobs Technology Inc. on previous contracts compare to industry benchmarks?

Assessing the performance of Jacobs Technology Inc. requires a detailed review of their past contract history, including performance evaluations, past performance questionnaires, and any documented disputes or awards. Without specific data on this contractor's track record, a direct comparison is not possible. However, government agencies typically use past performance as a key evaluation factor in contract awards. Companies with a history of successful project completion, on-time delivery, and within-budget performance are generally favored. Any negative performance indicators, such as contract terminations or significant disputes, would be red flags during the source selection process.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to determine award fees for this contract?

For a Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract, the key performance indicators (KPIs) are defined in the contract's Performance Work Statement (PWS) and the "Award Fee Plan." These KPIs typically relate to technical execution, schedule adherence, cost control, and management effectiveness. Examples could include meeting specific technical specifications for the electronic countermeasure systems, delivering prototypes or analyses by certain deadlines, managing project costs within allocated budgets, and demonstrating effective project management and communication. The government unilaterally determines the award fee amount based on the contractor's performance against these pre-defined criteria.

What is the potential impact of this contract on the broader defense electronics market?

This contract, focused on electronic countermeasure systems and quick reaction capabilities, contributes to the ongoing demand within the defense electronics market. It signals continued investment by the Navy in advanced electronic warfare (EW) capabilities, which are critical for maintaining information superiority and survivability in contested environments. The award to Jacobs Technology Inc. reinforces their position in this specialized segment. Such contracts can spur innovation, drive technological advancements, and create opportunities for subcontractors and suppliers within the defense industrial base specializing in EW components and systems integration.

Are there any known risks associated with the specific technologies or services covered by this contract?

The technologies and services covered, such as electronic countermeasure systems and quick reaction capabilities, inherently involve technical complexity and evolving threats. Risks can include rapid technological obsolescence, the difficulty of predicting future threat environments, and the challenges of integrating new systems with existing platforms. Furthermore, the development and deployment of EW systems can be subject to stringent testing and validation requirements to ensure effectiveness and compliance with international regulations. The 'quick reaction' aspect implies a need for agility and rapid development, which can introduce schedule and performance risks if not managed effectively.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Jacobs Engineering Group Inc (UEI: 074103508)

Address: 1030 TITAN COURT, FORT WALTON BEACH, FL, 32547

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

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N6893604D0019

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline