DoD's $57.6M Mission Planning Environment contract awarded to Amentum Technology, Inc. for R&D services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $57,653,026 ($57.7M)
Contractor: Amentum Technology, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2006-01-25
End Date: 2012-12-31
Contract Duration: 2,532 days
Daily Burn Rate: $22.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 7
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: (TASM) MISSION PLANNING ENVIRONMENT (MPE)
Place of Performance
Location: FORT WALTON BEACH, OKALOOSA County, FLORIDA, 32548
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $57.7 million to AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: (TASM) MISSION PLANNING ENVIRONMENT (MPE) Key points: 1. Contract awarded for R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Full and open competition utilized, indicating broad market engagement. 3. Contract duration of 2532 days suggests a long-term need for these services. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can incentivize cost control. 5. Amentum Technology, Inc. is the sole awardee for this specific contract. 6. The contract was awarded as a Delivery Order, implying it's part of a larger IDIQ or framework.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this R&D contract is challenging without specific deliverables and market comparisons for the Mission Planning Environment. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure allows for cost reimbursement plus a predetermined profit, which can be effective for R&D where costs are uncertain. However, it requires robust oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable and that the fixed fee adequately compensates the contractor for the effort.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. With 7 bidders identified, this indicates a healthy level of interest and competition for this R&D requirement. The presence of multiple bidders generally supports price discovery and can lead to more competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive bidding process that aims to secure the best value for the government's investment in research and development.
Public Impact
The Department of the Air Force benefits from enhanced mission planning capabilities. Services delivered support research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. The contract is geographically located in Florida, potentially impacting the local workforce. Advancements in mission planning can improve operational effectiveness for military personnel.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
- The long duration of the contract may require periodic reviews to ensure continued relevance and value.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition suggests a robust market assessment and a desire for competitive pricing.
- The presence of multiple bidders indicates a competitive landscape for this type of R&D service.
- Delivery Order awards often signify a structured procurement process within a larger framework.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced mission planning environments. The NAICS code 541710 covers R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for defense-related R&D is substantial, with significant government investment aimed at technological superiority. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend on the specific nature of the mission planning environment and its technological sophistication.
Small Business Impact
Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans was not explicitly provided for this contract. As it was awarded under full and open competition, the primary focus was likely on overall best value rather than specific small business participation goals. Further investigation into subcontracting reports would be needed to assess any impact on the small business ecosystem.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program management office within the Department of the Air Force. Accountability measures would be tied to the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract terms, requiring detailed reporting on costs and progress. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific R&D details may be sensitive.
Related Government Programs
- Mission Planning Systems
- Aerospace Research and Development
- Defense Software Development
- Command and Control Systems
Risk Flags
- Cost Overruns Potential
- Technological Obsolescence Risk
- Scope Creep Possibility
Tags
research-and-development, department-of-defense, department-of-the-air-force, delivery-order, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition, amentum-technology-inc, mission-planning, florida, large-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $57.7 million to AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC.. (TASM) MISSION PLANNING ENVIRONMENT (MPE)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $57.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-01-25. End: 2012-12-31.
What specific advancements or capabilities were expected from Amentum Technology, Inc. under this contract?
The contract data indicates a focus on the 'MISSION PLANNING ENVIRONMENT (MPE)' for the (TASM) program. While specific technical details are often proprietary, the objective of such an environment is typically to provide warfighters with advanced tools and systems for planning complex military operations. This could include sophisticated simulation capabilities, data integration from various intelligence sources, threat assessment modeling, and route optimization. The R&D nature of the contract suggests that Amentum was tasked with developing new methodologies, software, or hardware components to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and security of mission planning processes, potentially leading to improved operational outcomes and reduced risk during execution.
How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract structure compare to other R&D contract types in terms of risk and incentive?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure is common for R&D where the scope of work and final costs are difficult to predict precisely at the outset. The government agrees to pay the contractor's actual allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. This structure shifts much of the cost risk to the government but provides the contractor with a guaranteed profit margin, incentivizing them to complete the work. Compared to Fixed Price contracts, CPFF offers more flexibility for evolving R&D requirements but requires diligent government oversight to control costs. Incentive Fee contracts, another common R&D type, might offer higher profit potential for exceeding performance targets, while Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) shares cost savings or overruns with the contractor, creating a different risk-reward dynamic.
What is the typical track record of Amentum Technology, Inc. in performing similar R&D contracts for the Department of Defense?
Amentum Technology, Inc. (and its predecessor entities) has a significant history of performing complex R&D and technical services for the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. Their portfolio often includes areas such as systems engineering, simulation and modeling, advanced technology development, and operational support. While specific performance metrics for individual contracts are not publicly detailed, the company's sustained presence and numerous awards suggest a generally positive track record in delivering on challenging technical requirements. However, as with any large contractor, there may be instances of performance issues or contract disputes on specific projects, necessitating review of individual contract histories for a comprehensive assessment.
How does the $57.6 million total contract value compare to other R&D investments in mission planning systems?
The $57.6 million total contract value over its approximately 7-year duration (from Jan 2006 to Dec 2012) represents a moderate investment for a specialized R&D effort in mission planning environments. Large-scale R&D programs for advanced military systems can range from tens of millions to billions of dollars. For context, significant investments in areas like next-generation fighter jet development or major intelligence system upgrades often dwarf this figure. However, for a specific R&D project focused on enhancing a particular environment or capability within mission planning, $57.6 million is a substantial commitment, indicating the perceived importance of this capability to the Air Force's operational readiness and technological advancement.
What are the potential risks associated with a long-duration R&D contract like this, and how are they typically mitigated?
Long-duration R&D contracts, such as this 7-year award, carry inherent risks including technological obsolescence, shifting program priorities, and potential cost growth over time. Mitigation strategies employed by the government often include incorporating phased development approaches, establishing clear milestones and review gates, and building flexibility into the contract for scope adjustments. Regular performance reviews, technical interchange meetings, and robust oversight by contracting officers and program managers are crucial. Furthermore, the CPFF structure itself requires careful monitoring of expenditures and progress to ensure the fixed fee remains appropriate and that the overall cost stays within projected bounds. Periodic re-evaluation of the contract's alignment with current strategic needs is also vital.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
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
Offers Received: 7
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Jacobs Engineering Group Inc
Address: 73 EGLIN PKWY NE UNIT 110, FORT WALTON BEACH, FL, 32548
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $62,319,344
Exercised Options: $62,319,344
Current Obligation: $57,653,026
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA872004D0003
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-01-25
Current End Date: 2012-12-31
Potential End Date: 2012-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-10-10
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