Air Force awards $823M contract to MIT for advanced technology development
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $823,242,235 ($823.2M)
Contractor: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2015-08-27
End Date: 2030-02-28
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF ADD MIT-LL PROJECT 2739
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $823.2 million to MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF ADD MIT-LL PROJECT 2739 Key points: 1. Significant investment in cutting-edge research and development. 2. Competition is limited due to the specialized nature of the work. 3. Potential risks include project scope creep and technological obsolescence. 4. Long-term contract duration suggests sustained technological advancement.
Value Assessment
Rating: excellent
The contract value of over $823 million represents a substantial commitment by the Department of the Air Force to advanced technology development. This level of funding indicates a high degree of confidence in the contractor's capabilities and the project's importance.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
This appears to be a sole-source or limited competition award, likely due to the unique expertise and established track record of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in advanced research. The specific nature of the work may necessitate specialized capabilities not widely available.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being directed towards critical defense technology advancements, aiming for future security and technological superiority.
Public Impact
Advancements in technology could lead to improved national security capabilities. Potential for spin-off technologies benefiting the civilian sector. Investment supports high-skilled research and development jobs.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Ensuring the technology remains relevant throughout the contract's long duration.
- Managing the complexity of advanced research projects.
- Potential for cost overruns in highly specialized R&D.
Positive Signals
- MIT's strong reputation in research and development.
- Clear alignment with Department of Defense strategic goals.
- Long-term commitment allows for thorough development and testing.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Information Technology and Research & Development sectors, focusing on advanced technological solutions for defense applications. Such investments are crucial for maintaining a technological edge in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Small Business Impact
The contract is awarded to a large research institution, suggesting limited direct opportunities for small businesses unless they are subcontractors. There is no indication of a small business set-aside for this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense and its Inspector General will likely oversee this contract to ensure adherence to project milestones, budget, and ethical standards. Regular reporting and performance reviews are expected throughout the contract's lifecycle.
Related Government Programs
- Advanced Technology Development
- Research and Development Contracts
- Defense Technology Innovation
Risk Flags
- Long-term project viability
- Technological obsolescence risk
- Cost control for R&D
Tags
department-of-defense, air-force, massachusetts-institute-of-technology, advanced-technology, research-and-development, delivery-order, long-term-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $823.2 million to MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. IGF::OT::IGF ADD MIT-LL PROJECT 2739
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY.
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 $823.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2015-08-27. End: 2030-02-28.
Analysis insight 1
The contract's duration, spanning over a decade, suggests a focus on foundational research with long-term strategic implications.
Analysis insight 2
The specific technological domain is not detailed, but the awardee's expertise points towards complex, high-impact areas.
Analysis insight 3
The substantial funding indicates a critical need for the advancements anticipated from this project.