DoD's $15.9M R&D contract for ETASS BASIC TASK ORDER 0013 awarded to Amentum Technology, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $15,898,699 ($15.9M)
Contractor: Amentum Technology, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2008-03-06
End Date: 2010-12-31
Contract Duration: 1,030 days
Daily Burn Rate: $15.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS
Sector: R&D
Official Description: ETASS BASIC TASK ORDER 0013, 751ST ELSG
Place of Performance
Location: LINCOLN, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01773
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $15.9 million to AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: ETASS BASIC TASK ORDER 0013, 751ST ELSG Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract duration of 1030 days indicates a medium-term project. 3. Research and Development sector focus highlights investment in innovation. 4. Awarded by the Department of the Air Force, a key component of the DoD. 5. Task order structure implies it's part of a larger Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. 6. The contract type is 'Labor Hours', which can be efficient for evolving R&D needs.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The total value of $15.9 million for a 1030-day R&D task order appears within a reasonable range for specialized research services. However, without specific deliverables or performance metrics, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Benchmarking against similar R&D task orders within the Department of Defense for comparable services would be necessary for a more definitive evaluation. The 'Labor Hours' contract type means costs are directly tied to effort expended, which can be a risk if not managed closely.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under a 'Full and Open Competition' mechanism, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 5 bids suggests a moderate level of competition for this specific task order. A competitive process generally helps in achieving fair market prices and encourages contractors to offer their best value.
Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is favorable for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining services at competitive prices, preventing potential overcharges that might occur with less competitive solicitations.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are likely the Department of the Air Force and potentially other branches of the DoD, receiving advanced research and development services. The services delivered are in the realm of physical, engineering, and life sciences research, contributing to technological advancements. The geographic impact is primarily within the United States, supporting domestic R&D capabilities. Workforce implications include employment for specialized researchers, engineers, and technical staff at Amentum Technology, Inc.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if labor hours are not efficiently managed or if project scope creeps.
- Dependence on a single contractor (Amentum Technology, Inc.) for this specific task order, though the underlying IDIQ may have other options.
- R&D projects inherently carry risk of not achieving desired outcomes or technological breakthroughs within the planned timeframe or budget.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
- The contract is for Research and Development, aligning with strategic goals for technological advancement.
- The task order structure suggests it is part of a potentially larger, pre-vetted framework (IDIQ), implying some level of prior due diligence.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically under NAICS code 541710. This sector is characterized by innovation and the pursuit of new knowledge and applications. The market for defense-related R&D is substantial, with significant government investment aimed at maintaining technological superiority. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other R&D contracts awarded by the DoD and its various branches for similar scientific and engineering disciplines.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications specifically mandated for small businesses through a set-aside program for this particular task order. The prime contractor, Amentum Technology, Inc., may still engage small businesses as subcontractors based on their own procurement strategies, but it is not a requirement stemming from this award.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program management office within the Department of the Air Force. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Defense Research and Development Contracts
- Air Force Science and Technology Programs
- Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contracts
- Research and Development in Physical Sciences
- Engineering Research Services
Risk Flags
- Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.
- Risk of R&D outcomes not meeting expectations.
- Dependency on contractor's specialized expertise.
Tags
department-of-defense, department-of-the-air-force, research-and-development, labor-hours, full-and-open-competition, task-order, amentum-technology-inc, massachusetts, naics-541710
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $15.9 million to AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC.. ETASS BASIC TASK ORDER 0013, 751ST ELSG
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 $15.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-03-06. End: 2010-12-31.
What is Amentum Technology, Inc.'s track record with the Department of Defense, particularly in R&D contracts?
Amentum Technology, Inc. has a significant history of contracting with the Department of Defense across various service areas, including R&D, logistics, and technical support. Analyzing their past performance on similar R&D contracts would involve reviewing contract awards, performance evaluations (if publicly available), and any reported issues or successes. Their experience suggests a capacity to handle complex research tasks. However, a deeper dive into specific past R&D projects, their outcomes, and Amentum's role would be necessary to fully assess their suitability and past success rate in this specific domain.
How does the $15.9 million value compare to similar R&D task orders awarded by the Air Force?
The $15.9 million value for this 1030-day R&D task order is moderately sized within the context of large federal R&D investments. To benchmark effectively, one would need to compare it against other task orders under similar IDIQ vehicles or contracts for R&D services in physical, engineering, and life sciences awarded by the Air Force or other DoD branches. Factors like the specific research area, required expertise, and project complexity significantly influence cost. Without access to a detailed database of comparable task orders with specific scopes of work, a precise comparison is difficult, but the amount suggests a substantial, focused research effort.
What are the primary risks associated with a 'Labor Hours' contract type for R&D?
The 'Labor Hours' contract type, while offering flexibility for evolving R&D projects, carries inherent risks. The primary risk for the government is cost control; since payment is based on hours worked multiplied by agreed-upon rates, there's a potential for cost overruns if the project takes longer than anticipated or if labor is not utilized efficiently. Contractor performance monitoring becomes critical. For the contractor, the risk lies in accurately estimating the effort required and managing their workforce to meet project milestones within the allocated budget. Effective project management and clear communication are essential to mitigate these risks.
How does the 'Full and Open Competition' impact the potential effectiveness of this R&D effort?
A 'Full and Open Competition' process is designed to solicit the best possible solutions and contractors by allowing all interested and qualified parties to bid. This competitive pressure can lead to higher quality research proposals and potentially more innovative approaches, as contractors vie for the award. It increases the likelihood that the Air Force selects a contractor with the most suitable expertise and a well-defined plan for achieving the R&D objectives. While competition doesn't guarantee success, it provides a strong foundation by ensuring a rigorous selection process based on merit and value.
What historical spending patterns exist for R&D contracts of this nature within the Department of Defense?
The Department of Defense consistently allocates significant portions of its budget to Research and Development, aiming to maintain a technological edge. Historical spending patterns show a strong emphasis on areas like advanced materials, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, aerospace, and defense systems. R&D contracts can range from small, exploratory studies to large, multi-year programs. The 'Labor Hours' type is common for R&D where the exact scope and duration may evolve. Analyzing past spending reveals trends in prioritized research areas and the typical contract values and durations for different types of R&D efforts within the DoD.
What are the implications of the 1030-day duration for the R&D project's success?
A duration of 1030 days (approximately 2.8 years) suggests that this R&D task order is intended for a project requiring substantial development, testing, and analysis. This timeframe allows for a more in-depth exploration of research questions, iterative development cycles, and potentially the maturation of new technologies. Shorter durations might be suitable for feasibility studies, while longer periods are often necessary for complex engineering challenges or scientific breakthroughs. The extended timeline provides flexibility but also necessitates robust project management to ensure progress and prevent stagnation.
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: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Jacobs Engineering Group Inc (UEI: 074103508)
Address: 600 WILLIAM NORTHERN BLVD, TULLAHOMA, TN, 37388
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $16,182,057
Exercised Options: $15,927,430
Current Obligation: $15,898,699
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA872107D0015
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-03-06
Current End Date: 2010-12-31
Potential End Date: 2010-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2016-04-21
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