DoD's $13M Missile Defense R&D Contract Awarded to MEVATEC Corporation Amidst Competition Concerns

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,390,235 ($12.4M)

Contractor: BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Services Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2002-04-29

End Date: 2011-04-17

Contract Duration: 3,275 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Defense

Official Description: 200208!001687!2100!SG60 !USA SPACE AND STRATEGIC DEF CDR !DASG6002D0009 !A!N! !Y!0027 !20020429!20050423!130106867!130106867!130106867!N!MEVATEC CORPORATION !1525 PERIMETER PARKWAY, SU!HUNTSVILLE !AL!35806!37000!089!01!HUNTSVILLE !MADISON !ALABAMA !+000001320208!N!N!000000000000!AC23!RDTE/MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS-ADV TECH DEV !A2 !MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS !1CAA!BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE SYS !541710!E! !5!B!M! !A! !99990909!B! ! !A! !A!U!Y!2!007!K! !Z!N!Z! ! !N!B!Y!N! ! !Z! !B!A!000!A!B!N! ! ! ! ! ! !0001!

Place of Performance

Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35806

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $12.4 million to BAE SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS & SERVICES INC. for work described as: 200208!001687!2100!SG60 !USA SPACE AND STRATEGIC DEF CDR !DASG6002D0009 !A!N! !Y!0027 !20020429!20050423!130106867!130106867!130106867!N!MEVATEC CORPORATION !1525 PERIMETER PARKWAY, SU!HUNTSVILLE !AL!35806!37000!089!01!HUNTSVILLE !MADIS… Key points: 1. The contract, valued at $13,010,686.70, is for Research and Development in Missile and Space Systems. 2. MEVATEC Corporation secured the award, but the competition method raises questions about price discovery. 3. The contract duration is 3275 days, ending in 2011, indicating a long-term R&D effort. 4. The sector is primarily Defense R&D, focusing on advanced ballistic missile defense systems.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $13,010,686.70 for R&D services appears within a reasonable range for specialized defense projects. However, without specific benchmarks for similar missile defense R&D, a precise pricing assessment is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting that while competition was considered, not all potential sources were included. This method can limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs compared to unrestricted full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition may result in a less optimal price for taxpayers, as the full range of market competition was not leveraged.

Public Impact

Taxpayers may not have received the best possible price due to restricted competition. The contract supports critical national security objectives in missile defense. Long-term R&D investments are crucial for maintaining technological superiority in defense.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may have inflated costs.
Lack of transparency in source exclusion.

Positive Signals

Supports advanced defense technology.
Long-term investment in national security.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically Research and Development for advanced technologies. Spending in this area is critical for national security, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific technological advancements sought.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific contract award. The focus appears to be on larger, specialized R&D capabilities.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of Defense, which has established oversight mechanisms for R&D spending. However, the 'exclusion of sources' clause warrants scrutiny to ensure accountability and fair competition.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition may have led to suboptimal pricing.
Lack of detailed justification for source exclusion.
Potential for cost overruns in long-term R&D projects.
Contract duration extends over a significant period, increasing risk exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $12.4 million to BAE SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS & SERVICES INC.. 200208!001687!2100!SG60 !USA SPACE AND STRATEGIC DEF CDR !DASG6002D0009 !A!N! !Y!0027 !20020429!20050423!130106867!130106867!130106867!N!MEVATEC CORPORATION !1525 PERIMETER PARKWAY, SU!HUNTSVILLE !AL!35806!37000!089!01!HUNTSVILLE !MADISON !ALABAMA !+000001320208!N!N!000000000000!AC23!RDTE/MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS-ADV TECH DEV !A2 !MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS !1CAA!BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE SYS !541710!E! !5!B!M! !A! !99990909!B

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BAE SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS & SERVICES INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $12.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2002-04-29. End: 2011-04-17.

What specific technological advancements were pursued under this contract, and how do they align with current and future missile defense needs?

The contract focused on 'RDTE/MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS-ADV TECH DEV' and 'BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE SYS,' indicating research into cutting-edge technologies for missile defense. These advancements are crucial for maintaining a strategic advantage against evolving threats, ensuring national security through technological superiority in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

What was the rationale for excluding certain sources, and did this exclusion significantly impact the final contract price?

The rationale for excluding sources is not detailed in the provided data. However, such exclusions often stem from specific technical requirements, proprietary technology, or past performance. This limitation on competition could potentially lead to a higher price than if a broader range of vendors had been considered, impacting the overall value for taxpayer funds.

How effective has MEVATEC Corporation been in delivering the promised R&D outcomes for ballistic missile defense systems under this contract?

The effectiveness of MEVATEC Corporation's R&D outcomes cannot be determined solely from the contract award data. A thorough assessment would require reviewing project milestones, technical reports, and the ultimate success of the developed technologies in enhancing ballistic missile defense capabilities over the contract's lifespan.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: BAE Systems PLC (UEI: 217304393)

Address: 308 VOYAGER WAY, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 05

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: DASG6002D0009

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline