Air Force A-10C display system contract awarded to Scientific Research Corporation for over $28 million

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $28,127,327 ($28.1M)

Contractor: Scientific Research Corporation

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2019-09-16

End Date: 2022-11-30

Contract Duration: 1,171 days

Daily Burn Rate: $24.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: A HIGH RESOLUTION DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR USAF A-10C AIRCRAFT REQUIRED TO BE REPLACED. THE HRDS SHALL PROVIDE A FULL COLOR, HIGH RESOLUTION DISPLAY CAPABLE OF DISPLAYING ADVANCED COLOR AND TARGETING.

Place of Performance

Location: ATLANTA, COBB County, GEORGIA, 30339

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $28.1 million to SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CORPORATION for work described as: A HIGH RESOLUTION DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR USAF A-10C AIRCRAFT REQUIRED TO BE REPLACED. THE HRDS SHALL PROVIDE A FULL COLOR, HIGH RESOLUTION DISPLAY CAPABLE OF DISPLAYING ADVANCED COLOR AND TARGETING. Key points: 1. The contract aims to upgrade the A-10C aircraft with a high-resolution display system for enhanced targeting capabilities. 2. The chosen system is expected to provide full-color, high-resolution visuals, improving pilot situational awareness. 3. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The duration of the contract is over three years, indicating a significant period of service delivery. 5. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee, potentially impacting final cost. 6. The award was made by the General Services Administration, Federal Acquisition Service, indicating a centralized procurement approach.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific performance metrics or detailed cost breakdowns. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure means the final cost can fluctuate based on actual expenses incurred by the contractor, plus a predetermined profit. While CPFF contracts can be suitable for research and development or when costs are uncertain, they carry a higher risk of cost overruns compared to fixed-price contracts. A comparison to similar display system upgrades for other aircraft or military platforms would be necessary to assess if the $28.1 million price point represents good value for the technology and services provided.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The data indicates there were three bidders, suggesting a moderate level of competition for this requirement. While three bidders is better than a sole-source award, a higher number of competitors could potentially drive prices down further and foster more innovation. The specific details of the bidding process and the evaluation criteria would be needed to fully assess the effectiveness of the competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging multiple companies to vie for the contract, which can lead to more competitive pricing and better overall value.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the pilots and crew of the A-10C aircraft, who will receive an upgraded display system. The services delivered include the provision and integration of a high-resolution display system for advanced targeting. The geographic impact is primarily on Air Force bases where A-10C aircraft are stationed. Workforce implications may include specialized technicians for installation and maintenance of the new display systems.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
The specific capabilities and performance of the new display system need to be rigorously tested to ensure it meets operational requirements.
Long-term sustainment and maintenance costs for the new display system are not detailed in the provided data.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a fair and accessible bidding process.
The contract addresses a clear need for technological modernization of a critical aircraft system.
The General Services Administration's involvement suggests adherence to established procurement standards.

Sector Analysis

The aerospace and defense sector is characterized by high-value, technologically advanced contracts. This specific contract falls within the avionics and aircraft systems sub-sector. The market for military aircraft upgrades is substantial, driven by the need to maintain the effectiveness of aging fleets and incorporate new technologies. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other contracts for cockpit modernization or display system upgrades across different military branches or for similar aircraft types. The $28.1 million figure for a display system upgrade for a fleet of aircraft is within the expected range for such specialized military hardware.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a set-aside requirement. However, the prime contractor, Scientific Research Corporation, may engage small businesses as subcontractors for specific components or services, though this is not explicitly stated. The absence of a small business set-aside means the opportunity was open to all responsible bidders, including large corporations.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) typically oversees contracts awarded through its Federal Acquisition Service, employing various oversight mechanisms. These can include contract performance monitoring, financial audits, and compliance reviews. Accountability measures are usually embedded in the contract terms, specifying deliverables, timelines, and quality standards. Transparency is often facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, which make award information publicly accessible. Inspector General jurisdiction would depend on the specific GSA IG's mandate and whether any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected or reported.

Related Government Programs

A-10C Thunderbolt II Sustainment
Avionics Modernization Programs
Military Aircraft Display Systems
Air Force Procurement

Risk Flags

Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF Contract)
Technical Performance Uncertainty
Integration Complexity

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $28.1 million to SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CORPORATION. A HIGH RESOLUTION DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR USAF A-10C AIRCRAFT REQUIRED TO BE REPLACED. THE HRDS SHALL PROVIDE A FULL COLOR, HIGH RESOLUTION DISPLAY CAPABLE OF DISPLAYING ADVANCED COLOR AND TARGETING.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $28.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-09-16. End: 2022-11-30.

What is the track record of Scientific Research Corporation with similar defense contracts?

Scientific Research Corporation (SRC) has a history of performing work for the U.S. military, including contracts related to avionics, electronic warfare, and command and control systems. While specific details on their performance for display system upgrades on platforms like the A-10C are not provided here, SRC generally operates within the defense sector and has experience with complex technological integration. A deeper dive into their contract history, including past performance reviews, any contract disputes, or awards for similar work, would be necessary to fully assess their track record for this specific type of project. Their ability to successfully deliver on this $28.1 million contract will depend on their technical expertise, project management capabilities, and adherence to the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract terms.

How does the $28.1 million cost compare to similar high-resolution display system upgrades for military aircraft?

Directly comparing the $28.1 million cost without detailed specifications of the display system, the scope of integration, and the number of aircraft affected is difficult. However, military avionics upgrades, especially those involving high-resolution displays and advanced targeting capabilities, are inherently expensive due to the stringent requirements for reliability, performance, and environmental resistance. Contracts for similar cockpit modernization efforts on other platforms can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the complexity and scale. The number of bidders (three) and the full and open competition suggest the price was considered competitive at the time of award. Further analysis would require benchmarking against contracts for display systems on aircraft with comparable operational roles and technological sophistication.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for this type of system?

The primary risk with a CPFF contract for a high-resolution display system upgrade is the potential for cost overruns. While the contractor's profit is fixed, the government reimburses the actual allowable costs incurred. If the development or integration of the display system proves more complex or encounters unforeseen technical challenges, the total cost to the government could exceed initial estimates. This necessitates robust government oversight to ensure costs are reasonable and allowable. Another risk is that the fixed fee might not adequately incentivize the contractor to control costs aggressively if they anticipate significant cost growth. Effective risk mitigation involves detailed cost tracking, regular performance reviews, and clear definition of allowable costs.

How effective is the GSA's Federal Acquisition Service in managing complex defense procurements like this one?

The GSA's Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) plays a significant role in government procurement, often leveraging its expertise and established processes to acquire goods and services for various agencies, including the Department of Defense. For complex procurements like the A-10C display system, FAS aims to ensure fair and open competition, adherence to acquisition regulations, and value for taxpayer money. Their effectiveness is generally measured by their ability to meet agency requirements, manage contract performance, and achieve competitive pricing. While FAS has broad experience, the specific success of this contract depends on the contracting officers' expertise in managing CPFF contracts, the technical proficiency of the support staff, and the diligence applied in overseeing Scientific Research Corporation's performance and costs.

What are the historical spending patterns for A-10C aircraft upgrades or avionics modernization?

Historical spending on A-10C aircraft upgrades and avionics modernization reflects the platform's extended service life and the ongoing need to maintain its combat effectiveness. The A-10C, originally designed in the 1970s, has undergone several upgrade programs over the decades to incorporate new technologies and improve its capabilities. These programs often involve significant investment in areas like targeting pods, communication systems, and cockpit displays. Spending patterns would likely show a series of discrete contracts for various modernization components rather than a single, monolithic upgrade budget. The $28.1 million for this specific display system represents one component of the broader sustainment and modernization effort for the A-10C fleet, which has seen consistent, albeit fluctuating, investment over its operational history.

What are the implications of the 'delivery order' award type for this contract?

The data indicates this contract was awarded as a 'Delivery Order' (aw: DELIVERY ORDER). This typically means the contract itself establishes the terms and conditions for future orders of goods or services, and the $28.1 million represents the value of a specific order placed against a larger, potentially indefinite-delivery contract or a basic ordering agreement. This approach allows the government to procure items or services as needed over a period, providing flexibility. For the contractor, it means a commitment for a specific quantity or value, but potentially subject to further orders. The duration of 1171 days (approximately 3.2 years) suggests this delivery order covers a substantial period of performance for the display system.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: ID08180023

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2300 WINDY RIDGE PKWY, ATLANTA, GA, 30339

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $123,494,206

Exercised Options: $28,229,077

Current Obligation: $28,127,327

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 10

Total Subaward Amount: $19,103,675

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADU330

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline