DoD's $10.9M contract for aircraft systems programming awarded to ALPHA RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY, INC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,932,658 ($10.9M)

Contractor: Alpha Research & Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2006-10-18

End Date: 2010-06-30

Contract Duration: 1,351 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COMBINATION (TWO OR MORE)

Sector: IT

Official Description: AIRCRAFT #1

Place of Performance

Location: OFFUTT AFB, SARPY County, NEBRASKA, 68113

State: Nebraska Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $10.9 million to ALPHA RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: AIRCRAFT #1 Key points: 1. Value for money assessed against similar custom computer programming services. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process after source exclusion. 3. Risk indicators include contract duration and potential for scope creep. 4. Performance context is within the Department of the Air Force's aircraft systems. 5. Sector positioning is within IT services supporting defense applications.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's total value of $10.9 million for custom computer programming services appears moderate for a defense-related project of this nature. Benchmarking against similar contracts for aircraft systems development or modification would be necessary for a precise value-for-money assessment. Without specific performance metrics or comparison data, it's difficult to definitively state if the pricing was competitive or if the value delivered was optimal. The duration of the contract (over three years) suggests a substantial scope of work.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This suggests that while the competition was intended to be open, specific sources may have been excluded for reasons not detailed in the provided data. The number of bidders is not specified, making it difficult to fully assess the level of competition. This procurement method could potentially limit price discovery compared to a truly unrestricted full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may have received less competitive pricing due to the exclusion of certain potential bidders, potentially leading to a higher overall cost than if all qualified sources had been allowed to compete.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of the Air Force and its personnel who rely on updated and functional aircraft systems. The services delivered involve custom computer programming, likely for enhancing or maintaining critical aircraft software. The geographic impact is primarily within the operational theaters and bases served by the Air Force. Workforce implications include the need for specialized software engineers and programmers, potentially both within the contractor's organization and government oversight roles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if the scope of custom programming is not tightly managed.
Risk of vendor lock-in if the developed software is highly proprietary and difficult to transition.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical aircraft system software could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Award to a single, potentially specialized, contractor can ensure focused expertise on complex programming tasks.
The contract duration suggests a commitment to a specific project, potentially leading to deeper integration and understanding of aircraft systems.
The 'custom computer programming services' designation implies tailored solutions, which can be highly effective for unique defense requirements.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology (IT) sector, specifically focusing on custom software development for defense applications. The market for defense IT services is substantial, driven by the need for advanced technological capabilities in military operations. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other contracts for software development, system integration, and IT support within the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. The size and complexity of aircraft systems often necessitate significant investment in specialized programming services.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss and sb fields) was not a factor in this contract award ('false' for ss and sb). There is no indication of small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements. This suggests that the primary contractor, ALPHA RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY, INC., likely handled the entire scope of work, and the contract did not aim to specifically benefit the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Department of the Air Force contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures would be tied to contract milestones, deliverables, and performance standards outlined in the contract. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, where basic award information is published. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Aircraft Modernization Programs
Defense Software Development Contracts
Air Force IT Services
Custom Software Engineering Services
Federal IT Procurement

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Potential for Cost Overruns
Lack of Small Business Participation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $10.9 million to ALPHA RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY, INC.. AIRCRAFT #1

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ALPHA RESEARCH & 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 $10.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2006-10-18. End: 2010-06-30.

What is the track record of ALPHA RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY, INC. in performing similar custom computer programming services for the Department of Defense?

Assessing the track record of ALPHA RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY, INC. requires a deeper dive into their contract history beyond this single award. Information on past performance, including successful delivery of similar custom programming for aircraft systems, adherence to schedules, and quality of work, would be crucial. Analyzing past performance reviews, any documented disputes or terminations, and the types of clients they have served within the DoD would provide a comprehensive view. Without this specific historical data, it's difficult to gauge their reliability and expertise for this particular contract's demands. A review of their financial stability and capacity to handle large-scale projects would also be pertinent.

How does the $10.9 million contract value compare to the average cost of similar custom computer programming services for aircraft systems?

To benchmark the $10.9 million contract value, we would need to compare it against a dataset of similar contracts for custom computer programming services specifically related to aircraft systems. Key comparison factors include the scope of work (e.g., new development, upgrades, maintenance), the complexity of the aircraft systems involved, the contract duration, and the specific technical requirements. If this contract represents a significant portion of the Air Force's spending in this niche over its period of performance, it might indicate a high-value or complex undertaking. Conversely, if numerous similar contracts are awarded at lower values, it could suggest this particular award is within the expected range or potentially higher than average, depending on the specifics.

What are the primary risks associated with a 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' procurement method for this type of contract?

The primary risks associated with 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' stem from the potential limitation on the competitive pool. While intended to be open, excluding specific sources can inadvertently reduce the number of qualified bidders, potentially leading to less robust price competition and possibly higher costs for the government. There's also a risk that innovative solutions from excluded vendors might not be considered. Furthermore, the justification for excluding sources needs to be sound to avoid perceptions of unfairness or favoritism. This method requires careful documentation and justification to ensure it serves the government's best interest and doesn't unduly restrict competition.

What specific aircraft systems or functionalities were likely enhanced or developed through this $10.9M programming contract?

The provided data identifies the contract as being for 'Custom Computer Programming Services' related to 'AIRCRAFT #1' within the Department of the Air Force. While the exact systems are not specified, such contracts typically involve software development for avionics, mission systems, flight control, communication, navigation, or electronic warfare suites. Given the 'custom' nature, it could involve developing new functionalities, integrating new hardware with existing software, upgrading legacy systems to meet current operational needs, or enhancing cybersecurity features. The specific aircraft model ('AIRCRAFT #1') would provide further clues if it were a publicly known designation, allowing for more targeted speculation on the systems involved.

How has the Department of Defense's spending on custom computer programming services for aircraft evolved over the past decade?

Analyzing the evolution of DoD spending on custom computer programming services for aircraft requires examining historical contract data over the past decade. Trends would likely show an increasing reliance on sophisticated software for modern aircraft, driven by advancements in technology, evolving threats, and the need for greater efficiency and interoperability. Spending may fluctuate based on major aircraft development programs, modernization efforts, and sustainment requirements. Factors like the rise of agile development methodologies, cybersecurity mandates, and the integration of artificial intelligence could also influence spending patterns and the types of services procured. A detailed analysis would involve segmenting spending by aircraft type, service branch, and specific programming needs.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Custom Computer Programming Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COMBINATION (TWO OR MORE) (2)

Contractor Details

Address: 4505 GOLDEN FOOTHILL PKWY, EL DORADO HILL, CA

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $13,754,412

Exercised Options: $10,951,708

Current Obligation: $10,932,658

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: F2560002D0008

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline