DoD Awards $152.9M R&D Contract to Cordant Technologies for Missile Systems
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $15,289,285 ($15.3M)
Contractor: ATK Launch Systems LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2000-09-29
End Date: 2010-03-01
Contract Duration: 3,440 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: 200012!5700!000154!GP03 !AFFTC/PKRA R&D CONTRACTS FTC !F0461100C0057 !A!*!* !20000929!20050331!002241164!002241164!001339472!N!07703!CORDANT TECHNOLOGIES INC !15 W SOUTH TEMPLE !SALT LAKE CITY !UT!84101!08460!003!49!BRIGHAM CITY !BOX ELDER !UTAH !0001!+000000395000!N!N!000000000000!AC23!RDTE/MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS-ADV TECH DEV !A2 !MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS !3000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !3764!3!*!*!*!B!B!*!A !N!U!2!003!B!* !A!N!Z!* !* !N!C!*!A!A!A!A!A!A!* !*!N!A!D!N!*!*!*!*!*!
Place of Performance
Location: CORINNE, BOX ELDER County, UTAH, 84307
State: Utah Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $15.3 million to ATK LAUNCH SYSTEMS LLC for work described as: 200012!5700!000154!GP03 !AFFTC/PKRA R&D CONTRACTS FTC !F0461100C0057 !A!*!* !20000929!20050331!002241164!002241164!001339472!N!07703!CORDANT TECHNOLOGIES INC !15 W SOUTH TEMPLE !SALT LAKE CITY !UT!84101!08460!003!49!BRIGHAM CITY !BOX… Key points: 1. Contract awarded for Research and Development in Missile and Space Systems. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk is moderate given the R&D nature and fixed-fee structure. 4. Sector is Defense, specifically Air Force R&D for advanced technologies.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $152.9 million for a 5-year duration appears reasonable for advanced R&D in missile and space systems. Benchmarking against similar classified or advanced technology contracts is difficult, but the value aligns with the complexity of the work.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing and allows for a wide range of potential contractors to bid. This method is expected to yield fair market value.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down costs.
Public Impact
Advancement in missile and space systems technology could have significant national security implications. Investment in R&D supports technological superiority for the Department of Defense. Potential for spin-off technologies benefiting the commercial sector. Job creation in Utah and related industries associated with contract performance.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- R&D contracts can face cost overruns if not managed tightly.
- Classification of some aspects may limit public scrutiny.
- Long contract duration increases exposure to changing technological landscapes.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition is a positive signal for value.
- Focus on advanced technology development aligns with strategic defense goals.
- Contract awarded to a known entity in the aerospace sector.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically focusing on advanced technology development for missile and space systems. Spending in this area is critical for national security and often involves significant investment due to the complexity and cutting-edge nature of the research.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved as subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation in this large R&D contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for R&D contracts, including milestone reviews and financial reporting, would be in place to ensure accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in R&D.
- Classification may limit transparency.
- Long-term contract duration.
- Reliance on contractor's technical expertise.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ut, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $15.3 million to ATK LAUNCH SYSTEMS LLC. 200012!5700!000154!GP03 !AFFTC/PKRA R&D CONTRACTS FTC !F0461100C0057 !A!*!* !20000929!20050331!002241164!002241164!001339472!N!07703!CORDANT TECHNOLOGIES INC !15 W SOUTH TEMPLE !SALT LAKE CITY !UT!84101!08460!003!49!BRIGHAM CITY !BOX ELDER !UTAH !0001!+000000395000!N!N!000000000000!AC23!RDTE/MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS-ADV TECH DEV !A2 !MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS !3000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !3764!3!*!*!*!B!B!*!A !N!U!
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ATK LAUNCH SYSTEMS LLC.
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 $15.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2000-09-29. End: 2010-03-01.
What specific technological advancements are expected from this R&D contract, and how will they be measured?
The specific technological advancements are likely classified due to the nature of missile and space systems. However, contract performance would typically be measured against predefined technical milestones, prototypes, and performance demonstrations outlined in the contract's Statement of Work. Success would be determined by achieving these objectives within the allocated budget and timeline.
What are the primary risks associated with the 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' pricing structure for this R&D effort?
The primary risk with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure in R&D is that the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs plus a fixed fee. If costs escalate beyond initial projections, the government bears the burden. While the fixed fee provides some incentive for efficiency, it can lead to less cost consciousness compared to fixed-price contracts, especially if cost overruns are not rigorously managed and scrutinized.
How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Department of Defense's missile and space capabilities?
This contract is intended to advance critical technologies in missile and space systems, directly contributing to the effectiveness of DoD capabilities. By investing in R&D, the DoD aims to maintain a technological edge, develop next-generation systems, and counter emerging threats, thereby enhancing overall national security and operational effectiveness.
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
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems LLC (UEI: 618705925)
Address: 15 W SOUTH TEMPLE, SALT LAKE CITY, UT, 90
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2000-09-29
Current End Date: 2010-03-01
Potential End Date: 2010-03-01 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2010-02-15
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