DoD Awards $31.8M Contract to Wyle Laboratories for Missile and Space Systems R&D

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,876,718 ($31.9M)

Contractor: NTS Labs, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2003-07-11

End Date: 2007-03-14

Contract Duration: 1,342 days

Daily Burn Rate: $23.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: 200310!000538!5700!GS05 !DET 8 AFRL/PK (SUPPORTS VS) !F2960103C0330 !A!N! !N! !20030711!20031103!021219340!021219340!878075373!N!WYLE LABORATORIES, INC !1841 HILLSIDE AVENUE !NORCO !CA!92860!51560!065!06!NORCO !RIVERSIDE !CALIFORNIA!+000000443884!N!N!000000887768!AC22!RDTE/MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS-APPLIED RESEARCH !A2 !MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS !3000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !541710!E! !1! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !B! !A!N!U!2!001!E! !Z!Y!Z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !Z!Z!A!A!000!A!C!N! ! ! ! ! ! !0001! !

Place of Performance

Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35806

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $31.9 million to NTS LABS, LLC for work described as: 200310!000538!5700!GS05 !DET 8 AFRL/PK (SUPPORTS VS) !F2960103C0330 !A!N! !N! !20030711!20031103!021219340!021219340!878075373!N!WYLE LABORATORIES, INC !1841 HILLSIDE AVENUE !NORCO !CA!92860!51560!065!06!NORCO !RIVER… Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Wyle Laboratories for applied research in missile and space systems. 2. The contract value is $31,876,718. 3. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, suggesting a specific justification. 4. The sector is Research and Development, a critical area for defense innovation.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The duration of over 3 years suggests a complex project.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' This indicates that while competition was sought, specific sources were initially excluded, requiring justification. The pricing impact depends on the rigor of the source selection process.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced research and development in a critical defense sector. Oversight is needed to ensure value for money.

Public Impact

Supports the Department of Defense's advanced research capabilities. Contributes to the development of missile and space systems, impacting national security. The contract duration suggests a long-term investment in technological advancement.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns with CPFF contract type.
Justification for excluding sources in a 'full and open' competition needs scrutiny.
Long contract duration may increase risk of scope creep or changing requirements.

Positive Signals

Supports critical R&D in a strategic defense area.
Awarded to a single vendor, potentially indicating specialized expertise.
Long-term commitment to technological advancement.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on missile and space systems. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority but requires careful oversight due to its inherent complexity and long lead times.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific set-aside for small businesses. The prime contractor, Wyle Laboratories, is not identified as a small business in this context. Further analysis would be needed to determine subcontracting opportunities for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), indicating a level of oversight. However, the CPFF structure necessitates close monitoring of costs and performance to ensure accountability and prevent waste.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Department of Defense Contracting
Defense Contract Management Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF)
Justification for Source Exclusion
Long Contract Duration
Potential for Scope Creep
Limited Small Business Participation (potential)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $31.9 million to NTS LABS, LLC. 200310!000538!5700!GS05 !DET 8 AFRL/PK (SUPPORTS VS) !F2960103C0330 !A!N! !N! !20030711!20031103!021219340!021219340!878075373!N!WYLE LABORATORIES, INC !1841 HILLSIDE AVENUE !NORCO !CA!92860!51560!065!06!NORCO !RIVERSIDE !CALIFORNIA!+000000443884!N!N!000000887768!AC22!RDTE/MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS-APPLIED RESEARCH !A2 !MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS !3000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !541710!E! !1! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NTS LABS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $31.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2003-07-11. End: 2007-03-14.

What was the specific justification for excluding certain sources in the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' process?

The justification for excluding sources in this type of competition typically relates to unique capabilities, proprietary data, or specific requirements that only a limited number of contractors can meet. Without the specific documentation, it's difficult to assess if the exclusion was appropriate and if it truly maximized competitive potential within the allowed parameters.

How effectively is the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure being managed to control costs and ensure mission success?

CPFF contracts carry inherent risks of cost overruns. Effective management requires rigorous oversight of contractor expenditures, performance metrics, and adherence to the fixed fee. Regular audits and clear communication channels between the government and Wyle Laboratories are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure the project stays within budget and meets its objectives.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how is Wyle Laboratories' performance against them being measured?

Key performance indicators for R&D contracts often include milestones, technical deliverables, innovation achieved, and adherence to project timelines. The government, through DCMA, should be actively monitoring these KPIs. Transparency in reporting and regular performance reviews are essential to gauge the effectiveness of the research and the contractor's contribution.

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: BASIC RESEARCH

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Wyle Services Corporation (UEI: 963281881)

Address: 244 S LELAND NORTON WAY, SAN BERNARDINO, CA, 92408

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline