DoD's $13.3M R&D Contract with BBNT Solutions LLC for Electronics and Communication

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,530,801 ($13.5M)

Contractor: Bbnt Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2001-08-10

End Date: 2007-02-28

Contract Duration: 2,028 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: 200111!000206!5700!GQ05 !AFRL/IFKRF !F3060201C0170 !A!N!*!N! !20010810!20031115!133423405!133423405!157911467!N!BBNT SOLUTIONS LLC !10 MOULTON STREET !CAMBRIDGE !MA!02138!11000!017!25!CAMBRIDGE !MIDDLESEX !MASS !+000001098300!N!N!000000000000!AD92!RDTE/OTHER DEFENSE-APPLIED RESEARCH !A7 !ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION !3000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !541710!*!*!3! ! ! !*!*!*!B!*!*!A! !A !N!U!2!001!E! !Z!Y!Z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !A!A!A!A!000!A!B!N! ! ! ! ! ! !0001!

Place of Performance

Location: CAMBRIDGE, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02138, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $13.5 million to BBNT SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: 200111!000206!5700!GQ05 !AFRL/IFKRF !F3060201C0170 !A!N!*!N! !20010810!20031115!133423405!133423405!157911467!N!BBNT SOLUTIONS LLC !10 MOULTON STREET !CAMBRIDGE !MA!02138!11000!017!25!CAMBRIDGE !MIDDL… Key points: 1. The contract, valued at $13.3 million, focuses on Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 2. Awarded under Full and Open Competition, it aims to advance electronics and communication technologies for defense. 3. The contract duration is 2028 days, indicating a significant, long-term project. 4. The sector is R&D, specifically within Defense Applied Research, highlighting its strategic importance.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The awarded amount is $13,342,340.5, with a ceiling of $15,791,146.7.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the specific pricing structure (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) requires close monitoring to ensure cost efficiency.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced defense research and development, aiming for technological superiority. Effective oversight is crucial to ensure value for money.

Public Impact

Advancement of critical defense technologies in electronics and communication. Potential for technological breakthroughs with national security implications. Investment in research and development to maintain a competitive edge. Job creation and economic activity in the research and technology sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 67 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher spending.
Long contract duration requires sustained oversight.
Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Focus on critical defense R&D.
Clear performance period.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically applied research in electronics and communication for defense. The NAICS code 541710 indicates a focus on physical, engineering, and life sciences research. Spending in this area is critical for national security and technological advancement.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that the prime contractor is BBNT SOLUTIONS LLC. There is no specific information provided regarding subcontracting to small businesses on this particular contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA). The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates robust oversight to control costs and ensure adherence to project scope and objectives.

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 Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
Long contract duration (2028 days).
Potential for R&D scope creep.
Need for continuous oversight to ensure value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $13.5 million to BBNT SOLUTIONS LLC. 200111!000206!5700!GQ05 !AFRL/IFKRF !F3060201C0170 !A!N!*!N! !20010810!20031115!133423405!133423405!157911467!N!BBNT SOLUTIONS LLC !10 MOULTON STREET !CAMBRIDGE !MA!02138!11000!017!25!CAMBRIDGE !MIDDLESEX !MASS !+000001098300!N!N!000000000000!AD92!RDTE/OTHER DEFENSE-APPLIED RESEARCH !A7 !ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION !3000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !541710!*!*!3! ! ! !*!*!*!B!*!*!A!

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BBNT SOLUTIONS 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 $13.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2001-08-10. End: 2007-02-28.

What specific technological advancements are expected from this R&D contract, and how will they be measured?

The contract details do not specify the exact technological advancements. However, given the focus on 'Electronics and Communication' within 'Applied Defense Research', expected outcomes likely include improvements in radar, signal processing, secure communications, or electronic warfare capabilities. Success metrics would typically be defined in the contract's Statement of Work, involving milestones, prototype performance, and technical reviews.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for R&D, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks include potential cost overruns if the fixed fee is insufficient for the effort, or contractor inefficiency leading to higher costs. Mitigation strategies involve stringent oversight by DCMA, detailed cost tracking, performance reviews, and clear definition of contract scope to prevent scope creep. The government also negotiates a fixed fee that is intended to be reasonable for the anticipated effort.

How does this contract contribute to the Department of Defense's overall strategic goals in electronics and communication R&D?

This contract likely supports the DoD's strategic goal of maintaining technological superiority in critical areas like advanced electronics and secure communication systems. By investing in applied research, the DoD aims to develop next-generation capabilities that can counter emerging threats and enhance operational effectiveness across various military domains.

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 › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 10 MOULTON STREET, CAMBRIDGE, MA, 02138

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

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline