DoD Awards $8.89M for Algorithmic Warfare R&D to Accenture Federal Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $8,887,770 ($8.9M)
Contractor: Accenture Federal Services LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-12-07
End Date: 2026-12-06
Contract Duration: 1,095 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: ALGORITHMIC WARFARE ANALYSIS, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS
Place of Performance
Location: MCLEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22102
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $8.9 million to ACCENTURE FEDERAL SERVICES LLC for work described as: ALGORITHMIC WARFARE ANALYSIS, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced algorithmic warfare capabilities. 2. Accenture Federal Services, a major player, secures the contract. 3. Potential for high-impact technological advancements in defense. 4. Focus on R&D suggests future-oriented defense strategies.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which allows for flexibility in R&D but requires careful monitoring of costs. The award amount of $8.89M for a 3-year period appears reasonable for specialized R&D services in a complex field like algorithmic warfare.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust price discovery process. This method likely ensured competitive bidding and a fair market price for the specialized services required.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being allocated to enhance national security through advanced technological development in a critical defense area.
Public Impact
Enhances national security through cutting-edge defense technology. Supports innovation in artificial intelligence and machine learning for military applications. Potential for significant advancements in strategic defense capabilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 81 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical R&D.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Focus on advanced R&D for future defense needs.
- Contract duration allows for substantial project development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on R&D for algorithmic warfare. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining a technological edge in defense, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific nature of the research.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Accenture Federal Services LLC, a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award, which is common for large, specialized R&D contracts.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force is responsible for oversight. Given the nature of R&D, continuous monitoring of progress, milestones, and cost adherence will be critical for accountability and effective use of funds.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts.
- Risk of contractor lock-in for critical R&D.
- Complexity of algorithmic warfare may lead to unforeseen development challenges.
- Ensuring ethical considerations and responsible AI development.
Tags
all-other-professional-scientific-and-te, department-of-defense, va, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $8.9 million to ACCENTURE FEDERAL SERVICES LLC. ALGORITHMIC WARFARE ANALYSIS, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ACCENTURE FEDERAL SERVICES 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 $8.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-12-07. End: 2026-12-06.
What specific algorithmic warfare capabilities are being developed, and how do they align with current and future military threats?
The contract details do not specify the exact algorithmic warfare capabilities. However, R&D in this domain typically focuses on areas like autonomous systems, AI-driven intelligence analysis, cyber warfare algorithms, and advanced simulation environments. These align with evolving military threats that increasingly involve sophisticated digital and autonomous operations, aiming to provide a decisive advantage.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will Accenture's performance be measured to ensure value for money?
Key performance indicators would likely include successful development of prototypes, achievement of specific algorithmic performance metrics (e.g., accuracy, speed, efficiency), timely delivery of research reports, and adherence to project milestones. Performance will be measured through regular reviews, technical assessments, and comparison against predefined objectives to ensure the contractor delivers the expected R&D outcomes and value.
What is the potential long-term impact of this R&D on the Department of Defense's technological superiority and operational effectiveness?
Successful algorithmic warfare R&D can significantly enhance the DoD's technological superiority by providing advanced tools for intelligence gathering, decision-making, and operational execution. This could lead to more effective mission outcomes, reduced risk to personnel, and a stronger deterrent posture against adversaries who are also investing in similar technologies.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Novetta Solutions, LLC
Address: 800 N GLEBE RD STE 300, ARLINGTON, VA, 22203
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $54,414,437
Exercised Options: $19,864,927
Current Obligation: $8,887,770
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 5
Total Subaward Amount: $1,899,480
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA714619D0760
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-12-07
Current End Date: 2026-12-06
Potential End Date: 2028-12-06 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-05
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