Air Force Awards $44M R&D Contract to Booz Allen Hamilton for Combat Effectiveness Analysis

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $43,958,418 ($44.0M)

Contractor: Booz Allen Hamilton Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2017-09-20

End Date: 2021-09-19

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $30.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF COMBAT EFFECTIVENESS AND VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS BRANCH OF THE AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER

Place of Performance

Location: MCLEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22102

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $44.0 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF COMBAT EFFECTIVENESS AND VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS BRANCH OF THE AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Booz Allen Hamilton for specialized R&D services. 2. Focus on combat effectiveness and vulnerability analysis within the Air Force. 3. Significant contract value suggests critical program support. 4. Sector is R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. However, the value is within a reasonable range for specialized R&D services of this nature.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and potentially better value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for critical defense research.

Public Impact

Enhances Air Force's ability to assess and improve combat readiness. Supports development of advanced strategies and technologies for national security. Potential for spin-off technologies benefiting civilian sectors. Ensures U.S. military maintains a technological edge.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require diligent oversight to control costs.
  • Long-term nature of R&D can present evolving scope and budget challenges.

Positive Signals

  • Full and open competition ensures a broad range of potential offerors.
  • Focus on critical defense capabilities.
  • Experienced contractor in Booz Allen Hamilton.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority and national security.

Small Business Impact

While this specific contract was awarded to a large business, the R&D sector often involves subcontracting opportunities for small businesses with specialized expertise.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates robust oversight from the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center to ensure cost control and adherence to research objectives.

Related Government Programs

  • Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires close monitoring.
  • R&D projects can face scope creep and unforeseen technical challenges.
  • Reliance on a single large contractor may limit broader innovation pathways.
  • Potential for cost overruns if not managed effectively.

Tags

research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $44.0 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC. IGF::OT::IGF COMBAT EFFECTIVENESS AND VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS BRANCH OF THE AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON 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 $44.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-09-20. End: 2021-09-19.

What specific metrics are used to evaluate the 'combat effectiveness and vulnerability' outcomes of this research?

The specific metrics for evaluating 'combat effectiveness and vulnerability' are likely detailed within the contract's Statement of Work (SOW). These would typically involve simulations, wargaming, threat analysis, and performance testing of weapon systems and operational concepts. The outcomes would be measured against predefined benchmarks for mission success, survivability, and operational efficiency under various threat scenarios.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure mitigate risks associated with R&D uncertainty?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure aims to balance risk between the government and the contractor. The government covers allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee, incentivizing the contractor to control costs to maximize their profit margin. However, R&D inherently involves uncertainty, and CPFF can still lead to cost overruns if the scope expands or unforeseen technical challenges arise, requiring vigilant government oversight.

What is the long-term strategic value of this continuous R&D investment for the Air Force?

This continuous investment provides the Air Force with ongoing analysis and insights into evolving threats and technological advancements. It ensures that combat systems and strategies remain relevant and effective against potential adversaries. The research directly informs future procurement decisions, doctrine development, and training, ultimately maintaining the service's warfighting advantage and national security posture.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesScientific Research and Development ServicesResearch and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENTOTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: FA807513R0001

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation

Address: 8283 GREENSBORO DR, MCLEAN, VA, 22102

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $46,340,543

Exercised Options: $46,340,543

Current Obligation: $43,958,418

Actual Outlays: $2,910,876

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 20

Total Subaward Amount: $2,183,681

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA807514D0016

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2017-09-20

Current End Date: 2021-09-19

Potential End Date: 2021-09-19 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-06-23

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