DoD's $13M SAAVE Contract for Autonomous Vehicle R&D Awarded to Science Applications International Corp
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $12,971,104 ($13.0M)
Contractor: Science Applications International Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2018-09-23
End Date: 2022-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,468 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: RESEARCH, ENGINEERING, ANALYSIS,&EVALUATION OF TARDEC SYSTEMS ANALYSIS FOR AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE ENGINEERING (SAAVE)
Place of Performance
Location: WARREN, MACOMB County, MICHIGAN, 48092
State: Michigan Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $13.0 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION for work described as: RESEARCH, ENGINEERING, ANALYSIS,&EVALUATION OF TARDEC SYSTEMS ANALYSIS FOR AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE ENGINEERING (SAAVE) Key points: 1. The contract focuses on critical research and development for autonomous vehicle engineering. 2. Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) is the sole awardee. 3. The contract duration is nearly four years, indicating a significant project. 4. The sector is R&D, specifically in physical, engineering, and life sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking is difficult without specific cost breakdowns for similar R&D efforts.
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 award is a delivery order, implying it might be part of a larger IDIQ or framework.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced research in a critical defense technology area, with the potential for significant long-term benefits if successful.
Public Impact
Advancement of autonomous vehicle technology for defense applications. Potential for improved safety and efficiency in military operations. Investment in cutting-edge research and development capabilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 88 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize contractor to increase costs.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes it hard to assess value.
- Limited transparency on specific deliverables and outcomes.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Focus on critical R&D for national security.
- Long-term project duration allows for thorough development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on autonomous vehicle engineering. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority in defense.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses in this contract award.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically involve program managers within the Department of Defense ensuring milestones are met and costs are controlled, especially given the CPFF contract type.
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.
- Potential for cost overruns.
- Limited public detail on specific deliverables.
- Sole awardee may limit competitive pressure on innovation.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, mi, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $13.0 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION. RESEARCH, ENGINEERING, ANALYSIS,&EVALUATION OF TARDEC SYSTEMS ANALYSIS FOR AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE ENGINEERING (SAAVE)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION.
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 $13.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-09-23. End: 2022-09-30.
What specific technological advancements are expected from this SAAVE contract, and how will they be measured?
The contract aims to advance autonomous vehicle engineering for TARDEC systems. Specific advancements are not detailed in the provided data, but would likely include improved sensor fusion, decision-making algorithms, and vehicle control systems. Measurement would involve defined milestones, prototype testing, and performance evaluations against set requirements.
What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract structure for this R&D project?
The primary risk with a CPFF structure in R&D is the potential for cost overruns, as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee. This can reduce the incentive for cost efficiency. Effective oversight and clear scope definition are crucial to mitigate this risk.
How does this investment in autonomous vehicle R&D align with broader Department of Defense modernization goals?
This investment directly supports DoD modernization by enhancing capabilities in unmanned and autonomous systems, which are key priorities for future warfare. Autonomous vehicles can improve soldier safety, increase operational effectiveness, and reduce logistical burdens, aligning with strategic objectives for a more agile and technologically advanced force.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: FA807512R0002
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 12010 SUNSET HILLS RD, RESTON, VA, 20190
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $12,991,892
Exercised Options: $12,991,892
Current Obligation: $12,971,104
Actual Outlays: $530,868
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 6
Total Subaward Amount: $1,937,345
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA807514D0010
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-09-23
Current End Date: 2022-09-30
Potential End Date: 2022-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-15
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