DoD's $81.5M UAS Support Contract for NAVAIR: R&D Focus with Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $81,522,751 ($81.5M)
Contractor: Mantech TSG-2 Joint Venture
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2019-09-30
End Date: 2025-06-04
Contract Duration: 2,074 days
Daily Burn Rate: $39.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (UAS) SUPPORT FOR NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND (NAVAIR)
Place of Performance
Location: HERNDON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20171
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $81.5 million to MANTECH TSG-2 JOINT VENTURE for work described as: UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (UAS) SUPPORT FOR NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND (NAVAIR) Key points: 1. The contract focuses on Research and Development for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) support. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing structure may pose cost control risks. 4. The Defense sector is a significant area for UAS development and procurement.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking CPFF contracts in R&D is challenging due to inherent uncertainties.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded using full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. However, the CPFF structure requires diligent oversight to ensure fair pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced R&D in a critical defense area, with the potential for significant technological advancements.
Public Impact
Enhances naval aviation capabilities through advanced UAS technology. Supports critical research and development efforts within the Department of Defense. Potential for technological spin-offs benefiting other sectors. Contributes to national security through improved defense systems.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure can incentivize higher costs.
- Long contract duration increases exposure to potential cost escalations.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
Positive Signals
- Awarded via full and open competition.
- Supports critical R&D for naval aviation.
- Potential for significant technological advancement.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences related to unmanned aircraft systems. Defense R&D spending is substantial, with UAS being a rapidly growing area.
Small Business Impact
The provided data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this contract. Further investigation would be needed to assess small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type necessitates strong oversight from the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) to ensure costs are reasonable and fixed fees are earned appropriately.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee pricing structure.
- Long contract duration.
- Potential for scope creep in R&D.
- Reliance on contractor's technical expertise.
- Uncertainty inherent in research and development.
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 $81.5 million to MANTECH TSG-2 JOINT VENTURE. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (UAS) SUPPORT FOR NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND (NAVAIR)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MANTECH TSG-2 JOINT VENTURE.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $81.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-09-30. End: 2025-06-04.
What are the specific deliverables and performance metrics tied to the fixed fee in this CPFF contract?
The provided data lacks specific details on deliverables and performance metrics. A Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract typically outlines specific research objectives, milestones, and final products. The fixed fee is earned upon successful completion of these defined tasks. Without access to the contract's statement of work, it's impossible to assess the clarity and achievability of these metrics or how they are monitored.
How does the agency mitigate the risk of cost overruns inherent in a CPFF R&D contract for UAS?
Mitigation strategies for CPFF R&D contracts often include robust Earned Value Management (EVM) systems, detailed cost tracking, regular progress reviews, and strict adherence to the Statement of Work. The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) plays a crucial role in monitoring contractor performance and costs. However, the inherent uncertainty in R&D makes complete cost control challenging, requiring proactive management and clear communication.
What is the expected long-term technological impact or return on investment for this $81.5M UAS R&D expenditure?
The long-term technological impact is expected to be significant, enhancing naval aviation capabilities with advanced UAS. This could lead to improved surveillance, reconnaissance, and operational effectiveness. The return on investment is measured not just in financial terms but also in strategic advantage and national security. Specific ROI metrics are difficult to quantify for R&D but are anticipated through successful technology maturation and potential future procurement.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and 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
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 12015 LEE JACKSON HWY, FAIRFAX, VA, 22033
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $82,467,490
Exercised Options: $82,467,490
Current Obligation: $81,522,751
Actual Outlays: $9,062,744
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 74
Total Subaward Amount: $214,564,532
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA807518D0011
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-09-30
Current End Date: 2025-06-04
Potential End Date: 2025-06-04 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-06-05
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