DoD's $32.6M Aerial Delivery Contract Awarded to HII Mission Technologies Corp

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,633,411 ($32.6M)

Contractor: HII Mission Technologies Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-12-09

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 2,029 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: AERIAL DELIVERY ANALYSIS COMBAT CAPABILITIES DEVELOPMENT COMMAND (CCDC) SOLDIER CENTER

Place of Performance

Location: NATICK, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01760

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $32.6 million to HII MISSION TECHNOLOGIES CORP for work described as: AERIAL DELIVERY ANALYSIS COMBAT CAPABILITIES DEVELOPMENT COMMAND (CCDC) SOLDIER CENTER Key points: 1. The contract focuses on research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. HII Mission Technologies Corp. is the sole awardee under full and open competition. 3. The contract duration extends to June 2026, with potential for extensions. 4. This award falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS 541715.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult due to the specialized nature of aerial delivery systems.

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 awardee and the nature of the work may limit the number of truly competitive bids.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced research and development, aiming to improve combat capabilities. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure requires careful oversight to ensure value for money.

Public Impact

Enhances soldier capabilities through advanced aerial delivery systems. Supports technological advancements in defense research and development. Potential for spin-off technologies benefiting civilian sectors. Contributes to the modernization of military equipment and logistics.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type can incentivize cost overruns.
  • Limited visibility into specific performance metrics and deliverables.
  • Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded under full and open competition.
  • Supports critical defense research and development.
  • Long-term contract duration allows for sustained innovation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS 541715. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority but can be prone to cost overruns and long development cycles.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and the awardee is a large corporation. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be critical given the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure. The Department of Defense and the Air Force will need robust mechanisms to track costs, progress, and ensure the effective use of taxpayer funds.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
  • R&D projects inherently carry technical and schedule risks.
  • Limited public information on specific deliverables.
  • Potential for contractor cost overruns.

Tags

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $32.6 million to HII MISSION TECHNOLOGIES CORP. AERIAL DELIVERY ANALYSIS COMBAT CAPABILITIES DEVELOPMENT COMMAND (CCDC) SOLDIER CENTER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HII MISSION TECHNOLOGIES CORP.

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 $32.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-12-09. End: 2026-06-30.

What specific aerial delivery capabilities are being developed, and how do they align with current and future combat needs?

The contract aims to develop advanced aerial delivery systems for the CCDC Soldier Center. While specific capabilities are not detailed, the focus on R&D suggests innovation in areas like precision airdrop, cargo delivery to austere environments, or personnel insertion/extraction. These developments are intended to enhance soldier survivability, operational flexibility, and logistical support in diverse combat scenarios.

What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this R&D project?

The primary risk with CPFF for R&D is the potential for cost overruns, as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee. If the project scope expands or unforeseen technical challenges arise, costs can escalate beyond initial estimates. This necessitates stringent government oversight to control expenditures and ensure the contractor remains efficient in achieving project milestones within the allocated budget.

How will the effectiveness of the developed aerial delivery systems be measured and validated post-development?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through a combination of rigorous testing, simulations, and operational field trials. This includes assessing performance against defined requirements, such as payload capacity, accuracy, reliability in various environmental conditions, and ease of integration with existing military platforms. Feedback from end-users during testing phases will be crucial for validating the practical utility and effectiveness of the new systems.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENTC – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc

Address: 4021 EXECUTIVE DR, BEAVERCREEK, OH, 45430

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $83,547,664

Exercised Options: $83,547,664

Current Obligation: $32,633,411

Actual Outlays: $3,413,671

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 31

Total Subaward Amount: $347,037,122

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA807518D0002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2020-12-09

Current End Date: 2026-06-30

Potential End Date: 2026-06-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-12-08

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