DoD Awards $80.9M for Acoustic and Visual Signature Generation Analysis to Leidos, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $80,945,040 ($80.9M)

Contractor: Leidos, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2021-09-08

End Date: 2026-09-07

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $44.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: ACOUSTIC AND VISUAL SIGNATURE GENERATION ANALYSIS

Place of Performance

Location: BETHESDA, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20817

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $80.9 million to LEIDOS, INC. for work described as: ACOUSTIC AND VISUAL SIGNATURE GENERATION ANALYSIS Key points: 1. Leidos, Inc. secured a significant contract for advanced R&D in physical sciences. 2. The contract falls under the R&D sector, specifically focusing on signature generation. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract value is substantial, indicating a critical need for these services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure allows for flexibility in R&D projects. The fixed fee component provides a degree of cost control for the government, while CPFF accommodates the inherent uncertainties in research and development.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

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

Public Impact

Enhances national security capabilities through advanced signature analysis. Supports technological advancement in defense research and development. Potential for dual-use applications in civilian sectors requiring advanced sensing and analysis.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.
  • Reliance on a single large contractor for critical R&D.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded through full and open competition.
  • Long-term contract duration allows for sustained research.
  • Focus on critical defense technology.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS code 541715. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority and innovation within the Department of Defense.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Leidos, Inc., a large business. There is no explicit indication of small business subcontracting goals within the provided data, which could be an area for further review.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Air Force is the contracting activity. Oversight will be critical to ensure the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure is managed effectively and that research objectives are met within budget.

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

  • Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
  • Lack of explicit small business participation noted.
  • Complexity of R&D may lead to scope creep.
  • Dependence on contractor's technical expertise.

Tags

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $80.9 million to LEIDOS, INC.. ACOUSTIC AND VISUAL SIGNATURE GENERATION ANALYSIS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LEIDOS, 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 $80.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-09-08. End: 2026-09-07.

What specific advancements in acoustic and visual signature generation are expected from this contract?

This contract is expected to yield advancements in the generation and analysis of acoustic and visual signatures, likely for defense applications such as target identification, tracking, and stealth technology. The research aims to improve the government's understanding and manipulation of these signatures, potentially leading to enhanced intelligence gathering and operational effectiveness.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for R&D in this domain?

The primary risks with a CPFF contract for R&D include potential cost overruns if the scope of work expands or unforeseen technical challenges arise. There's also a risk that the fixed fee might not adequately incentivize the contractor to control costs if profit margins are perceived as too high. Effective government oversight is crucial to mitigate these risks.

How will the effectiveness of the generated acoustic and visual signatures be measured and validated?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through rigorous testing and validation protocols defined in the contract's statement of work. This could involve comparing generated signatures against known targets, assessing their accuracy in simulated or real-world scenarios, and evaluating their utility for intelligence or operational purposes by end-users within the Department of Defense.

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: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Leidos Holdings, Inc.

Address: 1750 PRESIDENTS ST, 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: $83,489,280

Exercised Options: $83,489,280

Current Obligation: $80,945,040

Actual Outlays: $4,395,674

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 94

Total Subaward Amount: $11,564,663

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA807518D0009

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2021-09-08

Current End Date: 2026-09-07

Potential End Date: 2026-09-07 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2026-01-15

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