Army awards $17.45M R&D contract to SAIC for autonomous vehicle engineering
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $17,451,548 ($17.5M)
Contractor: Science Applications International Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2022-07-18
End Date: 2027-07-18
Contract Duration: 1,826 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SYSTEMS ANALYSIS FOR AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE ENGINEERING (SAAVE) FOR UNITED STATES (U.S.) ARMY DEVELOPMENT COMMAND (DEVCOM) GROUND VEHICLE SYSTEMS CENTER (GVSC) SYSTEMS ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE (SED)
Place of Performance
Location: WARREN, MACOMB County, MICHIGAN, 48092
State: Michigan Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $17.5 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION for work described as: SYSTEMS ANALYSIS FOR AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE ENGINEERING (SAAVE) FOR UNITED STATES (U.S.) ARMY DEVELOPMENT COMMAND (DEVCOM) GROUND VEHICLE SYSTEMS CENTER (GVSC) SYSTEMS ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE (SED) Key points: 1. Contract focuses on R&D for autonomous vehicle systems for the U.S. Army. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract is a delivery order under a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. 4. The primary sector is Research and Development, specifically in physical and engineering sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. However, the fixed fee component provides some cost certainty. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more specific cost breakdowns.
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 nature of the award suggests that taxpayer funds are being utilized efficiently through a market-driven price discovery process.
Public Impact
Advancement of autonomous vehicle technology for military applications. Potential for improved safety and efficiency in ground vehicle systems. Supports research and development in a critical defense technology area. Job creation and economic impact in the R&D sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize contractor to increase costs.
- Long duration of contract (5 years) may lead to scope creep or changing requirements.
- No small business participation noted.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition ensures competitive pricing.
- Focus on advanced technology development for military modernization.
- Contract awarded to a reputable large business with relevant experience.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement and maintaining a competitive edge in defense capabilities. Benchmarks for R&D contracts vary widely based on scope and complexity.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates no specific set-aside for small businesses on this contract. As a large contract awarded to a major defense contractor, it is unlikely that small businesses will be directly involved as prime contractors, though they may participate as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the U.S. Army DEVCOM GVSC SED. Oversight will likely involve regular performance reviews, cost monitoring, and adherence to technical specifications to ensure accountability and effective use of 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.
- Long contract duration.
- No small business participation.
- Research and Development contracts can have uncertain outcomes.
- Potential for scope creep in advanced technology projects.
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 $17.5 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION. SYSTEMS ANALYSIS FOR AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE ENGINEERING (SAAVE) FOR UNITED STATES (U.S.) ARMY DEVELOPMENT COMMAND (DEVCOM) GROUND VEHICLE SYSTEMS CENTER (GVSC) SYSTEMS ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE (SED)
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 $17.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-07-18. End: 2027-07-18.
What specific autonomous vehicle capabilities are being researched, and how do they align with current and future Army ground vehicle modernization priorities?
The contract aims to provide systems analysis for autonomous vehicle engineering. This likely encompasses research into areas such as sensor fusion, path planning, decision-making algorithms, human-machine interfaces, and vehicle integration. The alignment with Army priorities would depend on the specific R&D objectives outlined in the SOW, but generally, advancements in autonomy are key to future battlefield effectiveness, logistics, and soldier safety.
What are the potential risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract structure in this R&D context, and how are they being mitigated?
CPFF contracts carry a risk of cost overruns if the fixed fee is not adequately determined or if the scope of work expands beyond initial estimates. Mitigation strategies may include robust cost tracking, detailed performance metrics, regular technical reviews, and clear change control processes. The government's oversight is critical to ensure the contractor remains within budget while achieving the research objectives.
How will the effectiveness of the research and development conducted under this contract be measured to ensure value for taxpayer investment?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through a combination of technical milestones, deliverable reports, prototype demonstrations, and performance evaluations against predefined objectives. The Army's Systems Engineering Directorate will assess the quality and applicability of the research findings, ensuring they contribute meaningfully to the development of future autonomous ground vehicle systems and provide a return on investment.
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 › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
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: $17,693,934
Exercised Options: $17,693,934
Current Obligation: $17,451,548
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 14
Total Subaward Amount: $5,640,050
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA807518D0007
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-07-18
Current End Date: 2027-07-18
Potential End Date: 2027-07-18 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-11-25
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