Army awards $19.4M R&D contract for advanced special operations skills research to MANTECH TSG-2 JOINT VENTURE

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,454,073 ($19.5M)

Contractor: Mantech TSG-2 Joint Venture

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-08-15

End Date: 2025-08-14

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: SPECIAL OPERATIONS ADVANCED SKILL RESEARCH ARMY 6TH BATTALION, 2ND SPECIAL WARFARE TRAINING GROUP (AIRBORNE) UNITED STATES ARMY JOHN F KENNEDY SPECIAL WARFARE CENTER

Place of Performance

Location: FORT BRAGG, CUMBERLAND County, NORTH CAROLINA, 28310

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $19.5 million to MANTECH TSG-2 JOINT VENTURE for work described as: SPECIAL OPERATIONS ADVANCED SKILL RESEARCH ARMY 6TH BATTALION, 2ND SPECIAL WARFARE TRAINING GROUP (AIRBORNE) UNITED STATES ARMY JOHN F KENNEDY SPECIAL WARFARE CENTER Key points: 1. Contract focuses on specialized R&D within the physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 4. Performance period spans three years, indicating a medium-term research initiative. 5. The awardee, MANTECH TSG-2 JOINT VENTURE, will support the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center. 6. This contract falls under the broad category of Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 7. The contract is a delivery order, suggesting it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this $19.4 million contract is challenging without more specific details on the deliverables and the scope of 'advanced skill research.' The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type introduces inherent risk for cost control, as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. While CPFF can be appropriate for research and development where the scope is not fully defined, it requires robust oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable. Comparing this to similar R&D contracts for specialized military training or human performance enhancement would provide a clearer picture of value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The data does not specify the number of bids received, which is crucial for assessing the intensity of the competition. A high number of bids typically suggests greater price discovery and potentially more competitive pricing for the government. However, without knowing the number of bidders, it's difficult to definitively state how effectively competition drove down costs or improved the quality of proposals.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it maximizes the pool of potential offerors, increasing the likelihood of receiving competitive pricing and innovative solutions. This approach helps ensure that government funds are used efficiently by fostering a market-driven environment.

Public Impact

Special operations forces personnel will benefit from advancements in training and skill development. The research aims to enhance the capabilities of the Army's 6th Battalion, 2nd Special Warfare Training Group. Geographic impact is primarily focused on military training facilities, likely within the United States. Workforce implications include specialized research personnel and potential impacts on military training methodologies.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent risk of cost overruns if not closely monitored.
Lack of specific details on deliverables makes it difficult to assess the true value and scope of the research.
The 'advanced skill research' is broad and could encompass a wide range of activities, requiring clear performance metrics.
Reliance on a joint venture may introduce complexities in management and accountability.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, maximizing potential for competitive pricing and innovation.
Supports critical research for special operations forces, potentially enhancing national security capabilities.
The contract is for a defined period (3 years), allowing for focused research and development efforts.
The research is aligned with the mission of the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center, indicating strategic relevance.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically NAICS code 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences). This is a broad category encompassing scientific research and experimental development. The market for defense-related R&D is substantial, with significant government investment aimed at maintaining technological superiority. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other contracts for specialized military training research, human performance optimization, or advanced simulation technologies within the Department of Defense.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation (ss and sb fields) is false, meaning this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem appears minimal unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for specialized support. Further investigation into the contractor's subcontracting plan would be needed to fully assess the implications.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract will likely be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant program executive office within the Department of the Army. Robust oversight will be critical to monitor allowable costs, ensure adherence to the fixed fee, and track research progress against defined milestones. Transparency regarding research outcomes and expenditures would be enhanced by public reporting, though specific details may be limited due to the sensitive nature of special operations research. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Special Operations Forces Training Programs
Military Research and Development
Human Performance Enhancement Research
Advanced Simulation and Training Technologies
Army Special Warfare Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
Scope of 'advanced skill research' is broad and requires clear definition of deliverables.
Potential for cost escalation due to the nature of R&D work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $19.5 million to MANTECH TSG-2 JOINT VENTURE. SPECIAL OPERATIONS ADVANCED SKILL RESEARCH ARMY 6TH BATTALION, 2ND SPECIAL WARFARE TRAINING GROUP (AIRBORNE) UNITED STATES ARMY JOHN F KENNEDY SPECIAL WARFARE CENTER

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 (Department of the Air Force).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $19.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-08-15. End: 2025-08-14.

What is the specific nature of the 'advanced skill research' being conducted under this contract?

The provided data identifies the contract's NAICS code as 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences), indicating the research is scientific in nature. However, the specific 'advanced skills' are not detailed. Given the supporting entity is the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center, it is highly probable the research pertains to enhancing the cognitive, physical, or technical skills of special operations forces personnel. This could range from advanced combat techniques, psychological resilience training, intelligence gathering methodologies, or specialized equipment utilization. Without further documentation or public disclosures from the Department of Defense or MANTECH TSG-2 JOINT VENTURE, the precise scope remains unspecified but is contextually linked to special warfare operations.

How does the $19.4 million cost compare to similar R&D contracts for special operations training?

Direct comparison of the $19.4 million cost is difficult without access to a comprehensive database of similar contracts and their specific deliverables. However, R&D contracts for specialized military applications, particularly those involving human performance and advanced technologies, can range significantly. Contracts for developing new training methodologies, simulation systems, or enhancing soldier capabilities often require substantial investment. The three-year duration of this contract suggests a moderate scale of investment over time. To provide a robust comparison, one would need to identify contracts with similar objectives (e.g., enhancing cognitive skills, physical endurance, or tactical proficiency for elite units) and analyze their total value, duration, and the specific technologies or methodologies developed. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure also means the final cost could deviate from the initial estimate, further complicating direct comparisons.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will success be measured?

The provided data does not specify the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or the methodology for measuring success for this contract. For a Cost Plus Fixed Fee R&D contract, success is typically measured against predefined research objectives, milestones, and the successful development of prototypes, methodologies, or validated training protocols. The 'advanced skill research' implies a focus on tangible improvements in operator capabilities. Performance would likely be assessed through technical reviews, demonstration of research findings, and potentially user acceptance testing by special operations units. The fixed fee component suggests that achieving these objectives within the estimated cost parameters is also a measure of success. Detailed KPIs would normally be outlined in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) or Performance Work Statement (PWS).

What is the track record of MANTECH TSG-2 JOINT VENTURE in performing similar R&D contracts for the Department of Defense?

Information regarding the specific track record of 'MANTECH TSG-2 JOINT VENTURE' in performing similar R&D contracts for the Department of Defense is not available in the provided data snippet. A thorough assessment would require accessing contract databases (like FPDS or SAM.gov) to review past performance ratings, contract history, and any reported issues or successes associated with this specific joint venture or its parent entities. Understanding their experience in areas like special operations research, human performance enhancement, or defense-related R&D would be crucial for evaluating their capability to successfully execute this contract. Without this historical data, the assessment relies solely on the current contract's terms and the general reputation of the involved entities, if known.

What are the potential risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this specific research?

The primary risk associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this 'advanced skill research' is the potential for cost overruns. While the fee is fixed, the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred. If the research proves more complex or time-consuming than initially anticipated, or if costs for labor, materials, or overhead increase, the total contract cost to the government could escalate significantly beyond initial projections. Effective oversight is paramount to scrutinize allowable costs and prevent inefficiencies. Another risk is that the contractor might prioritize cost recovery over optimal research outcomes, although the fixed fee is intended to incentivize efficiency. The CPFF structure is often used when the scope of work is not precisely defined, as is common in R&D, but it places a greater burden on the government to manage and monitor expenditures closely.

How does this contract align with broader Army or DoD strategic goals for special operations modernization?

This contract directly aligns with broader Army and Department of Defense (DoD) strategic goals focused on modernizing special operations forces (SOF) capabilities. SOF are critical assets in asymmetric warfare, counter-terrorism, and special reconnaissance. Continuous investment in research and development is essential to ensure SOF maintain a technological and operational edge. Research into 'advanced skills' likely aims to improve SOF effectiveness in complex environments, enhance their survivability, and adapt to evolving threats. By supporting the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center, the contract directly contributes to the training and development infrastructure necessary for SOF readiness and future operational success, fitting within the DoD's overarching objective of maintaining a dominant and adaptable fighting 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 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: 2

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: $19,532,750

Exercised Options: $19,532,750

Current Obligation: $19,454,073

Actual Outlays: $-1,922

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 23

Total Subaward Amount: $14,136,735

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