DoD's $17M Naval Expeditionary Weapon Systems R&D Contract Awarded to Science Applications International Corp
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $17,090,151 ($17.1M)
Contractor: Science Applications International Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2022-12-07
End Date: 2027-12-07
Contract Duration: 1,826 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF EXPEDITIONARY WEAPON SYSTEMS FOR NAVAL SEA SYSTEMS COMMAND NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER CRANE WEAPON SYSTEMS DIVISION AND PROGRAM EXECUTIVE OFFICE, UNMANNED AND SMALL COMBATANTS NAVAL SPECIAL WARFARE
Place of Performance
Location: CRANE, MARTIN County, INDIANA, 47522
State: Indiana Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $17.1 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION for work described as: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF EXPEDITIONARY WEAPON SYSTEMS FOR NAVAL SEA SYSTEMS COMMAND NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER CRANE WEAPON SYSTEMS DIVISION AND PROGRAM EXECUTIVE OFFICE, UNMANNED AND SMALL COMBATANTS NAVAL SPECIAL WARFARE Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advanced weapon systems for naval applications, including unmanned platforms. 2. Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) is a major defense contractor with extensive R&D capabilities. 3. The contract's value is moderate for a large-scale R&D effort in this specialized sector. 4. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure is common for R&D where costs can be unpredictable. While CPFF can incentivize cost control, it requires robust oversight to ensure value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders likely participated. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value offer.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for critical defense research and development.
Public Impact
Enhances naval warfare capabilities with advanced weapon systems. Supports innovation in unmanned and small combatant platforms. Contributes to the technological edge of the U.S. Navy. Potential for spin-off technologies benefiting other defense or commercial sectors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- CPFF contracts can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
- Long performance period (5 years) increases risk of scope creep or changing requirements.
- Specific weapon system details are not publicly disclosed, limiting transparency on exact R&D focus.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- SAIC is a reputable contractor with relevant expertise.
- Focus on critical naval modernization and unmanned systems.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically for advanced weapon systems. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining military technological superiority, with significant government investment annually.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to a large business (SAIC) and did not indicate any specific small business set-aside or subcontracting goals. This suggests limited direct impact or opportunity for small businesses on this prime contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type necessitates strong government oversight to monitor costs, schedule, and performance. Regular reviews and audits will be critical to ensure accountability and prevent contractor overreach.
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 Overruns (CPFF)
- Scope Creep
- Technological Obsolescence
- Integration Challenges
- Long Performance Period Risk
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, in, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $17.1 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF EXPEDITIONARY WEAPON SYSTEMS FOR NAVAL SEA SYSTEMS COMMAND NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER CRANE WEAPON SYSTEMS DIVISION AND PROGRAM EXECUTIVE OFFICE, UNMANNED AND SMALL COMBATANTS NAVAL SPECIAL WARFARE
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 $17.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-12-07. End: 2027-12-07.
What specific technological advancements are being pursued under this contract, and how do they align with current naval strategic priorities?
While specific details are classified, the contract focuses on 'Expeditionary Weapon Systems' for naval applications, including 'Unmanned and Small Combatant' platforms. This suggests R&D into next-generation offensive and defensive capabilities, potentially including directed energy, advanced munitions, or autonomous weapon integration, directly supporting the Navy's modernization efforts towards a more distributed and technologically advanced fleet.
What are the primary risks associated with the CPFF contract structure for this R&D effort, and how are they being mitigated?
The primary risk with CPFF is potential cost overruns, as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee. Mitigation likely involves stringent government oversight, detailed cost tracking, performance metrics, and regular reviews to ensure the contractor remains efficient and focused on project objectives within the estimated cost parameters.
How will the effectiveness of the developed weapon systems be measured, and what are the key performance indicators (KPIs)?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through rigorous testing and evaluation phases, including simulations, live-fire exercises, and operational assessments. Key performance indicators would probably include system reliability, accuracy, range, lethality, integration capabilities with existing naval platforms, and adherence to safety and operational requirements defined by NAVSEA and PEO Unmanned and Small Combatants.
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: 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: $39,329,841
Exercised Options: $39,329,841
Current Obligation: $17,090,151
Actual Outlays: $28,561
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 10
Total Subaward Amount: $12,583,595
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: 2022-12-07
Current End Date: 2027-12-07
Potential End Date: 2027-12-07 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-24
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