DoD's $20M Airborne Systems Integration R&D Contract Awarded to Booz Allen Hamilton
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $20,032,795 ($20.0M)
Contractor: Booz Allen Hamilton Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-06-23
End Date: 2027-06-22
Contract Duration: 1,460 days
Daily Burn Rate: $13.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: AIRBORNE SYSTEMS INTEGRATION DIVISION SENSITIVE COMPARTMENTED INFORMATION OPERATIONAL SUPPORT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Place of Performance
Location: MCLEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22102
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $20.0 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC for work described as: AIRBORNE SYSTEMS INTEGRATION DIVISION SENSITIVE COMPARTMENTED INFORMATION OPERATIONAL SUPPORT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advanced R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Booz Allen Hamilton, a large established firm, secured the award. 3. The contract is for a significant duration, spanning nearly four years. 4. No small business participation is indicated, potentially limiting broader economic impact.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type allows for flexibility in R&D but can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. The total award value of $20M over four years suggests a moderate annual spend.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and ensures fair market value is sought.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for critical research and development needs.
Public Impact
Advancement in critical airborne systems integration technology. Potential for technological breakthroughs benefiting national security. Investment in specialized scientific and engineering expertise.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of small business participation.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can be susceptible to cost growth.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Supports critical national security research.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The $20M award is moderate for R&D contracts within the defense sector, which often see larger investments.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not awarded to a small business, and there is no indication of small business subcontracting. This represents a missed opportunity to leverage the innovation and capabilities of smaller firms in this specialized R&D area.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force awarded this contract, implying oversight from a major military branch. The duration and value suggest a need for robust program management and financial oversight to ensure objectives are met efficiently.
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 small business participation.
- Long contract duration may introduce execution risks.
- Specific R&D focus areas are not publicly detailed.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $20.0 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC. AIRBORNE SYSTEMS INTEGRATION DIVISION SENSITIVE COMPARTMENTED INFORMATION OPERATIONAL SUPPORT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON 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 $20.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-06-23. End: 2027-06-22.
What specific airborne systems integration capabilities will this R&D effort focus on, and how do they align with current and future Air Force operational needs?
The contract specifies 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)' for airborne systems integration. While the exact focus areas are not detailed, it likely pertains to enhancing sensor fusion, communication systems, data processing, or platform integration for airborne assets. Alignment with Air Force needs would depend on specific program objectives related to next-generation aircraft, drones, or space-based systems requiring advanced integration.
Given the CPFF contract type, what mechanisms are in place to control costs and prevent scope creep during the four-year performance period?
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require strong government oversight. Mechanisms likely include detailed work breakdown structures, regular progress reviews, Earned Value Management (EVM) systems, and strict change control processes. The Air Force contracting officers and program managers will monitor expenditures against the fixed fee and established cost ceilings to ensure efficient use of funds and prevent unauthorized expansion of the project's scope.
How will the success and effectiveness of the R&D outcomes be measured to ensure value for taxpayer investment?
Effectiveness will be measured against predefined technical milestones and performance metrics outlined in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW). This could include successful prototype development, demonstration of new functionalities, achievement of specific performance targets (e.g., speed, accuracy, reliability), and successful integration testing. Regular technical reviews and final acceptance testing by the Air Force will determine the overall success and value derived from the R&D 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
Parent Company: Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation
Address: 8283 GREENSBORO DR, MCLEAN, VA, 22102
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $29,187,058
Exercised Options: $29,187,058
Current Obligation: $20,032,795
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 4
Total Subaward Amount: $1,905,188
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA807518D0004
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-06-23
Current End Date: 2027-06-22
Potential End Date: 2027-06-22 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-22
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