DoD's $28.6M MCWL Contract Awarded to Booz Allen Hamilton for Concept-Based Force Design R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $28,565,767 ($28.6M)
Contractor: Booz Allen Hamilton Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-07-05
End Date: 2028-07-04
Contract Duration: 1,826 days
Daily Burn Rate: $15.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: CONCEPT-BASED FORCE DESIGN AND RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR THE MARINE CORPS WARFIGHTING LABORATORY (MCWL) FUTURES DIRECTORATE EXPERIMENT DIVISION
Place of Performance
Location: QUANTICO, PRINCE WILLIAM County, VIRGINIA, 22134
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $28.6 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC for work described as: CONCEPT-BASED FORCE DESIGN AND RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR THE MARINE CORPS WARFIGHTING LABORATORY (MCWL) FUTURES DIRECTORATE EXPERIMENT DIVISION Key points: 1. Booz Allen Hamilton, a large defense contractor, secured this contract. 2. The contract focuses on R&D for the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The sector is Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 5. Potential risks include the effectiveness of R&D spending and long-term value.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking is difficult without specific deliverables, but the per-unit cost is not readily available.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust price discovery process. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure may still present challenges in ensuring optimal value for taxpayer money.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced R&D, with the potential for significant future benefits if successful, but also the risk of inefficient spending.
Public Impact
Supports the Marine Corps' future warfighting capabilities through R&D. Invests in innovation for national defense. Potential for technological advancements that could impact future military operations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost escalation.
- Long-term R&D effectiveness can be difficult to measure.
- Reliance on a single large contractor for critical R&D.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Focus on future warfighting capabilities.
- Supports innovation within the Department of Defense.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the R&D sector, specifically focusing on advanced concepts for the Marine Corps. Spending benchmarks for this niche area are hard to establish, but R&D investments are crucial for maintaining technological superiority.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Booz Allen Hamilton, a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award, which is common for large-scale R&D contracts.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force, acting on behalf of the Department of Defense, is the awarding agency. Oversight will be critical to ensure the R&D objectives are met efficiently and effectively under the CPFF contract.
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.
- Long-term R&D effectiveness.
- Potential for scope creep.
- Measuring R&D ROI.
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 $28.6 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC. CONCEPT-BASED FORCE DESIGN AND RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR THE MARINE CORPS WARFIGHTING LABORATORY (MCWL) FUTURES DIRECTORATE EXPERIMENT DIVISION
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 $28.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-07-05. End: 2028-07-04.
How will the effectiveness of the R&D be measured and ensured?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through milestone achievements, prototype development, and demonstrated capabilities aligned with the MCWL Futures Directorate's strategic goals. Regular reviews and technical assessments by the government will be crucial to monitor progress and ensure the R&D efforts are on track to deliver tangible advancements for future warfighting concepts.
What are the primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for R&D?
The primary risks include potential cost overruns if the scope of work expands or unforeseen technical challenges arise, and the difficulty in defining and measuring the 'success' of R&D outcomes. Ensuring the contractor maintains focus on innovation and efficiency, rather than simply incurring costs, will require diligent government oversight and clear performance metrics.
What is the expected long-term value proposition for the Marine Corps from this investment?
The long-term value proposition lies in developing innovative concepts and technologies that enhance the Marine Corps' future operational effectiveness and maintain a strategic advantage. Successful R&D could lead to new doctrines, equipment, or operational approaches, ensuring the Corps remains adaptable and capable in evolving geopolitical landscapes.
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
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: $107,940,805
Exercised Options: $107,940,805
Current Obligation: $28,565,767
Actual Outlays: $85,015
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 13
Total Subaward Amount: $28,333,095
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: 2023-07-05
Current End Date: 2028-07-04
Potential End Date: 2028-07-04 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-22
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