DoD's Air University Awards $17.6M R&D Contract to HII Mission Technologies for Innovation Accelerator
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $17,631,641 ($17.6M)
Contractor: HII Mission Technologies Corp
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-08-31
End Date: 2028-08-30
Contract Duration: 1,826 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR AIR UNIVERSITY INNOVATION ACCELERATOR AIR EDUCATION TRAINING COMMAND
Place of Performance
Location: MCLEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22102
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $17.6 million to HII MISSION TECHNOLOGIES CORP for work described as: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR AIR UNIVERSITY INNOVATION ACCELERATOR AIR EDUCATION TRAINING COMMAND Key points: 1. The contract focuses on research and development within the physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. HII Mission Technologies Corp, a significant player, secured this award. 3. The award is under a full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process. 4. This investment aims to foster innovation within the Air Education and Training Command.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 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 a broad search for qualified vendors. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the best value is sought.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in R&D to enhance Air Force innovation capabilities, with the potential for long-term strategic benefits.
Public Impact
Enhances innovation capabilities within the Air Force's education and training command. Supports advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences research. Potential for developing new technologies and methodologies for military applications. Invests in future readiness and technological superiority for the Air Force.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost uncertainty.
- Long duration of the contract (5 years) requires sustained oversight.
- Specific R&D outcomes are not detailed, making immediate value assessment challenging.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Focus on innovation and R&D aligns with strategic modernization goals.
- Contract awarded to a known entity in the defense sector.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining technological advantage, with significant government investment annually across various agencies.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses in this contract award. The prime contractor, HII Mission Technologies Corp, is a large business.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force, under the Department of Defense, is responsible for oversight. The contract's duration necessitates ongoing monitoring to ensure progress and fiscal responsibility.
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 specific R&D project details makes value assessment difficult.
- Long contract duration requires sustained oversight.
- No clear indication of small business participation.
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 $17.6 million to HII MISSION TECHNOLOGIES CORP. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR AIR UNIVERSITY INNOVATION ACCELERATOR AIR EDUCATION TRAINING COMMAND
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is HII MISSION TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
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 $17.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-08-31. End: 2028-08-30.
What specific R&D projects or technological areas will the Innovation Accelerator focus on, and how will their success be measured?
The provided data does not specify the exact R&D projects or technological areas. Success measurement would likely involve defined milestones, deliverables, and performance metrics tied to the innovation goals of the Air University. Further details would be needed to assess the clarity and achievability of these metrics.
How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure mitigate risks of cost overruns for this specific R&D effort?
A Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract allows the contractor to recover allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. While the fee is fixed, the total cost can vary. Mitigation relies heavily on robust government oversight, detailed cost tracking, and clear definition of scope to prevent scope creep and ensure efficient resource utilization.
What is the expected return on investment or strategic advantage anticipated from this $17.6 million R&D expenditure?
The primary expected return is enhanced innovation within the Air Force, potentially leading to new technologies, improved training methods, or more efficient operational capabilities. The strategic advantage lies in maintaining technological superiority and adaptability in a rapidly evolving global landscape. Quantifying ROI is challenging for R&D but crucial for long-term defense readiness.
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: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc
Address: 4021 EXECUTIVE DR, BEAVERCREEK, OH, 45430
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $17,767,254
Exercised Options: $17,767,254
Current Obligation: $17,631,641
Actual Outlays: $2,316
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 13
Total Subaward Amount: $5,622,658
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA807518D0002
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-08-31
Current End Date: 2028-08-30
Potential End Date: 2028-08-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-05
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