DoD Awards $23.8M for Infrared/RF Systems R&D to Leidos, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,838,001 ($23.8M)

Contractor: Leidos, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-09-27

End Date: 2028-09-26

Contract Duration: 1,826 days

Daily Burn Rate: $13.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: RDT&E OF INFRARED/RADIO FREQUENCY SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGIES FOR NAVAIR SYSTEMS COMMAND ADVANCED EXPENDABLE INFRARED COUNTERMEASURES PROGRAM OFFICE AND NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER, CRANE DIVISION SPECTRUM WARFARE SYSTEMS DEPARTMENT

Place of Performance

Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20190

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $23.8 million to LEIDOS, INC. for work described as: RDT&E OF INFRARED/RADIO FREQUENCY SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGIES FOR NAVAIR SYSTEMS COMMAND ADVANCED EXPENDABLE INFRARED COUNTERMEASURES PROGRAM OFFICE AND NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER, CRANE DIVISION SPECTRUM WARFARE SYSTEMS DEPARTMENT Key points: 1. Leidos, Inc. secured a significant contract for advanced countermeasure technology. 2. The contract falls under R&D for physical, engineering, and life sciences. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 4. The sector is defense technology, a critical area for national security.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract is a delivery order under a larger award, making direct pricing comparisons difficult. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure indicates a defined profit margin for the contractor.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing and allows for a broad range of potential bidders to participate.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in critical defense R&D, aiming for technological advancement in countermeasure systems.

Public Impact

Enhances U.S. military's ability to counter threats. Supports innovation in advanced defense technologies. Contributes to the readiness of naval aviation and surface warfare capabilities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.
  • Long contract duration (5 years) may present risks if technology requirements shift.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded under full and open competition.
  • Focus on critical R&D for national security.
  • Contractor has a strong track record in defense sector.

Sector Analysis

This contract is within the defense sector, specifically focusing on research and development for advanced infrared and radio frequency systems. Spending benchmarks in this area are highly variable due to the specialized nature of R&D.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was awarded to Leidos, Inc., a large business. There is no specific information provided regarding subcontracting opportunities for small businesses on this particular delivery order.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by NAVAIR Systems Command and NSWC Crane Division, both part of the Department of Defense, which have established oversight mechanisms for R&D contracts.

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 in CPFF contract.
  • Long contract duration may lead to obsolescence.
  • Reliance on a single large contractor.
  • Complexity of R&D projects can lead to delays.

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 $23.8 million to LEIDOS, INC.. RDT&E OF INFRARED/RADIO FREQUENCY SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGIES FOR NAVAIR SYSTEMS COMMAND ADVANCED EXPENDABLE INFRARED COUNTERMEASURES PROGRAM OFFICE AND NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER, CRANE DIVISION SPECTRUM WARFARE SYSTEMS DEPARTMENT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LEIDOS, 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 $23.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-27. End: 2028-09-26.

What is the projected technological advantage gained from this R&D investment?

The projected technological advantage is the development of next-generation infrared and radio frequency countermeasure systems. These systems are intended to enhance the survivability of naval platforms by detecting, identifying, and disrupting enemy threats, thereby maintaining a critical edge in electronic warfare capabilities.

What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type for this R&D effort?

The primary risks with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for R&D include potential for cost growth if the scope of work expands beyond initial estimates, and the contractor may have less incentive to control costs compared to fixed-price contracts. Effective government oversight is crucial to mitigate these risks.

How does this investment align with current and future defense strategies regarding electronic warfare?

This investment directly aligns with defense strategies emphasizing the need for advanced electronic warfare capabilities. As threats evolve, maintaining superiority in infrared and radio frequency countermeasures is paramount for protecting naval assets and ensuring mission success in contested environments.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesScientific Research and Development ServicesResearch and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENTC – 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: Leidos Holdings, Inc.

Address: 1750 PRESIDENTS ST, 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: $46,282,753

Exercised Options: $46,282,753

Current Obligation: $23,838,001

Actual Outlays: $176,894

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 18

Total Subaward Amount: $21,338,162

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA807518D0009

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2023-09-27

Current End Date: 2028-09-26

Potential End Date: 2028-09-26 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-12-17

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