DoD awards $30.3M for space security R&D to Booz Allen Hamilton, focusing on threat assessment

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $30,263,261 ($30.3M)

Contractor: Booz Allen Hamilton Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-12-01

End Date: 2028-11-30

Contract Duration: 1,826 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: THREAT ASSESSMENT AND VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS FOR SPACE SECURITY AND DEFENSE PROGRAM AND SPACE WARFIGHTING ANALYSIS CENTER

Place of Performance

Location: COLORADO SPRINGS, EL PASO County, COLORADO, 80916

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $30.3 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC for work described as: THREAT ASSESSMENT AND VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS FOR SPACE SECURITY AND DEFENSE PROGRAM AND SPACE WARFIGHTING ANALYSIS CENTER Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical research and development for space security and defense. 2. Booz Allen Hamilton, a large established contractor, secured this award. 3. The contract duration of 5 years suggests a long-term need for these services. 4. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences is a key government focus area. 5. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) indicates potential for cost overruns if not managed carefully. 6. Awarded by the Department of the Air Force, highlighting its strategic importance to the branch.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific R&D contract is challenging due to its specialized nature and the lack of directly comparable public data. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type, while common for R&D, can lead to higher costs if the contractor's efficiency is not closely monitored. Without detailed cost breakdowns or comparisons to similar research projects, it's difficult to definitively assess value for money. However, the award to a well-established firm like Booz Allen Hamilton suggests a perceived capability to deliver on complex research objectives.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple interested parties had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the open competition suggests a healthy market for these specialized R&D services. This process is designed to foster price discovery and ensure the government receives competitive offers.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by promoting a competitive environment that can lead to more favorable pricing and a wider range of innovative solutions.

Public Impact

The Department of Defense, specifically the Space Warfighting Analysis Center, will benefit from enhanced threat assessment and vulnerability analysis capabilities. Services delivered will support the development of strategies and technologies for space security and defense. The geographic impact is primarily national, focusing on the strategic interests of the U.S. in space. Workforce implications may include specialized researchers, analysts, and engineers within Booz Allen Hamilton and potentially its subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

CPFF contract type can incentivize higher spending if not rigorously managed.
Specialized R&D can be prone to scope creep and cost overruns.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it hard to gauge immediate value.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting market availability of expertise.
Booz Allen Hamilton is a large, experienced contractor with a track record in defense.
Long contract duration indicates sustained government need for these capabilities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced physical, engineering, and life sciences, excluding nanotechnology and biotechnology. The market for defense-related R&D is substantial, driven by national security imperatives and technological advancements. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of space security and defense research, but significant government investment is typical in this high-stakes domain.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As a large contract awarded to a major prime contractor, there may be opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors. However, the extent of small business subcontracting is not detailed in the provided information and would require further investigation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Air Force contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures would be tied to the terms of the Cost Plus Fixed Fee agreement, requiring detailed reporting and justification of costs. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, but specific project details and cost breakdowns may be limited due to security classifications.

Related Government Programs

Space Security Initiatives
Defense Research and Development Programs
Space Force Operations Support
National Security Space Strategy

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
Specialized R&D can be subject to unforeseen technical challenges and scope changes.
Long contract duration increases exposure to evolving threat landscapes and technological obsolescence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $30.3 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC. THREAT ASSESSMENT AND VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS FOR SPACE SECURITY AND DEFENSE PROGRAM AND SPACE WARFIGHTING ANALYSIS CENTER

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 $30.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-12-01. End: 2028-11-30.

What is Booz Allen Hamilton's track record with similar Department of Defense R&D contracts?

Booz Allen Hamilton has a substantial and long-standing track record of performing research and development services for the Department of Defense across various agencies and branches. They are a major government contractor with extensive experience in areas such as systems engineering, cybersecurity, intelligence analysis, and advanced technology research. Their portfolio includes numerous contracts related to national security, defense modernization, and strategic planning. While specific details on past space security R&D contracts would require deeper analysis of federal procurement data, their overall profile suggests a high level of capability and experience relevant to this award. Their history indicates a capacity to manage complex, high-value research projects, though the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of their performance can vary across individual contracts.

How does the $30.3M award compare to typical spending on space security R&D?

The $30.3 million award for threat assessment and vulnerability analysis for space security and defense is a significant but not extraordinary sum within the broader context of U.S. government spending on space and defense R&D. Major defense programs and research initiatives often involve hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars. However, for a specific research task order focused on analysis and assessment, $30.3 million over five years represents a substantial investment. It suggests a high priority placed on understanding and mitigating threats in the space domain. Comparable contracts for similar analytical R&D efforts can vary widely depending on scope, duration, and the specific technologies or domains involved. This award indicates a focused effort rather than a broad platform development program.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for R&D?

The primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract, particularly for research and development, revolve around cost control and contractor incentive. In a CPFF structure, the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing their profit. The risk for the government is that the contractor may have less incentive to control costs rigorously, as cost overruns are generally covered, and their profit (the fixed fee) remains constant regardless of the final cost. This can lead to the project exceeding its estimated budget. For R&D, where the scope and technical challenges can be uncertain, CPFF contracts are often used because the final costs are difficult to predict upfront. However, effective government oversight, detailed cost tracking, and clear performance metrics are crucial to mitigate the risk of inflated costs and ensure value for taxpayer money.

How does the 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' NAICS code apply to this contract?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541715, 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology),' accurately categorizes this contract. The contract's objective is to conduct 'THREAT ASSESSMENT AND VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS FOR SPACE SECURITY AND DEFENSE PROGRAM AND SPACE WARFIGHTING ANALYSIS CENTER.' This inherently involves applying scientific and engineering principles to understand physical phenomena, analyze complex systems (like space assets and threats), and develop potential solutions or strategies. While it's defense-focused, the core activities are rooted in scientific inquiry and engineering analysis, fitting squarely within the definition of physical and engineering sciences R&D. The exclusion of nanotechnology and biotechnology is also appropriate as these are not the primary focus of the described threat assessment.

What does the contract duration of 1826 days (approx. 5 years) imply about the nature of the work?

A contract duration of 1826 days, approximately five years, for threat assessment and vulnerability analysis in space security and defense implies that the work is strategic, long-term, and likely involves evolving threats and technologies. Such a duration suggests that the government requires sustained research, continuous monitoring, and adaptive analysis rather than a one-time study. The space domain is dynamic, with new threats emerging and existing ones evolving, necessitating ongoing assessment. This extended period allows the contractor to build deep expertise, establish robust analytical frameworks, and potentially adapt their methodologies as the threat landscape changes. It also indicates a significant commitment of resources and a recognition of the complexity and enduring importance of space security for national defense.

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: $76,893,934

Exercised Options: $76,893,934

Current Obligation: $30,263,261

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 8

Total Subaward Amount: $34,886,397

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