Army Awards $29.8M for Ground Vehicle R&D to HII Mission Technologies Under Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $29,851,794 ($29.9M)

Contractor: HII Mission Technologies Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-09-26

End Date: 2029-09-25

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: POWER AND MOBILITY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR THE UNITED STATES ARMY COMBAT CAPABILITIES DEVELOPMENT COMMAND GROUND VEHICLE SYSTEMS COMMAND

Place of Performance

Location: FORT LEE, PRINCE GEORGE County, VIRGINIA, 23801

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $29.9 million to HII MISSION TECHNOLOGIES CORP for work described as: POWER AND MOBILITY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR THE UNITED STATES ARMY COMBAT CAPABILITIES DEVELOPMENT COMMAND GROUND VEHICLE SYSTEMS COMMAND Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical power and mobility research for Army ground vehicles. 2. HII Mission Technologies Corp, a significant defense contractor, secured the award. 3. The award is a delivery order under a larger contract, indicating ongoing program needs. 4. Research and Development in physical, engineering, and life sciences is a key government investment area.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $29.8M for a 5-year R&D effort appears reasonable given the specialized nature of ground vehicle systems. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts for advanced military technology would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing by allowing all eligible offerors to participate.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down costs for essential research and development.

Public Impact

Enhances U.S. Army's ground vehicle capabilities, potentially improving soldier safety and mission effectiveness. Supports technological advancement in a critical defense sector, fostering innovation. Investment in R&D can lead to long-term economic benefits through technological spin-offs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Contract duration of 5 years requires ongoing monitoring for scope creep and budget adherence.
  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can incentivize contractor to increase costs to maximize profit if not closely managed.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
  • Focus on R&D aligns with strategic modernization goals for the Army.
  • Delivery order structure allows for phased funding and flexibility.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Government spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority and national security, with significant investments often directed towards defense applications.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors. Further investigation would be needed to assess small business participation in this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Defense's contracting oversight mechanisms should ensure adherence to contract terms, budget, and performance standards. Regular reviews and audits are essential for accountability.

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.
  • Long contract duration requires sustained oversight.
  • Dependency on contractor's R&D capabilities.
  • Scope creep risk in R&D projects.

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 $29.9 million to HII MISSION TECHNOLOGIES CORP. POWER AND MOBILITY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR THE UNITED STATES ARMY COMBAT CAPABILITIES DEVELOPMENT COMMAND GROUND VEHICLE SYSTEMS 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 $29.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-26. End: 2029-09-25.

What specific technological advancements are expected from this R&D effort, and how will they translate into tangible improvements for Army ground vehicles?

The R&D is expected to yield advancements in areas like power generation efficiency, energy storage, and mobility systems for future Army ground vehicles. These could translate into longer operational ranges, reduced logistical burdens, enhanced speed and maneuverability, and improved survivability for soldiers operating these platforms, ultimately increasing combat effectiveness.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for R&D, and how can they be mitigated?

The primary risk with CPFF is that the contractor may have less incentive to control costs, as their fee is fixed regardless of the final cost. Mitigation strategies include robust government oversight, detailed cost tracking, performance metrics tied to cost efficiency, and clear definition of work scope to prevent uncontrolled expansion.

How does this investment align with the Army's long-term modernization strategy for ground vehicle systems?

This investment directly supports the Army's modernization strategy by focusing on foundational technologies critical for future ground vehicle capabilities. Advancements in power and mobility are essential for developing next-generation platforms that are more efficient, adaptable, and survivable, aligning with strategic goals for maintaining a technological edge.

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: 1

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: $197,244,261

Exercised Options: $197,244,261

Current Obligation: $29,851,794

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 9

Total Subaward Amount: $8,760,846

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: 2024-09-26

Current End Date: 2029-09-25

Potential End Date: 2029-09-25 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-12-05

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