DoD Awards $31.9M for Naval Information Warfare Systems Engineering to Leidos, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $31,970,908 ($32.0M)
Contractor: Leidos, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-09-05
End Date: 2029-09-04
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $17.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: AUTONOMOUS AND AUTOMATED SYSTEMS DESIGN, SYSTEM ENGINEERING, AND LIFE-CYCLE DEVELOPMENT ENGINEERING FOR NAVAL INFORMATION WARFARE CENTER PACIFIC
Place of Performance
Location: SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92152
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $32.0 million to LEIDOS, INC. for work described as: AUTONOMOUS AND AUTOMATED SYSTEMS DESIGN, SYSTEM ENGINEERING, AND LIFE-CYCLE DEVELOPMENT ENGINEERING FOR NAVAL INFORMATION WARFARE CENTER PACIFIC Key points: 1. Leidos, Inc. secured a significant contract for advanced systems engineering. 2. The contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically for physical and engineering sciences. 3. Potential risks include the complexity of autonomous systems and long-term life-cycle development. 4. The sector is characterized by high innovation and specialized technical expertise.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $31.9 million appears reasonable for specialized R&D in advanced systems engineering. Benchmarking against similar complex engineering contracts is difficult without more specific data, but the duration and scope suggest a fair price point.
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. This method likely resulted in competitive pricing for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in critical naval information warfare capabilities, aiming for technological advancement and national security.
Public Impact
Enhances U.S. Navy's information warfare capabilities through advanced autonomous systems. Supports technological innovation in defense and national security sectors. Potential for spin-off technologies benefiting civilian applications. Contributes to the development of next-generation defense systems.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration (5 years) increases risk of cost overruns or scope creep.
- Complexity of autonomous and automated systems may lead to unforeseen technical challenges.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical life-cycle development.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
- Focus on R&D aligns with strategic modernization goals.
- Contract supports critical national security infrastructure.
Sector Analysis
This contract is within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced physical and engineering sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority but can be subject to long development cycles and high costs.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Leidos, Inc., a large business. There is no explicit mention of small business participation in this specific award, which could be an area for future consideration.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense, specifically the Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, is responsible for oversight. The contract's duration and complexity will require diligent monitoring to ensure performance and cost control.
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
- High technical complexity of autonomous systems.
- Long contract duration (5 years).
- Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.
- Cybersecurity risks inherent in advanced systems.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ca, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $32.0 million to LEIDOS, INC.. AUTONOMOUS AND AUTOMATED SYSTEMS DESIGN, SYSTEM ENGINEERING, AND LIFE-CYCLE DEVELOPMENT ENGINEERING FOR NAVAL INFORMATION WARFARE CENTER PACIFIC
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 $32.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-09-05. End: 2029-09-04.
What specific metrics will be used to assess the value and effectiveness of the autonomous and automated systems developed under this contract?
Effectiveness will likely be measured against defined performance parameters for the autonomous and automated systems, such as mission success rates, response times, and reliability in simulated or real-world naval environments. Value will be assessed through the successful integration of these systems into existing naval platforms and their contribution to enhanced operational capabilities, potentially measured by cost savings or improved mission outcomes compared to legacy systems.
What are the primary technical risks associated with developing and engineering life-cycle systems for autonomous naval warfare, and how are they being mitigated?
Key risks include the inherent unpredictability of autonomous decision-making in complex, dynamic environments, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and the challenge of ensuring long-term system reliability and maintainability. Mitigation strategies likely involve rigorous testing and validation protocols, phased development with iterative feedback, robust cybersecurity measures integrated from the design phase, and comprehensive training for personnel operating and maintaining these advanced systems.
How does this investment in R&D for naval information warfare align with broader DoD modernization priorities and potential future threats?
This investment directly supports the DoD's priority of modernizing capabilities to counter evolving threats, particularly in contested maritime environments. By focusing on autonomous and automated systems, it addresses the need for faster decision cycles, reduced human risk in dangerous situations, and enhanced situational awareness. This aligns with strategic goals of maintaining information dominance and projecting power effectively in the Indo-Pacific region.
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: 3
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: $223,899,994
Exercised Options: $223,899,994
Current Obligation: $31,970,908
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 4
Total Subaward Amount: $1,193,312
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: 2024-09-05
Current End Date: 2029-09-04
Potential End Date: 2029-09-04 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-12
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