DoD Awards $29.2M for EW/ISR Systems Development for EA-18 Aircraft
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $29,232,748 ($29.2M)
Contractor: Amentum Services, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-07-29
End Date: 2029-07-28
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $16.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING OF ELECTRONIC WARFARE AND INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, AND RECONNAISSANCE SYSTEMS FOR NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND EA-18 AIRCRAFT PROGRAM OFFICE AND NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER CRANE DIVISION AIRBORNE ELECTRONIC ATTACK SYSTEM
Place of Performance
Location: CRANE, MARTIN County, INDIANA, 47522
State: Indiana Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $29.2 million to AMENTUM SERVICES, INC. for work described as: DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING OF ELECTRONIC WARFARE AND INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, AND RECONNAISSANCE SYSTEMS FOR NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND EA-18 AIRCRAFT PROGRAM OFFICE AND NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER CRANE DIVISION AIRBORNE ELECTRONIC ATTACK SYSTEM Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical electronic warfare and ISR systems for naval aviation. 2. Amentum Services, Inc. is the sole awardee for this delivery order. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, indicating potential for cost overruns. 4. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences is the primary sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type, while allowing flexibility, can lead to higher costs than fixed-price contracts if not managed carefully. Benchmarking is difficult without specific cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process. However, this specific award is a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger contract vehicle.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced defense system development, with the ultimate value dependent on the effectiveness and efficiency of the R&D outcomes.
Public Impact
Enhances capabilities of the EA-18 aircraft, crucial for electronic warfare and intelligence gathering. Supports the Naval Air Systems Command and Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division. Potential for technological advancements in defense systems. Long-term contract duration (5 years) suggests sustained need for these capabilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- No small business participation noted
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition
- Supports critical naval aviation programs
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is vital for maintaining technological superiority in defense, but often involves higher risk and less predictable outcomes compared to procurement of existing systems.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates no small business participation in this specific contract award. Efforts to include small businesses in defense R&D contracts are important for innovation and economic impact.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Department of Defense, which has established oversight mechanisms for R&D projects. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires diligent monitoring to control costs and ensure value.
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
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type may lead to cost overruns.
- Lack of small business participation.
- Long contract duration increases exposure to evolving threats and technological obsolescence.
- R&D projects inherently carry a higher risk of failure or underperformance compared to procurement.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, in, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $29.2 million to AMENTUM SERVICES, INC.. DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING OF ELECTRONIC WARFARE AND INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, AND RECONNAISSANCE SYSTEMS FOR NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND EA-18 AIRCRAFT PROGRAM OFFICE AND NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER CRANE DIVISION AIRBORNE ELECTRONIC ATTACK SYSTEM
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AMENTUM SERVICES, 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 $29.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-07-29. End: 2029-07-28.
What is the projected return on investment for this R&D spending in terms of enhanced warfighting capabilities?
The return on investment is difficult to quantify precisely at this R&D stage. It hinges on the successful development of advanced EW/ISR systems that provide a significant tactical advantage, reduce risk to personnel, and potentially deter adversaries. The long-term value will be realized through the operational effectiveness and lifespan of the upgraded EA-18 aircraft.
What are the key technical risks associated with developing these advanced EW/ISR systems, and how are they being mitigated?
Key risks include technological immaturity, integration challenges with existing aircraft systems, and potential for evolving threat environments rendering the developed systems obsolete. Mitigation strategies likely involve phased development, rigorous testing and validation, and close collaboration between Amentum and naval program offices to adapt to changing requirements and threats.
How will the effectiveness of the developed EW/ISR systems be measured and validated post-development?
Effectiveness will be measured through a combination of laboratory testing, simulated mission exercises, and ultimately, operational testing aboard EA-18 aircraft. Key performance parameters related to signal detection, jamming effectiveness, data processing speed, and system reliability will be assessed against defined mission requirements and threat scenarios.
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: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Pae-Parsons Global Logistics Services, LLC
Address: 4800 WESTFIELDS BLVD STE 400, CHANTILLY, VA, 20151
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $105,134,567
Exercised Options: $105,134,567
Current Obligation: $29,232,748
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $1,771,151
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA807518D0014
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-07-29
Current End Date: 2029-07-28
Potential End Date: 2029-07-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-15
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