DoD's $22.5M R&D contract awarded to MANTECH TSG-2 JOINT VENTURE for physical sciences research

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $22,570,743 ($22.6M)

Contractor: Mantech TSG-2 Joint Venture

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-08-14

End Date: 2029-08-13

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: DEPUTY COMMANDANT FOR INFORMATION INFORMATION WAR ROOM DIVISION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Place of Performance

Location: QUANTICO, PRINCE WILLIAM County, VIRGINIA, 22134

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $22.6 million to MANTECH TSG-2 JOINT VENTURE for work described as: DEPUTY COMMANDANT FOR INFORMATION INFORMATION WAR ROOM DIVISION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized R&D services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Potential risks include contractor performance and scope creep. 4. Contract duration of 5 years allows for sustained research efforts. 5. Focus on physical, engineering, and life sciences research. 6. Contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) may incentivize cost overruns if not managed closely.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $22.57 million over five years for R&D services in physical sciences is within a typical range for specialized government research. Benchmarking against similar contracts for R&D in the physical, engineering, and life sciences (NAICS 541715) would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type, while common for R&D where costs are uncertain, requires careful oversight to ensure efficiency and prevent excessive spending.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of two bidders suggests a moderate level of competition for this specific R&D requirement. A higher number of bidders would typically lead to more aggressive pricing and potentially better value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it promotes a wider range of offers and potentially lower prices through market forces.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and potentially the advancement of scientific knowledge in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Services delivered include research and development activities, contributing to technological advancements. The geographic impact is primarily within Virginia, where the contractor is located, but the research outcomes could have national security implications. Workforce implications include employment for scientists, engineers, and support staff involved in the R&D process.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to higher costs if not managed effectively.
Limited number of bidders (2) may indicate a niche market or high barriers to entry, potentially limiting price competition.
The specific nature of R&D can introduce inherent risks of project failure or unmet objectives.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, maximizing potential bidder pool.
Long contract duration (5 years) allows for sustained effort and potential for significant research breakthroughs.
Contractor is a joint venture, potentially bringing diverse expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences (NAICS 541715). This sector is critical for national security and technological advancement, with significant government investment. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other DoD R&D contracts within this NAICS code and similar duration and value.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As a joint venture, MANTECH TSG-2 may itself be structured to include small business participation, but this is not explicitly stated. Further analysis would be needed to determine subcontracting opportunities for small businesses and their overall impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Air Force, with specific program managers responsible for monitoring performance, costs, and adherence to the contract terms. The CPFF structure necessitates rigorous financial oversight to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable. Transparency would be enhanced through regular reporting requirements and potential access to research findings.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
Air Force Science and Technology Investments
Physical Sciences Research Contracts
Engineering Research and Development
Life Sciences Research Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires vigilant cost oversight.
Limited competition (2 bidders) may impact price discovery.
R&D projects inherently carry risks of technical failure or unmet objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $22.6 million to MANTECH TSG-2 JOINT VENTURE. DEPUTY COMMANDANT FOR INFORMATION INFORMATION WAR ROOM DIVISION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MANTECH TSG-2 JOINT VENTURE.

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 $22.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-08-14. End: 2029-08-13.

What is the track record of MANTECH TSG-2 JOINT VENTURE with government contracts, particularly within the Department of Defense?

Information regarding the specific track record of 'MANTECH TSG-2 JOINT VENTURE' is not directly available in the provided data snippet. To assess their track record, a search of federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) would be necessary. This would reveal past performance on similar contracts, any reported issues or awards, and their history of meeting contractual obligations. For a joint venture, understanding the track records of its constituent companies can also provide valuable insight into their collective capabilities and reliability.

How does the awarded amount of $22.57 million compare to typical R&D contracts in the physical sciences sector for the Department of the Air Force?

The $22.57 million contract value over five years for R&D in physical sciences is a substantial but not extraordinary amount for a government contract of this nature. To benchmark effectively, one would need to analyze historical data for contracts under NAICS code 541715 awarded by the Department of the Air Force or DoD more broadly. Factors such as contract duration, specific research focus, and the number of bidders influence pricing. Without comparative data, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents excellent or fair value, but it aligns with the scale of significant R&D investments.

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

The primary risk with a CPFF contract is that the contractor may have less incentive to control costs compared to fixed-price contracts, as costs are reimbursed plus a fixed fee. This can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently. Mitigation strategies include robust government oversight, detailed cost accounting standards, regular audits, and clear definition of the 'fixed fee' component. The government must actively monitor expenditures, ensure all costs are reasonable and allocable to the contract, and enforce reporting requirements to maintain control over the project's financial trajectory.

What is the significance of the contract being for 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)'?

This classification (NAICS 541715) indicates the contract supports fundamental and applied research aimed at advancing knowledge and capabilities in areas like physics, chemistry, materials science, various engineering disciplines, and biological sciences, excluding highly specialized fields like nanotechnology and biotechnology. This focus suggests the contract is intended to foster innovation, develop new technologies, or solve complex scientific challenges relevant to national security or other government missions. The exclusion of specific sub-fields implies a targeted approach to R&D investment.

How does the duration of 1825 days (5 years) impact the potential outcomes and risks of this R&D contract?

A five-year duration is significant for an R&D contract, allowing for sustained research efforts, iterative development, and the potential to tackle complex, long-term scientific problems. This extended timeline can foster deeper scientific inquiry and allow for the maturation of technologies. However, it also increases the risk of scope creep, changes in technological landscapes, or shifts in government priorities over the contract's life. Effective program management and flexibility within the contract are crucial to navigate these long-term dynamics and ensure continued relevance and success.

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

Address: 12015 LEE JACKSON HWY, FAIRFAX, VA, 22033

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $204,972,905

Exercised Options: $204,972,905

Current Obligation: $22,570,743

Actual Outlays: $3,843,391

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 10

Total Subaward Amount: $16,138,300

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA807518D0011

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline