Air Force Awards $36.9M R&D Contract to Booz Allen Hamilton for Combat Effectiveness Analysis
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $36,894,811 ($36.9M)
Contractor: Booz Allen Hamilton Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-09-30
End Date: 2029-09-29
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $20.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: COMBAT EFFECTIVENESS, SURVIVABILITY, AND VULNERABILITY FOR AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER COMBAT EFFECTIVENESS AND VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS BRANCH
Place of Performance
Location: DAYTON, GREENE County, OHIO, 45433
State: Ohio Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $36.9 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC for work described as: COMBAT EFFECTIVENESS, SURVIVABILITY, AND VULNERABILITY FOR AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER COMBAT EFFECTIVENESS AND VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS BRANCH Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical combat effectiveness, survivability, and vulnerability analysis for the Air Force. 2. Booz Allen Hamilton, a large established firm, secured this delivery order. 3. The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, indicating potential for cost overruns. 4. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences is a key sector for this award.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to higher costs than fixed-price contracts if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more granular cost data.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the specific price discovery mechanisms within the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure warrant scrutiny.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced research, with the ultimate value dependent on the effectiveness of the analysis provided.
Public Impact
Enhances understanding of Air Force combat capabilities and potential weaknesses. Supports strategic decision-making for future military investments and operations. Contributes to the development of more survivable and effective military systems. Potential for technological advancements stemming from the research.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data
- Potential for scope creep in R&D contracts
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition
- Focus on critical defense capabilities
- Long-term contract duration allows for in-depth analysis
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority but requires careful oversight to ensure value for money.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., a large business. There is no indication that small businesses were involved as subcontractors in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates robust oversight from the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center to ensure costs are reasonable and the work is progressing as intended. Regular audits and performance reviews are critical.
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
- Potential for cost overruns
- Lack of specific performance metrics
- R&D contracts can be prone to scope creep
- Limited visibility into subcontractor performance (if any)
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, oh, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $36.9 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC. COMBAT EFFECTIVENESS, SURVIVABILITY, AND VULNERABILITY FOR AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER COMBAT EFFECTIVENESS AND VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS BRANCH
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 $36.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-09-30. End: 2029-09-29.
What specific metrics will be used to evaluate the 'combat effectiveness, survivability, and vulnerability' analysis to ensure the $36.9M investment yields tangible improvements?
The contract details should specify key performance indicators (KPIs) related to the accuracy and utility of the vulnerability assessments, the identification of critical survivability factors, and the quantifiable impact on combat effectiveness models. Without clear metrics, assessing the true value of this R&D investment becomes challenging, potentially leading to suboptimal resource allocation.
How will the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure be managed to prevent cost overruns and ensure fair pricing for the taxpayer, given the inherent uncertainties in R&D?
Effective management requires stringent oversight of Booz Allen Hamilton's incurred costs, regular audits, and clear communication channels. The Air Force must establish baseline cost estimates and closely monitor expenditures against them, ensuring that the fixed fee remains appropriate for the scope of work and that any cost increases are fully justified and directly linked to project requirements.
What is the anticipated long-term impact of this research on the Air Force's operational capabilities and future procurement decisions?
This research is expected to provide data-driven insights that will inform the design and acquisition of future Air Force systems, enhancing their survivability and combat effectiveness. By identifying vulnerabilities early, the Air Force can prioritize investments in areas that offer the greatest return in terms of mission success and force protection, ultimately leading to more capable and resilient platforms.
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: $92,301,942
Exercised Options: $92,301,942
Current Obligation: $36,894,811
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 8
Total Subaward Amount: $4,667,271
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
Start Date: 2024-09-30
Current End Date: 2029-09-29
Potential End Date: 2029-09-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-22
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