Air Force awards $11.7M contract for space superiority modeling and simulation to HII Mission Technologies Corp

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,696,544 ($11.7M)

Contractor: HII Mission Technologies Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-06-26

End Date: 2030-06-25

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: SPACE SUPERIORITY MODELING, SIMULATION, AND ANALYSES, AND APPLICATIONS SOLUTIONS FOR AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY SPACE VEHICLES DIRECTORATE

Place of Performance

Location: KIRTLAND AFB, BERNALILLO County, NEW MEXICO, 87117

State: New Mexico Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $11.7 million to HII MISSION TECHNOLOGIES CORP for work described as: SPACE SUPERIORITY MODELING, SIMULATION, AND ANALYSES, AND APPLICATIONS SOLUTIONS FOR AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY SPACE VEHICLES DIRECTORATE Key points: 1. Contract supports critical research and development for space vehicle directorate. 2. Focus on advanced modeling, simulation, and analysis for space superiority. 3. Long-term contract duration of five years indicates sustained need. 4. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process. 5. Cost Plus Fixed Fee pricing structure allows for flexibility in research. 6. Contractor has a significant presence in defense and aerospace sectors.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $11.7 million over five years appears reasonable for specialized R&D in space superiority. Benchmarking against similar complex modeling and simulation contracts is challenging due to the niche nature of space vehicle research. However, the fixed fee component suggests a degree of cost control. The pricing structure, Cost Plus Fixed Fee, is common for R&D where scope can evolve, but requires careful oversight to ensure value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors were likely solicited and allowed to bid. This process generally fosters competitive pricing and encourages innovation as contractors vie for the award. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the designation suggests a healthy level of market interest and a fair opportunity for various companies to participate.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically leads to more competitive pricing and a wider range of innovative solutions, potentially reducing overall program costs and improving effectiveness.

Public Impact

The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory benefits from advanced modeling and simulation capabilities to enhance space superiority. Services delivered include critical analysis and modeling for space vehicle technologies. The contract has a geographic impact primarily in New Mexico, where the Air Force Research Laboratory is located. Workforce implications include specialized roles for scientists, engineers, and analysts in the aerospace and defense sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can incentivize cost overruns if not closely monitored.
The long duration of the contract may require periodic re-evaluation of scope and pricing.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical R&D could pose a long-term risk if capabilities are not maintained or expanded.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive market.
Contractor HII Mission Technologies Corp. has a strong track record in aerospace and defense.
The contract supports a critical national security objective: space superiority.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences related to aerospace. The market for space superiority modeling and simulation is highly specialized, driven by government defense needs. Spending in this area is significant, with numerous contracts awarded annually for advanced research, development, and testing of space technologies. This contract represents a portion of the broader defense R&D budget allocated to maintaining a technological edge in space.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation (sb) is false, and it is not a small business set-aside (ss). This suggests that the primary awardee is a large business, and there is no explicit requirement for subcontracting with small businesses within the provided data. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist or are encouraged.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract will likely be managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory's Space Vehicles Directorate. Accountability measures will be tied to the achievement of milestones and deliverables outlined in the contract. Transparency is generally maintained through contract reporting requirements, though specific details of R&D progress may be sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate Contracts
Space Superiority Research and Development
Aerospace Modeling and Simulation Contracts
Department of Defense R&D Spending
Cost Plus Fixed Fee Research Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract oversight required.
Potential for cost overruns if not managed.
Long-term contract duration requires ongoing performance monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $11.7 million to HII MISSION TECHNOLOGIES CORP. SPACE SUPERIORITY MODELING, SIMULATION, AND ANALYSES, AND APPLICATIONS SOLUTIONS FOR AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY SPACE VEHICLES DIRECTORATE

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 $11.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-06-26. End: 2030-06-25.

What is HII Mission Technologies Corp.'s track record with similar Air Force R&D contracts?

HII Mission Technologies Corp. has a substantial history of performing complex R&D and technical services for the Department of Defense, including the Air Force. While specific details on prior contracts directly mirroring 'space superiority modeling, simulation, and analyses' are not provided in this data snippet, the company's broader portfolio includes significant work in areas such as space systems, advanced analytics, and mission support. Their experience in developing and integrating sophisticated technological solutions for defense applications suggests a strong capability to meet the requirements of this contract. Further investigation into their past performance ratings and specific project outcomes would provide a more granular assessment of their suitability.

How does the $11.7 million value compare to similar space superiority R&D contracts?

Benchmarking the $11.7 million value for this five-year contract against similar space superiority R&D efforts is challenging due to the highly specialized and often classified nature of such programs. However, considering the duration and the critical focus on advanced modeling and simulation, the value appears to be within a reasonable range for dedicated research in this niche. Contracts for advanced space systems development, testing, and analysis can range from millions to billions of dollars depending on scope, complexity, and technological maturity. This specific award suggests a focused effort on analytical capabilities rather than large-scale hardware development, making direct comparisons difficult without more context on the specific deliverables and market rates for such specialized expertise.

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

The primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for Research and Development (R&D) revolve around cost control and contractor incentive. While the fixed fee provides a defined profit margin for the contractor, the 'cost plus' element means the government reimburses allowable costs. If not managed diligently, this can lead to cost overruns as the contractor may have less incentive to control expenses compared to fixed-price contracts. For R&D, where the scope can be uncertain, CPFF offers flexibility, but it necessitates robust government oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable and that the contractor is actively seeking efficiencies. Potential risks include scope creep, inefficient resource allocation, and difficulty in precisely defining the final cost upfront.

How effective is full and open competition in ensuring value for taxpayer money in specialized R&D?

Full and open competition is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value for taxpayer money, even in specialized R&D. By allowing all responsible sources to submit bids, it fosters a competitive environment that drives down prices, encourages innovation, and increases the likelihood of selecting the most capable contractor at the best value. For specialized R&D, this means that multiple firms can propose unique approaches and technologies, potentially leading to more advanced solutions and cost efficiencies than might be achieved through limited or sole-source procurements. The challenge lies in ensuring that the evaluation criteria adequately assess technical merit and innovation alongside cost, especially when dealing with nascent technologies or complex analytical requirements.

What are the implications of this contract on future spending patterns in space superiority R&D?

This contract, focusing on modeling, simulation, and analysis for space superiority, signals a continued strategic investment by the Air Force in foundational capabilities for maintaining an advantage in the space domain. Its five-year duration suggests a long-term commitment to these analytical tools and expertise. Such awards often pave the way for subsequent, larger development or procurement contracts if the R&D proves successful. It indicates a trend towards prioritizing advanced simulation and analytical environments to test concepts, train personnel, and inform decision-making in increasingly complex space operations. Future spending patterns are likely to reflect sustained or increased investment in these areas, potentially including artificial intelligence, advanced data analytics, and digital engineering for space systems.

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: 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: $74,415,271

Exercised Options: $74,415,271

Current Obligation: $11,696,544

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $86,536

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