DoD Awards $18.6M for T-6 Crash Survivable Recorder to Scientific Research Corporation
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $18,565,935 ($18.6M)
Contractor: Scientific Research Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-09-22
End Date: 2028-09-22
Contract Duration: 1,827 days
Daily Burn Rate: $10.2K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: T-6 CRASH SURVIVABLE RECORDER EFFORT
Place of Performance
Location: ATLANTA, COBB County, GEORGIA, 30339
State: Georgia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $18.6 million to SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CORPORATION for work described as: T-6 CRASH SURVIVABLE RECORDER EFFORT Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical aircraft safety technology. 2. Sole-source award raises questions about competition and potential cost savings. 3. Long-term contract (5 years) suggests ongoing need and potential for future modifications. 4. Focus on aircraft manufacturing sector, specifically for training aircraft.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $18.6 million over five years appears substantial for a recorder system. Without comparable contract data or detailed cost breakdowns, it's difficult to definitively assess pricing against similar systems or historical data.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, indicating a lack of competitive bidding. This method can lead to higher prices as it bypasses the price discovery mechanisms inherent in a competitive environment.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being expended without the benefit of competitive pricing, potentially resulting in a less economical outcome.
Public Impact
Enhances flight safety for T-6 aircraft, potentially saving lives and reducing investigation costs. Supports a specific segment of the aerospace manufacturing industry. Ensures continued availability of critical safety data for accident investigations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pricing.
- Long contract duration may not reflect current market conditions.
- Lack of transparency in cost justification for sole-source.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical safety requirement.
- Supports a specialized technology provider.
- Ensures operational readiness of T-6 fleet.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the aerospace and defense manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on avionics and safety equipment. Spending benchmarks for similar specialized equipment can vary widely, but sole-source awards often warrant closer scrutiny.
Small Business Impact
The awardee is Scientific Research Corporation, a company that may or may not be a small business. The data does not specify if small business subcontracting goals were included or met.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is crucial for sole-source contracts to ensure fair pricing and prevent potential waste. The Department of the Air Force should have robust internal controls to validate the necessity and cost-effectiveness of this award.
Related Government Programs
- Aircraft Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award.
- Lack of competitive bidding.
- Potential for inflated pricing.
- Long contract duration.
- Limited transparency on cost justification.
Tags
aircraft-manufacturing, department-of-defense, ga, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $18.6 million to SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CORPORATION. T-6 CRASH SURVIVABLE RECORDER EFFORT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CORPORATION.
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 $18.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-09-22. End: 2028-09-22.
What is the justification for the sole-source award, and was market research conducted to confirm no other capable sources exist?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves factors like unique capabilities, urgent needs, or lack of competition. Without specific details on the justification, it's presumed the Air Force determined Scientific Research Corporation possessed unique qualifications or that competition was not feasible. Thorough market research should have been performed to validate this determination.
How does the per-unit cost of this crash survivable recorder compare to similar systems available on the market?
Benchmarking the per-unit cost is challenging without access to detailed pricing information and comparable systems. Given the sole-source nature, there's a risk the price may be higher than if procured competitively. A thorough cost analysis by the agency is necessary to ensure the price is fair and reasonable.
What are the long-term cost implications and potential for cost overruns given the five-year duration and sole-source nature?
A five-year sole-source contract carries inherent risks of cost escalation if not managed carefully. Without competitive pressure, the contractor may have less incentive to control costs. The agency must implement strong contract management, including regular price reviews and performance monitoring, to mitigate potential overruns.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Aircraft Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: AEROSPACE CRAFT COMPONENTS AND ACCESSORIES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: FA810623R0002
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2300 WINDY RIDGE PKWY SE, ATLANTA, GA, 30339
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $18,565,935
Exercised Options: $18,565,935
Current Obligation: $18,565,935
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 4
Total Subaward Amount: $12,314,828
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA810623D0001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-09-22
Current End Date: 2028-09-22
Potential End Date: 2029-03-22 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-04-30
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