DoD Awards $40M for Crash Survivable Recorders to Scientific Research Corporation
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $39,995,705 ($40.0M)
Contractor: Scientific Research Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-11-05
End Date: 2026-03-31
Contract Duration: 511 days
Daily Burn Rate: $78.3K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: CRASH SURVIVABLE RECORDER (CSR) PRODUCTION INSTALLATION
Place of Performance
Location: ATLANTA, COBB County, GEORGIA, 30339
State: Georgia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $40.0 million to SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CORPORATION for work described as: CRASH SURVIVABLE RECORDER (CSR) PRODUCTION INSTALLATION Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $39.96M for critical safety equipment. 2. Sole-source award raises questions about competition and potential price discovery. 3. Long contract duration (511 days) may impact adaptability to future needs. 4. Focus on Aircraft Manufacturing sector highlights defense readiness priorities.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a firm-fixed-price delivery order. Without a competitive benchmark, assessing the pricing's value is difficult, but the $39.96M award for 511 days of work suggests a substantial investment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may result in higher costs compared to a competitive process.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition for this $39.96M contract means taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price for these critical recorders.
Public Impact
Enhances aviation safety through the production of crash-survivable recorders. Supports the Department of the Air Force's operational capabilities. Potential for long-term reliance on a single supplier for this technology.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Sole-source award
- Long contract duration
Positive Signals
- Critical safety equipment
- Firm fixed price contract
Sector Analysis
The Department of Defense's award to Scientific Research Corporation for Crash Survivable Recorders falls within the Aircraft Manufacturing sector. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining fleet safety and operational readiness, with benchmarks often driven by technological advancements and specific military requirements.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to involve small businesses as prime contractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are included as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure fair pricing and prevent potential cost overruns. Accountability for the delivery and performance of these critical recorders is essential.
Related Government Programs
- Aircraft Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Potential for higher costs due to lack of competition.
- Long contract duration may not reflect evolving technology.
- Lack of transparency on specific justification for sole-sourcing.
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 $40.0 million to SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CORPORATION. CRASH SURVIVABLE RECORDER (CSR) PRODUCTION INSTALLATION
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 $40.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-11-05. End: 2026-03-31.
What is the justification for the sole-source award, and what steps were taken to ensure fair and reasonable pricing?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, urgent needs, or lack of viable alternatives. Agencies must conduct market research and document the rationale thoroughly. Fair and reasonable pricing is assessed through cost analysis, comparison to historical data, or independent government cost estimates, even without direct competition.
What are the long-term risks associated with a sole-source procurement for critical safety equipment like CSRs?
Long-term risks include vendor lock-in, potential price escalation without competitive pressure, and reduced innovation if the sole provider faces no market incentive to improve. It can also create a vulnerability if the supplier experiences financial difficulties or ceases operations, potentially disrupting the supply chain for essential safety components.
How does the $39.96M investment in CSRs align with the Air Force's broader safety and modernization goals?
This significant investment directly supports the Air Force's commitment to aviation safety by ensuring the availability of data crucial for accident investigations and future design improvements. It aligns with modernization goals by equipping aircraft with advanced safety technology, contributing to overall fleet reliability and operational effectiveness.
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
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: $40,712,001
Exercised Options: $40,712,001
Current Obligation: $39,995,705
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 9
Total Subaward Amount: $27,967,367
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: 2024-11-05
Current End Date: 2026-03-31
Potential End Date: 2028-09-21 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-19
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