Air Force awards $21M contract for AN/ALR-46/69 radar receiver engineering services to Scientific Research Corporation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,977,270 ($21.0M)

Contractor: Scientific Research Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-04-29

End Date: 2027-04-28

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: AN/ALR-46/69 RADAR WARNING RECEIVER SUSTAINING ENGINEERING SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: ATLANTA, COBB County, GEORGIA, 30339

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $21.0 million to SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CORPORATION for work described as: AN/ALR-46/69 RADAR WARNING RECEIVER SUSTAINING ENGINEERING SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract provides sustaining engineering services for critical radar warning receiver systems. 2. Services are essential for maintaining the operational readiness of various Air Force platforms. 3. The contract was awarded on a full and open competition basis. 4. Pricing will be assessed against similar engineering support contracts for defense systems. 5. Performance risk appears moderate given the specialized nature of the technology. 6. The contract duration of five years allows for sustained support and knowledge retention.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total contract value of approximately $21 million over five years suggests a reasonable annual spend for specialized engineering services. Benchmarking against similar sustainment contracts for complex avionics systems would provide a clearer picture of value for money. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type allows for cost transparency while incentivizing the contractor to manage expenses within the fixed fee. However, CPFF can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.

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 had the opportunity to bid. The presence of a single award (no) suggests that Scientific Research Corporation was selected as the best value offeror. The competitive process should have driven a fair market price for the required engineering services.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to more favorable pricing and innovative solutions.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Air Force and its aircrews, who rely on the AN/ALR-46/69 systems for threat detection and situational awareness. Services delivered include sustainment engineering, which ensures the continued functionality and reliability of the radar warning receivers. The geographic impact is primarily within the United States, supporting Air Force bases and operations. Workforce implications include the employment of highly skilled engineers and technicians specializing in aerospace and electronic systems.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost growth under the CPFF contract type if not rigorously managed.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical sustainment engineering could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
The specialized nature of the technology may limit the pool of readily available alternative contractors.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
Long-term contract duration allows for stable support and development of deep system knowledge.
Scientific Research Corporation's established presence in defense engineering likely brings significant expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting aerospace and defense systems. The market for defense sustainment and engineering services is substantial, driven by the need to maintain aging fleets of aircraft and complex weapon systems. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other contracts for similar avionics sustainment and engineering support across various defense agencies.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside (ss: false, sb: false). While Scientific Research Corporation is the prime contractor, there is potential for subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within their supply chain. The impact on the small business ecosystem will depend on the extent to which SRC engages small businesses for specialized components or services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be conducted by the Department of the Air Force contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are embedded in the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, requiring detailed cost reporting and justification. Transparency is facilitated through contract reporting mechanisms, and any significant issues could fall under the purview of the Department of Defense Inspector General.

Related Government Programs

AN/ALR-46 Radar Warning Receiver
AN/ALR-69 Radar Warning Receiver
Airborne Electronic Warfare Systems
Avionics Sustainment Services
Department of Defense Engineering Services

Risk Flags

Cost control risk associated with CPFF contract type.
Potential for contractor performance issues impacting system availability.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical sustainment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $21.0 million to SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CORPORATION. AN/ALR-46/69 RADAR WARNING RECEIVER SUSTAINING ENGINEERING SERVICES

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 $21.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-04-29. End: 2027-04-28.

What is the historical spending pattern for AN/ALR-46/69 radar warning receiver sustainment services?

Historical spending data for AN/ALR-46/69 radar warning receiver sustainment services prior to this contract award is not directly available in the provided data. However, the current award of $20,977,269.59 over five years suggests an average annual spend of approximately $4.2 million. This figure can be used as a benchmark for future analysis. Understanding past expenditures would require accessing historical contract databases or agency budget reports related to these specific systems. Trends in sustainment spending are often influenced by the operational tempo, age of the equipment, and technological upgrades or obsolescence issues.

How does the awarded price compare to similar radar warning receiver sustainment contracts?

Direct comparison of the awarded price of approximately $21 million over five years ($4.2 million annually) to similar radar warning receiver sustainment contracts requires access to a broader dataset of defense procurements. However, for specialized avionics sustainment, this annual figure appears within a reasonable range, considering the complexity and critical nature of the systems. Factors influencing price include the specific model of the receiver, the scope of engineering services (e.g., diagnostics, repair, upgrades, obsolescence management), the number of platforms supported, and the contractor's overhead and profit margins. A detailed benchmark would necessitate identifying contracts with comparable system types, service scopes, and contract types (e.g., CPFF).

What is Scientific Research Corporation's track record with similar defense engineering contracts?

Scientific Research Corporation (SRC) has a significant track record in providing engineering and technical services to the Department of Defense and other government agencies. They specialize in areas such as electronic warfare, command and control, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). Their experience likely includes sustainment engineering, system integration, and hardware/software development for complex defense systems. While specific details on their performance for AN/ALR-46/69 systems are not provided, their general profile suggests they possess the requisite expertise and experience for this type of contract. Past performance evaluations and contract awards from sources like SAM.gov would offer more granular insights.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how is performance measured?

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this sustainment engineering services contract would typically focus on aspects like system availability, Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), Mean Time To Repair (MTTR), response time for engineering support requests, and successful implementation of engineering changes or upgrades. Performance is measured through contractor reporting, government acceptance of deliverables, and periodic performance reviews. The contract likely includes specific clauses outlining performance standards and remedies for deficiencies. The Air Force program office responsible for the AN/ALR-46/69 systems would establish and monitor these KPIs to ensure operational readiness and effective sustainment.

What is the risk associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this service?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type carries inherent risks related to cost control. While the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs, the fee (profit) is fixed. This structure incentivizes the contractor to control costs to maximize their profit margin. However, it can also lead to potential cost overruns if the initial cost estimates are inaccurate or if unforeseen technical challenges arise, requiring additional resources. Effective government oversight is crucial to scrutinize costs, ensure allowability, and prevent scope creep that could inflate the overall contract value beyond the initial projections. The government bears the risk of cost increases, while the contractor is limited in their profit.

How does this contract contribute to the overall readiness of Air Force platforms equipped with AN/ALR-46/69 systems?

This contract is critical for maintaining the operational readiness of Air Force platforms equipped with AN/ALR-46/69 Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) systems. These systems are vital for detecting and identifying radar threats, providing essential situational awareness to aircrews and enabling defensive countermeasures. Sustainment engineering ensures that these systems remain functional, reliable, and up-to-date, mitigating risks associated with obsolescence and wear. By providing continuous engineering support, the contract helps minimize downtime, reduce the likelihood of system failures during critical missions, and ensures that the RWRs perform effectively against evolving threat environments, thereby directly contributing to mission success and aircrew safety.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: FA852322R0014

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2300 WINDY RIDGE PKWY, 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: $25,168,385

Exercised Options: $25,168,385

Current Obligation: $20,977,270

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 12

Total Subaward Amount: $1,339,914

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADU330

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline