DoD's $5.6M contract for expert support services awarded to Advanced Strategic Insight, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,636,357 ($5.6M)

Contractor: Advanced Strategic Insight, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-02-03

End Date: 2026-04-16

Contract Duration: 437 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT SUPPORT SERVICES FOR ARCHITECTURE AND SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

Place of Performance

Location: MCLEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22101

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $5.6 million to ADVANCED STRATEGIC INSIGHT, INC for work described as: SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT SUPPORT SERVICES FOR ARCHITECTURE AND SYSTEMS ENGINEERING Key points: 1. Contract awarded for specialized architecture and systems engineering support. 2. Advanced Strategic Insight, Inc. is the sole awardee. 3. Contract duration extends into April 2026. 4. Services are categorized under Research and Development. 5. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee. 6. Awarded by the Department of the Air Force.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without more detailed cost breakdowns. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure can sometimes lead to higher costs if not managed closely, as contractor incentives are aligned with cost incurrence. However, for R&D services where the scope can evolve, CPFF can offer flexibility. Comparing this to similar contracts for specialized architecture and systems engineering support would require access to detailed pricing data and performance metrics from other awards.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the fact that it was competed openly suggests a competitive process was initiated. This approach is generally favored to ensure fair pricing and access to a broad range of capabilities.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition aims to leverage market forces to secure the best value for taxpayers by encouraging multiple vendors to offer competitive pricing and innovative solutions.

Public Impact

The Department of the Air Force will benefit from expert technical and strategic guidance. Services will support architecture and systems engineering efforts, crucial for complex defense projects. The contract's geographic impact is primarily within Virginia, where the contractor is located. Workforce implications include the employment of specialized engineers and subject matter experts.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require diligent oversight to manage costs effectively.
The specific deliverables and performance metrics need clear definition to ensure value.
Potential for scope creep in R&D contracts necessitates strong program management.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process.
Contractor is supporting critical R&D functions for the Air Force.
The contract duration allows for sustained support on complex engineering challenges.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for specialized architecture and systems engineering support services is robust, driven by the continuous need for technological advancement and modernization within the Department of Defense. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within broader R&D services categories, often involving significant investment in innovation and complex problem-solving.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business set-aside was not utilized for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests that the requirement was not specifically targeted towards small businesses. Consequently, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses mandated by this award. The focus remains on the prime contractor's capabilities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the contracting officer and program management office within the Department of the Air Force. Accountability measures will be tied to the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure and the defined performance work statement. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed cost and performance data may be limited.

Related Government Programs

Defense Research and Development
Systems Engineering Support Services
Architecture Development Services
Advanced Technology Development

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight.
R&D scope can be subject to change, necessitating strong program management.
Contractor's specific past performance data is not detailed here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $5.6 million to ADVANCED STRATEGIC INSIGHT, INC. SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT SUPPORT SERVICES FOR ARCHITECTURE AND SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ADVANCED STRATEGIC INSIGHT, 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 $5.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-02-03. End: 2026-04-16.

What is the track record of Advanced Strategic Insight, Inc. in performing similar R&D and systems engineering contracts for the Department of Defense?

Assessing the track record of Advanced Strategic Insight, Inc. requires a review of their past performance on federal contracts, particularly those involving architecture and systems engineering for the Department of Defense. Publicly available data, such as contract award histories and past performance evaluations (if accessible), would provide insights into their ability to deliver on complex R&D projects. Key indicators would include successful completion of similar scope, adherence to timelines and budgets, and positive feedback from previous government clients. Without specific performance data for this contractor, it is difficult to definitively assess their suitability beyond the fact that they were selected through a competitive process.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing structure compare to other contract types for similar R&D services?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is often used for research and development efforts where the scope of work is not precisely defined at the outset, allowing for flexibility as the project evolves. In CPFF, the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. This contrasts with Fixed Price contracts, where the price is set regardless of costs incurred, incentivizing efficiency but potentially limiting flexibility. Cost-reimbursement contracts, like CPFF, can sometimes lead to higher overall costs if not managed diligently, as the contractor's profit is not directly tied to cost savings. However, for innovative R&D where exploration is key, CPFF can be advantageous by encouraging the contractor to pursue the best technical solution without undue cost pressure.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Primary risks for this contract include potential cost overruns due to the CPFF structure, scope creep in the R&D domain, and ensuring the contractor's technical expertise remains aligned with evolving Air Force needs. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust program management, clearly defined milestones and deliverables, regular performance reviews, and stringent oversight of incurred costs. The contracting officer and program team must actively manage the contract to ensure that the fixed fee remains appropriate and that the work stays within the intended scope. Continuous communication with the contractor and proactive identification of potential issues are crucial for managing these risks effectively.

What is the expected impact of this contract on the Air Force's overall R&D capabilities and strategic goals?

This contract is expected to enhance the Air Force's R&D capabilities by providing specialized expertise in architecture and systems engineering. These services are critical for designing, developing, and integrating complex defense systems, ensuring they are robust, secure, and interoperable. By leveraging external subject matter experts, the Air Force can augment its internal capacity, access cutting-edge knowledge, and accelerate innovation. The strategic goals supported likely involve modernizing existing platforms, developing next-generation technologies, and improving the overall effectiveness and efficiency of Air Force operations through advanced engineering and architectural solutions.

How does historical spending on similar architecture and systems engineering support services compare to this award?

Analyzing historical spending on similar services requires access to comprehensive federal procurement data. Contracts for architecture and systems engineering support within the R&D sector can vary significantly in value based on scope, duration, and the specific agency's needs. Generally, such specialized services command significant investment due to the high level of expertise required. Comparing this $5.6 million award to historical patterns would involve looking at the average contract value, the number of awards, and the primary agencies procuring these services over time. Without specific historical data points for this niche, it's challenging to definitively state if this award is high or low relative to past spending, but it represents a focused investment in critical technical support.

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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1858 MASSACHUSETTS AVE, MC LEAN, VA, 22101

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $33,297,363

Exercised Options: $6,294,440

Current Obligation: $5,636,357

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline