DoD's $47.3M R&D Contract with Raytheon: Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $47,305,990 ($47.3M)

Contractor: Raytheon Company

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2005-02-22

End Date: 2017-02-09

Contract Duration: 4,370 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Place of Performance

Location: TEWKSBURY, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01876

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $47.3 million to RAYTHEON COMPANY for work described as: Key points: 1. Significant investment in R&D for physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Raytheon Company is the sole awardee under a unique competition method. 3. Contract duration spans over 12 years, indicating long-term project scope. 4. Potential for cost overruns given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure can lead to higher costs than fixed-price contracts. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method suggests a specific justification for limiting the initial pool of bidders. This approach can impact price discovery by reducing the number of competing proposals.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are allocated for advanced R&D. The effectiveness of the competition method in securing the best value for taxpayer money is a key consideration.

Public Impact

Advancement in physical, engineering, and life sciences research. Potential for technological breakthroughs with national security implications. Long-term commitment of resources to a single contractor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Limited competition method
  • Cost-plus contract type
  • Long contract duration

Positive Signals

  • Focus on critical R&D area
  • Award to established contractor

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation and national security, often involving complex and long-term projects.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was awarded to Raytheon Company and does not specify any small business participation. Larger prime contractors often subcontract, but direct award information for small businesses is not present.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract's extended duration and CPFF structure warrant close oversight to ensure cost control and adherence to research objectives. The 'Exclusion of Sources' justification requires thorough review.

Related Government Programs

  • Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Defense Contract Management Agency Programs

Risk Flags

  • Limited competition
  • Cost-plus contract type
  • Long contract duration
  • Lack of small business direct award information
  • Potential for cost overruns

Tags

research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ma, definitive-contract, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $47.3 million to RAYTHEON COMPANY. See the official description on USAspending.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RAYTHEON COMPANY.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $47.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-02-22. End: 2017-02-09.

What was the specific justification for excluding sources in the full and open competition?

The justification for excluding sources in a full and open competition typically relates to unique capabilities, proprietary data, or specific national security requirements that only a limited number of entities can meet. Without further details on this specific contract, it's presumed that Raytheon possessed unique qualifications or technologies essential for the R&D objectives, necessitating their selection over a broader, unrestricted competition.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure impact the overall value for taxpayer money in this R&D contract?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure allows the contractor to recover all allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee. While it incentivizes the contractor to control costs to maximize their fee, it can lead to higher overall spending compared to fixed-price contracts if costs escalate significantly. For R&D, where outcomes are uncertain, CPFF can be appropriate but requires robust oversight to ensure efficiency and prevent unnecessary expenditures.

What are the potential long-term effectiveness implications of awarding a single, long-duration contract for R&D?

A single, long-duration R&D contract can foster deep expertise and sustained focus on specific technological advancements, potentially leading to significant breakthroughs. However, it also carries risks, such as contractor complacency, potential for technological path dependency, and reduced agility if research needs shift. The effectiveness hinges on continuous evaluation of progress and adaptability to evolving requirements.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesScientific Research and Development ServicesResearch and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENTC – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH

Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 50 APPLE HILL DR, TEWKSBURY, MA, 01876

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline

Start Date: 2005-02-22

Current End Date: 2017-02-09

Potential End Date: 2017-02-09 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2016-09-23

More Contracts from Raytheon Company

View all Raytheon Company federal contracts →

Other Department of Defense Contracts

View all Department of Defense contracts →

Explore Related Government Spending