Air Force awards $134M for R&D, with Coherent Corp as a key player
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $13,424,100 ($13.4M)
Contractor: Coherent Corp
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2004-12-15
End Date: 2011-04-15
Contract Duration: 2,312 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 100
Pricing Type: COST SHARING
Sector: Defense
Official Description: 200505!000872!5700!FA8650!DET 1 AFRL/PK !FA865005C5400 !A!N! !Y! ! !20041215!20080414!055529333!055529333!055529333!N!II-VI INCORPORATED !375 SAXONBURG BLVD !SAXONBURG !PA!16056!58620!025!34!PINE BROOK !MONMOUTH !NEW JERSEY!+000000375000!N!N!000007500000!AD93!RDTE/OTHER DEFENSE-ADV TECH DEV !A1A!AIRFRAMES AND SPARES !000 !* !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !20200930!B! ! !A! !A!N!T!1!100!E! !Z!N!Z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !Z!Z!A!A!000!A!C!N! ! ! ! ! ! !0001! !
Place of Performance
Location: SAXONBURG, BUTLER County, PENNSYLVANIA, 16056
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $13.4 million to COHERENT CORP for work described as: 200505!000872!5700!FA8650!DET 1 AFRL/PK !FA865005C5400 !A!N! !Y! ! !20041215!20080414!055529333!055529333!055529333!N!II-VI INCORPORATED !375 SAXONBURG BLVD !SAXONBURG !PA!16056!58620!025!34!PINE BROOK !MONM… Key points: 1. The contract focuses on Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 2. Competition was 'Full and Open After Exclusion of Sources', suggesting a specific need. 3. The primary contractor is II-VI INCORPORATED, with Coherent Corp mentioned as a competitor. 4. The sector is Defense, specifically Air Force R&D for airframes and spares.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The total award is $134,241,000. Without specific per-unit cost data or detailed breakdowns, a precise value assessment is difficult. However, the duration and scope suggest a significant investment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources'. This indicates that while competition was sought, certain sources were excluded, potentially limiting the breadth of price discovery and innovation.
Taxpayer Impact: The significant award amount suggests a substantial taxpayer investment in advanced defense technology development.
Public Impact
Development of advanced airframe components and spare parts for the Air Force. Potential for technological advancements impacting future military aircraft capabilities. Investment in the defense industrial base and associated research and development.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition due to source exclusion.
- Lack of detailed cost breakdown for value assessment.
- Potential for cost overruns in R&D projects.
Positive Signals
- Focus on critical defense technology.
- Long-term contract duration for sustained development.
- Potential for innovation in airframe technology.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically focusing on Research and Development for airframes and spares. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining technological superiority in military aviation.
Small Business Impact
There is no explicit mention of small business participation in the provided data. The primary contractor is a large corporation, and the nature of advanced R&D may favor established entities.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Department of Defense, Air Force. Oversight would involve monitoring R&D progress, adherence to technical specifications, and financial accountability throughout the contract period.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition may lead to higher costs.
- R&D projects inherently carry technical and schedule risks.
- Lack of transparency on specific R&D deliverables.
- Potential for scope creep in long-term R&D contracts.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, pa, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $13.4 million to COHERENT CORP. 200505!000872!5700!FA8650!DET 1 AFRL/PK !FA865005C5400 !A!N! !Y! ! !20041215!20080414!055529333!055529333!055529333!N!II-VI INCORPORATED !375 SAXONBURG BLVD !SAXONBURG !PA!16056!58620!025!34!PINE BROOK !MONMOUTH !NEW JERSEY!+000000375000!N!N!000007500000!AD93!RDTE/OTHER DEFENSE-ADV TECH DEV !A1A!AIRFRAMES AND SPARES !000 !* !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !202
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is COHERENT CORP.
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 $13.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2004-12-15. End: 2011-04-15.
What specific technological advancements are expected from this R&D contract, and how do they align with current Air Force modernization goals?
The contract aims to develop advanced airframes and spares, likely focusing on areas such as improved materials, aerodynamic efficiency, or enhanced structural integrity. These advancements are expected to contribute to the Air Force's modernization efforts by potentially increasing aircraft performance, reducing maintenance costs, and extending operational lifespans, thereby ensuring continued technological superiority.
How does the 'exclusion of sources' in the competition process impact the overall risk of inflated pricing or missed innovative solutions?
Excluding sources, even in a 'full and open' context, inherently limits the competitive landscape. This can increase the risk of inflated pricing if the remaining bidders face less pressure to offer the most cost-effective solutions. It also carries the risk of overlooking potentially superior or more innovative approaches that might have been proposed by the excluded entities.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the effectiveness of this R&D contract and ensure taxpayer value?
Effectiveness is likely measured through milestones related to prototype development, successful testing of new materials or designs, and demonstration of improved performance metrics for airframes and spares. KPIs would also include adherence to budget, timely delivery of research outcomes, and the successful transition of developed technologies into operational use or further acquisition programs.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Offers Received: 100
Pricing Type: COST SHARING (T)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 375 SAXONBURG BLVD, SAXONBURG, PA, 16056
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2004-12-15
Current End Date: 2011-04-15
Potential End Date: 2011-04-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-03-30
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