DoD's $155M R&D contract with Teledyne Scientific & Imaging, LLC awarded in 2007, concluded in 2013

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,527,890 ($15.5M)

Contractor: Teledyne Scientific & Imaging, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2007-06-27

End Date: 2013-01-28

Contract Duration: 2,042 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: HIGH STARE

Place of Performance

Location: THOUSAND OAKS, VENTURA County, CALIFORNIA, 91360

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $15.5 million to TELEDYNE SCIENTIFIC & IMAGING, LLC for work described as: HIGH STARE Key points: 1. Contract value of $155 million over its lifecycle indicates significant investment in research and development. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust market for the services sought. 3. The contract's duration of 2042 days (approx. 5.6 years) allowed for extended research phases. 4. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (NAICS 541710) is a critical area for defense innovation. 5. The contract was awarded by the Department of the Air Force, highlighting its focus on advanced technological capabilities. 6. The 'HIGH STARE' designation suggests a project of high importance or visibility within the DoD. 7. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type implies that costs were reimbursed, plus a fixed fee for profit, common in R&D where scope can evolve.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific R&D contract is challenging without detailed technical deliverables and market comparisons for similar research projects. The $155 million total award amount over approximately 5.6 years averages to about $27.7 million per year. This figure needs to be assessed against the scope and complexity of the research conducted. Given the CPFF structure, the government bore the risk of cost overruns, but the fixed fee provided the contractor with a predictable profit margin. Without more granular data on the research outcomes and the specific services rendered, a definitive value-for-money assessment is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition,' indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This suggests a healthy competitive environment for the specific research and development services required by the Department of the Air Force. The presence of multiple bidders (indicated by 'no': 4) further supports the notion of active competition, which typically drives better pricing and innovation. The agency likely sought proposals that offered the best technical approach and value.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to more cost-effective solutions and a wider range of innovative approaches being considered.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the Department of Defense and the Air Force, gaining advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences relevant to national security. The contract supported research and development activities, potentially leading to new technologies, improved systems, or enhanced scientific understanding. The geographic impact is primarily within California, where Teledyne Scientific & Imaging, LLC is located, suggesting a concentration of R&D activity and potential local economic benefits. The contract likely supported a workforce of scientists, engineers, and technical personnel involved in cutting-edge research.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts can lead to higher costs for the government if not carefully managed, as the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs.
The 'HIGH STARE' designation, while indicating importance, could also imply higher scrutiny and potential for political or programmatic risks.
The long duration of the contract (over 5 years) increases the risk of scope creep or the research becoming outdated if not actively managed and reviewed.
Lack of specific details on the research outcomes makes it difficult to fully assess the return on investment and the ultimate value delivered.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, ensuring a broad base of potential providers and encouraging competitive pricing.
The contract was awarded to Teledyne Scientific & Imaging, LLC, a known entity in scientific and imaging technologies, suggesting a level of established expertise.
The research area (Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences) is crucial for defense modernization and technological advancement.
The 'HIGH STARE' designation implies significant strategic importance and likely robust oversight from the Department of Defense.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically NAICS code 541710, which covers R&D in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. This sector is characterized by innovation, long development cycles, and significant government investment, particularly in defense and technology. The total federal spending on R&D is substantial, with defense R&D being a major component. Contracts like this are essential for maintaining a technological edge. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other large-scale R&D contracts awarded by the DoD or other agencies for similar scientific disciplines.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses ('sb': false) and does not explicitly mention subcontracting plans. Given the large dollar value and the nature of advanced R&D, it is likely that the prime contractor, Teledyne Scientific & Imaging, LLC, would engage specialized subcontractors. However, without specific subcontracting goals or reporting, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is unclear. Large R&D contracts often involve complex supply chains where small businesses can play a role in niche areas, but this would depend on the specific research objectives and the prime contractor's strategy.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would have been primarily managed by the Department of the Air Force's contracting and program management offices. The 'HIGH STARE' designation suggests that senior leadership within the DoD likely had visibility and potentially direct oversight. Accountability measures would be tied to the contract's milestones, deliverables, and adherence to the Cost Plus Fixed Fee terms. Transparency would be facilitated through contract reporting requirements, though specific public-facing details on R&D progress are often limited due to national security sensitivities. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply for investigations into fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
Air Force Science and Technology Investments
Advanced Materials Research Contracts
Aerospace Engineering Research
Life Sciences Research for Defense Applications

Risk Flags

Cost Overruns Possible (CPFF)
Technical Feasibility Risk
Long Project Duration
Potential for Scope Creep

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $15.5 million to TELEDYNE SCIENTIFIC & IMAGING, LLC. HIGH STARE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TELEDYNE SCIENTIFIC & IMAGING, LLC.

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 $15.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-06-27. End: 2013-01-28.

What specific research areas or technologies did this $155 million contract focus on for the Department of the Air Force?

The contract, identified by NAICS code 541710, falls under 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.' While the specific technical focus isn't detailed in the provided data, this broad category suggests research into areas such as advanced materials, sensor technology, propulsion systems, computational modeling, human factors engineering, or biological countermeasures, all relevant to Air Force operational needs and future capabilities. The 'HIGH STARE' designation implies the research was of significant strategic importance, likely aligning with high-priority defense modernization goals or emerging technological threats. Further investigation into Air Force R&D priorities during the 2007-2013 period would be needed to pinpoint the exact technological domains.

How did the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing structure influence the contractor's performance and the government's cost control for this contract?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure meant that Teledyne Scientific & Imaging, LLC was reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred during the research and development activities, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing their profit. This structure is common for R&D where the scope of work can be uncertain or evolve. For the contractor, it provided an incentive to perform the work efficiently to maximize their profit margin relative to the fixed fee, while also ensuring their costs were covered. For the government, it shifted the cost risk to the agency, as the final cost could exceed initial estimates if research proved more complex or expensive than anticipated. Effective oversight by the Air Force was crucial to ensure costs were reasonable, allocable, and allowable, and that the fixed fee remained appropriate for the level of effort and risk undertaken by the contractor.

What was the track record of Teledyne Scientific & Imaging, LLC with DoD contracts prior to and during this significant award?

Teledyne Scientific & Imaging, LLC, as part of the broader Teledyne Technologies conglomerate, has a long history of engaging with government contracts, particularly in defense and aerospace sectors. Prior to this $155 million contract awarded in 2007, the company and its predecessors likely held numerous contracts for research, development, and manufacturing of scientific instruments, imaging systems, and related technologies. Assessing their specific track record would involve examining past performance evaluations, any documented issues or successes on previous DoD contracts, and their overall reputation for delivering on complex R&D projects. The fact that they were awarded this substantial 'HIGH STARE' contract under full and open competition suggests a strong prior performance record and recognized expertise in the relevant scientific and engineering fields.

Can we compare the value or scope of this contract to other similar R&D efforts within the Department of Defense during the same period?

Comparing this $155 million contract requires identifying other DoD R&D contracts awarded between 2007 and 2013 within the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences domain (NAICS 541710). The 'HIGH STARE' designation suggests it was a project of considerable importance. To benchmark, one would look for contracts with similar durations (approx. 5.6 years) and total award values. For instance, research into advanced materials, next-generation sensor suites, or novel communication systems could be comparable. However, the unique technical objectives and specific deliverables of each R&D contract make direct comparisons difficult. The average annual spend of roughly $27.7 million is substantial, placing it among significant R&D investments, but its relative scale depends heavily on the specific technological advancements sought by the Air Force at the time.

What were the primary risks associated with this contract, and how were they managed by the Department of the Air Force?

Key risks for this R&D contract included technical risks (research not yielding desired results, unforeseen scientific challenges), cost risks (exceeding budget due to complexity, as it was CPFF), schedule risks (delays in research progress), and performance risks (contractor not meeting technical objectives). The 'HIGH STARE' nature also implies potential programmatic or political risks. Management strategies would have involved rigorous technical oversight by Air Force scientists and engineers, regular progress reviews, milestone tracking, and careful monitoring of expenditures to ensure costs remained reasonable and aligned with the research objectives. The CPFF structure required diligent auditing of contractor costs. The long duration necessitated proactive management to adapt to evolving research landscapes and maintain focus on critical defense needs.

What is the historical spending pattern for Teledyne Scientific & Imaging, LLC with the Department of Defense, and how does this contract fit within that pattern?

Teledyne Scientific & Imaging, LLC, and its parent Teledyne Technologies, have historically been significant recipients of DoD contracts, particularly in areas related to imaging, sensors, and scientific instrumentation. This $155 million contract, awarded in 2007, represents a substantial single award, reflecting a major investment by the Air Force in R&D. Analyzing their broader spending pattern would involve looking at the frequency, size, and types of contracts awarded to them over time. This specific contract likely fits within a pattern of the DoD leveraging Teledyne's specialized expertise for critical research initiatives. Its large value and 'HIGH STARE' status suggest it was a particularly important project within their portfolio of government work during that period.

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 › C – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (UEI: 112358432)

Address: 1049 CAMINO DOS RIOS, THOUSAND OAKS, CA, 26

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $281,945,928

Exercised Options: $172,028,744

Current Obligation: $15,527,890

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline