DoD's $25M SPI3D contract with General Atomics awarded via full and open competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $25,066,436 ($25.1M)
Contractor: General Atomics
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2007-05-04
End Date: 2013-04-30
Contract Duration: 2,188 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: R&D
Official Description: SPI3D
Place of Performance
Location: POWAY, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92064
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $25.1 million to GENERAL ATOMICS for work described as: SPI3D Key points: 1. Contract value of $25.07M. 2. Awarded to General Atomics. 3. Competition type: Full and Open. 4. Contract type: Cost Plus Fixed Fee. 5. Sector: Research and Development.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure for R&D can lead to cost overruns if not managed closely. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult due to unique project scopes.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee award type may not always yield the most cost-effective outcome for taxpayers.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is positive for taxpayer value. The CPFF structure requires careful oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable.
Public Impact
Supports advanced defense technology development. Potential for technological advancements with broad applications. Contract duration of nearly 6 years indicates a significant project.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee can incentivize higher spending.
- R&D projects inherently carry risk of not achieving desired outcomes.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition promotes market fairness.
- Awarded to a known defense contractor.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (NAICS 541710). Spending in this sector is critical for innovation but can be prone to cost volatility.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific benefit or set-aside for small businesses in this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency, suggesting standard oversight. The CPFF structure necessitates robust monitoring of expenditures and progress.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Research and Development projects have inherent uncertainty.
- Lack of specific small business participation.
- Limited public information on specific deliverables and outcomes.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ca, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $25.1 million to GENERAL ATOMICS. SPI3D
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is GENERAL ATOMICS.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $25.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-05-04. End: 2013-04-30.
What specific technological advancements were achieved through this $25M R&D contract?
The contract aimed to advance specific physical, engineering, or life sciences research. Without detailed project reports, the exact technological breakthroughs are not publicly available. However, R&D contracts of this magnitude typically target significant advancements in areas like materials science, propulsion, or sensor technology, potentially leading to improved defense capabilities.
How effectively was the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure managed to control costs for this R&D project?
The effectiveness of CPFF management is difficult to assess without detailed financial and performance reports. This structure requires diligent oversight from the contracting agency to ensure that costs are reasonable and directly related to the project's objectives. Any cost overruns or inefficiencies would indicate potential management weaknesses.
What was the ultimate impact of the SPI3D project on Department of Defense capabilities?
The ultimate impact hinges on the successful development and integration of the technologies researched. Contracts in R&D aim to enhance future capabilities, but the direct, immediate impact can be indirect. Successful outcomes could lead to next-generation systems, improved operational effectiveness, or new strategic advantages for the DoD.
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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3550 GENERAL ATOMICS CT, SAN DIEGO, CA, 92121
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $115,539,876
Exercised Options: $115,539,876
Current Obligation: $25,066,436
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-05-04
Current End Date: 2013-04-30
Potential End Date: 2013-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2017-08-09
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