DoD's $15M Adaptive Compliant Trailing Edge Flight Demonstration Contract Awarded to Flexsys Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $15,038,868 ($15.0M)
Contractor: Flexsys Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2009-10-19
End Date: 2017-09-30
Contract Duration: 2,903 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: ADAPTIVE COMPLIANT TRAILING EDGE FLIGHT DEMONSTRATION
Place of Performance
Location: ANN ARBOR, WASHTENAW County, MICHIGAN, 48105
State: Michigan Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $15.0 million to FLEXSYS INC for work described as: ADAPTIVE COMPLIANT TRAILING EDGE FLIGHT DEMONSTRATION Key points: 1. The contract focuses on R&D in physical and engineering sciences, specifically for aerospace applications. 2. Flexsys Inc. secured this contract through full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 3. The project duration was substantial at 2903 days, indicating a long-term research and development effort. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, while allowing for flexibility in R&D, can be less cost-effective than fixed-price contracts if scope creep or inefficiencies occur. Benchmarking is difficult without specific cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded using full and open competition after exclusion of sources, suggesting a competitive process was initiated. However, the 'exclusion of sources' clause warrants further investigation into why specific sources were excluded.
Taxpayer Impact: The total award amount of $15,038,868 represents taxpayer investment in advanced aerospace research and development, with the ultimate benefit being technological advancement.
Public Impact
Advancement in aerospace technology through research and development. Potential for improved aircraft performance and efficiency. Investment in domestic R&D capabilities. Long-term project may yield significant, albeit delayed, benefits.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
- Long project duration increases risk of obsolescence or changing requirements.
- Exclusion of sources in competition needs clarification.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Focus on cutting-edge R&D.
- Significant investment in technological advancement.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically for the Department of the Air Force. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority in defense.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the contract was not awarded to small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests the prime contractor is likely a large corporation, and opportunities for small business subcontracting would depend on Flexsys Inc.'s procurement practices.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically be managed by the Department of the Air Force contracting officers and program managers. The long duration of the contract necessitates continuous monitoring to ensure progress and adherence to cost and performance objectives.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Long contract duration (over 8 years).
- Potential for limited competition due to 'exclusion of sources'.
- Lack of small business participation indicated.
- Research and Development projects inherently carry a risk of not achieving desired outcomes.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, mi, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $15.0 million to FLEXSYS INC. ADAPTIVE COMPLIANT TRAILING EDGE FLIGHT DEMONSTRATION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is FLEXSYS 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 $15.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2009-10-19. End: 2017-09-30.
What specific technological advancements were achieved through this $15M R&D contract, and how do they compare to the initial objectives?
The contract aimed to demonstrate adaptive compliant trailing edge technology for aircraft. The specific advancements would involve improvements in aerodynamic efficiency, reduced drag, and potentially noise reduction. A detailed review of final project reports and technical publications would be necessary to assess the degree to which initial objectives were met and the novelty of the achieved technology.
Given the 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' structure and a 2903-day duration, what measures were in place to control costs and prevent scope creep?
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require robust oversight to manage costs. This typically involves detailed cost tracking, regular audits, and clear milestones for fee realization. The Air Force would have assigned contracting officers and technical representatives to monitor progress, review expenditures, and approve any necessary contract modifications, ensuring the project stayed within budget and aligned with evolving R&D needs.
What was the rationale behind 'exclusion of sources' in the competition, and did it limit the potential for innovative solutions or better pricing?
Exclusion of sources usually occurs when only a limited number of contractors possess the necessary specialized capabilities or when specific national security concerns are involved. While it can streamline the process, it inherently limits the competitive pool. Understanding the specific justification for excluding other potential bidders is crucial to determine if it restricted innovation or prevented access to more cost-effective solutions.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2006 HOGBACK RD STE 7, ANN ARBOR, MI, 48105
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $15,038,868
Exercised Options: $15,038,868
Current Obligation: $15,038,868
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2009-10-19
Current End Date: 2017-09-30
Potential End Date: 2017-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2016-12-02
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