DoD's $19.7M IGF HYDRA VISION Demonstration Contract Awarded to General Atomics

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,689,591 ($19.7M)

Contractor: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2012-11-08

End Date: 2020-12-31

Contract Duration: 2,975 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF HYDRA VISION DEMONSTRATION

Place of Performance

Location: POWAY, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92064

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $19.7 million to GENERAL ATOMICS AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF HYDRA VISION DEMONSTRATION Key points: 1. The contract, valued at $19.7 million, supports research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. secured the award through full and open competition. 3. The contract duration is 2975 days, indicating a long-term R&D effort. 4. The primary sector is Defense, specifically R&D, with a NAICS code of 541712.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The award amount of $19.7M for a long duration (2975 days) requires close monitoring of expenditures against milestones.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and can lead to more favorable pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently, though CPFF contracts require diligent oversight to control costs.

Public Impact

Advancement in defense technology through R&D. Potential for new capabilities in physical and engineering sciences. Long-term investment in research with uncertain immediate public benefit. Contract awarded to a single entity, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize cost overruns.
Long contract duration requires sustained oversight.
No specific small business participation noted.

Positive Signals

Awarded via full and open competition.
Supports critical R&D in defense sector.
Contractor has a history in aerospace and defense.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement but often carries higher risk and longer timelines compared to procurement contracts.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). There is no specific information provided regarding small business subcontracting goals or performance.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), which is responsible for ensuring contractor compliance and performance. The CPFF structure necessitates robust oversight to manage costs and ensure deliverables are met.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Department of Defense Contracting
Defense Contract Management Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
Long contract duration (2975 days).
Lack of specific small business participation details.
Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.
Reliance on a single contractor for a significant R&D effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $19.7 million to GENERAL ATOMICS AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF HYDRA VISION DEMONSTRATION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GENERAL ATOMICS AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $19.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-11-08. End: 2020-12-31.

What specific technological advancements are expected from the IGF HYDRA VISION demonstration, and how will they benefit national security?

The IGF HYDRA VISION demonstration likely aims to develop and test advanced capabilities related to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) or unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Expected advancements could include improved sensor technology, enhanced data processing, or novel platform integration. These advancements are intended to provide the Department of Defense with superior situational awareness and operational effectiveness, thereby bolstering national security.

Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure and long duration, what are the primary cost control mechanisms in place to mitigate potential overruns?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure, while allowing flexibility for R&D, requires stringent cost controls. Key mechanisms include detailed budget reviews, milestone-based payment schedules tied to verifiable progress, regular audits of incurred costs, and performance metrics that influence the fixed fee. The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) plays a crucial role in monitoring expenditures and ensuring adherence to the contract's financial and technical objectives.

How will the success of this R&D effort be measured, and what are the criteria for transitioning successful technologies into operational use?

Success measurement for R&D contracts typically involves predefined technical milestones, performance demonstrations, and the achievement of specific research objectives outlined in the contract. Transition criteria often include factors like technological maturity, cost-effectiveness for scaling, operational feasibility, and alignment with future military requirements. A formal review process involving government stakeholders would likely assess these factors before any operational transition is considered.

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

Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: General Atomics

Address: 14200 KIRKHAM WAY, POWAY, CA, 92064

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,689,591

Exercised Options: $19,689,591

Current Obligation: $19,689,591

Actual Outlays: $5,450

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 4

Total Subaward Amount: $1,269,600

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline