DoD's $73.8M ORBS Contract Awarded to Science Applications International Corp. for R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $73,834,403 ($73.8M)
Contractor: Science Applications International Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2019-05-01
End Date: 2026-08-01
Contract Duration: 2,649 days
Daily Burn Rate: $27.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: OPTICAL RADIATION BIOEFFECTS AND SAFETY (ORBS) CLOSED BAA
Place of Performance
Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20190
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $73.8 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION for work described as: OPTICAL RADIATION BIOEFFECTS AND SAFETY (ORBS) CLOSED BAA Key points: 1. The contract focuses on research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 4. The primary sector is Research and Development, a critical area for defense innovation.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure allows for flexibility but requires robust oversight to control costs. Without specific benchmarks, it's difficult to definitively assess value, but the fee structure implies a focus on achieving research objectives.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to compete. This method generally promotes price discovery and can lead to more competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced research and development, which has the potential for long-term national security benefits, but the cost-plus nature requires careful monitoring to ensure efficiency.
Public Impact
Advancement in optical radiation bioeffects and safety research could lead to improved protection for military personnel. The research may yield new technologies or understanding with applications beyond defense. Investment in R&D signals a commitment to maintaining technological superiority. The duration of the contract suggests a long-term research effort.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can incentivize contractor spending without direct cost savings.
- Long contract duration increases exposure to potential scope creep or evolving requirements.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes it hard to gauge immediate effectiveness.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition is a positive sign for market engagement.
- Focus on R&D aligns with strategic defense needs.
- The contract supports a critical area of scientific inquiry.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS code 541715. Spending in this sector is crucial for maintaining technological advantage, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research area and agency.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors. Awarding to a large prime contractor like Science Applications International Corporation often means subcontracting opportunities may exist, but this is not specified.
Oversight & Accountability
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type necessitates strong oversight from the Department of the Air Force to ensure that costs are reasonable and that the research objectives are met efficiently. Regular reporting and audits would be critical.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Long contract duration (approx. 7 years)
- Potential for cost overruns
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data
- Limited insight into small business participation
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, va, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $73.8 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION. OPTICAL RADIATION BIOEFFECTS AND SAFETY (ORBS) CLOSED BAA
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION.
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 $73.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-05-01. End: 2026-08-01.
How does the awarded amount compare to similar R&D contracts in optical radiation bioeffects and safety?
Without access to a comprehensive database of similar contracts, a direct comparison is challenging. However, $73.8 million over approximately 7 years for specialized R&D suggests a significant investment. Benchmarking would require analyzing contracts with similar scope, duration, and agency focus within the R&D sector.
What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for this type of research?
The main risk is the potential for cost overruns, as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee. This can incentivize less cost-conscious behavior if oversight is weak. Additionally, defining the scope of 'allowable costs' for research can be complex, leading to potential disputes.
How will the effectiveness of this research be measured and ensured?
Effectiveness is typically measured through milestones, deliverables, and final research outcomes. For this contract, the Department of the Air Force will likely rely on technical reviews, progress reports, and the successful demonstration of research findings. The fixed fee structure incentivizes completion, but the true measure of effectiveness lies in the scientific and operational value of the research.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Solicitation ID: FA865019S6005
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 12010 SUNSET HILLS RD, RESTON, VA, 20190
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $79,288,593
Exercised Options: $79,288,593
Current Obligation: $73,834,403
Actual Outlays: $2,491,664
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 105
Total Subaward Amount: $25,630,492
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-05-01
Current End Date: 2026-08-01
Potential End Date: 2026-08-01 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-17
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