DoD's $33.1M Agile Flight Test Vehicle Program Awarded to GOHYPERSONIC INCORPORATED

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $33,124,495 ($33.1M)

Contractor: Gohypersonic Incorporated

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-06-08

End Date: 2025-12-23

Contract Duration: 2,024 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: CONCEPTUAL FLIGHT TEST VEHICLE AND PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT FOR AGILE

Place of Performance

Location: DAYTON, MONTGOMERY County, OHIO, 45402

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $33.1 million to GOHYPERSONIC INCORPORATED for work described as: CONCEPTUAL FLIGHT TEST VEHICLE AND PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT FOR AGILE Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advanced research and development for agile flight test vehicles. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a broad market search. 3. Contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, common for R&D where costs are uncertain. 4. Performance period extends over five years, indicating a long-term development effort. 5. The contract is a definitive contract, providing a framework for ongoing work. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541715 points to R&D in physical sciences. 7. The awardee, GOHYPERSONIC INCORPORATED, is positioned to lead this specialized development.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific performance metrics or comparable R&D projects. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure means the government pays actual costs plus a negotiated fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. However, CPFF is standard for high-risk R&D where precise cost estimation is difficult. The total award amount of $33.1 million over five years suggests a significant investment in advanced technology development.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that the Department of the Air Force sought proposals from all responsible sources. This approach generally promotes competitive pricing and innovation by allowing a wide range of contractors to participate. The number of bidders is not specified, but the open competition suggests a robust process was intended to identify the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it aims to secure the best possible price and quality through market forces, reducing the risk of inflated costs.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and the Air Force, who will receive advancements in agile flight test vehicle technology. This contract supports the development of next-generation aerospace capabilities. The geographic impact is centered in Ohio, where the contractor is located. The program is expected to stimulate innovation within the aerospace R&D sector and potentially create specialized jobs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts carry inherent risk of cost escalation if R&D efforts prove more complex or expensive than initially anticipated.
The long performance period (over 5 years) requires sustained oversight to ensure progress and prevent scope creep.
The specialized nature of agile flight test vehicles means that technical risks are likely high, potentially impacting program timelines and outcomes.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a thorough vetting of potential contractors and a competitive process.
The definitive contract structure provides a clear framework for the development effort.
Focus on advanced R&D aligns with strategic modernization goals for the Air Force.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced aerospace technologies. The market for specialized flight test vehicles and agile development is niche, often dominated by established aerospace firms and R&D-focused companies. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining technological superiority and advancing defense capabilities. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within other advanced aerospace R&D contracts awarded by DoD agencies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside criterion for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). As a large definitive contract for advanced R&D, it is unlikely to be directly subcontracted to small businesses unless specific opportunities arise within the project's scope. The primary focus is on the prime contractor's capabilities in specialized research and development.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Air Force contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures will be tied to the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, requiring detailed cost reporting and progress reviews. Transparency is expected through contract reporting mechanisms, though specific details of R&D progress may be sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Advanced Aerospace Research Programs
Defense Research and Development
Flight Systems Development
Agile Technology Development
Air Force Research Laboratory Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF)
Technical Feasibility Uncertainty
Long Program Duration Risk
Potential for Scope Creep

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $33.1 million to GOHYPERSONIC INCORPORATED. CONCEPTUAL FLIGHT TEST VEHICLE AND PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT FOR AGILE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GOHYPERSONIC INCORPORATED.

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 $33.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-06-08. End: 2025-12-23.

What is the track record of GOHYPERSONIC INCORPORATED in delivering complex R&D projects for the Department of Defense?

Information regarding the specific track record of GOHYPERSONIC INCORPORATED in delivering complex R&D projects for the Department of Defense is not directly available in the provided data snippet. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history, and any publicly available project outcomes associated with the company. Given the specialized nature of 'conceptual flight test vehicle and program development for agile,' it is crucial to ascertain if the company has prior experience with similar high-risk, cutting-edge research and development initiatives. This includes evaluating their success in meeting technical milestones, managing budgets, and adhering to delivery schedules on previous DoD contracts. Without this historical context, it is difficult to definitively assess their capability to successfully execute this particular program.

How does the $33.1 million award compare to similar R&D contracts for advanced flight systems?

The $33.1 million award for conceptual flight test vehicle and program development for agile systems represents a significant, but not unprecedented, investment in advanced aerospace R&D. To benchmark this value, one would need to compare it against other definitive contracts awarded by the DoD or NASA for similar research into novel flight technologies, experimental aircraft development, or advanced propulsion systems. Factors such as the scope of work (e.g., prototype development vs. theoretical research), the technological maturity targeted, and the duration of the contract (here, over five years) are critical for a fair comparison. Contracts for early-stage, high-risk R&D often have a wide cost range. This particular award suggests a substantial commitment to exploring and developing new capabilities in agile flight systems, likely involving complex engineering and testing phases.

What are the primary technical risks associated with developing an 'agile' conceptual flight test vehicle?

Developing an 'agile' conceptual flight test vehicle entails significant technical risks inherent in pioneering advanced aerospace technologies. Key risks include achieving desired performance characteristics such as rapid maneuverability, high speed, and potentially novel control systems, which may push the boundaries of current engineering capabilities. The integration of advanced materials, propulsion systems, and sophisticated avionics presents complex challenges that could lead to unforeseen design flaws or performance shortfalls. Furthermore, the 'conceptual' nature implies that fundamental design principles may still be evolving, increasing the likelihood of design changes and iterations. Ensuring the reliability and safety of a novel flight test platform, especially one designed for agility, requires rigorous testing and validation, which itself carries risks of component failure or unexpected aerodynamic behaviors. The success of the program hinges on overcoming these multifaceted technical hurdles.

What is the expected impact of this contract on the broader aerospace R&D sector?

This contract is expected to have a positive impact on the broader aerospace R&D sector by stimulating innovation and advancing the state-of-the-art in agile flight technologies. The investment by the Department of the Air Force signals a commitment to developing next-generation capabilities, which can encourage further private sector investment and research in related areas. The development of conceptual flight test vehicles often leads to breakthroughs in materials science, aerodynamics, control systems, and propulsion, knowledge that can eventually trickle down to commercial aviation or other defense applications. Furthermore, such programs can foster collaboration between government research institutions, prime contractors like GOHYPERSONIC INCORPORATED, and potentially academic partners, creating a knowledge-sharing ecosystem. This can lead to the development of new intellectual property, specialized workforce skills, and a stronger overall industrial base in advanced aerospace.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type influence cost control and taxpayer value in this R&D context?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is commonly used for research and development efforts where the scope of work is not precisely defined, and costs are difficult to estimate accurately upfront. In this structure, the government agrees to pay the contractor's actual allowable costs plus a fixed fee, which represents the contractor's profit. For taxpayers, CPFF offers a degree of cost certainty regarding the contractor's profit margin, as the fee is negotiated and fixed. However, it places the primary cost risk on the government, as it bears the full cost of the R&D effort, regardless of the final expenditure. Effective cost control relies heavily on robust government oversight, detailed cost monitoring, and stringent auditing of the contractor's expenses. While CPFF incentivizes the contractor to complete the work, it does not inherently incentivize cost efficiency beyond what is necessary to achieve the fixed fee, making diligent program management crucial for ensuring taxpayer value.

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 › 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

Address: 848 E MONUMENT AVE, DAYTON, OH, 45402

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $40,058,563

Exercised Options: $33,830,628

Current Obligation: $33,124,495

Actual Outlays: $12,366

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline