DoD's $29.5M Aerospace Research Contract Awarded to DCS Corporation Under Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $29,534,585 ($29.5M)

Contractor: DCS Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2021-05-14

End Date: 2028-05-14

Contract Duration: 2,557 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: AEROSPACE SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT (ASTRA) AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGIES DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING (ATDT) CONTROL AUTOMATION RESEARCH

Place of Performance

Location: ALEXANDRIA, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22310

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $29.5 million to DCS CORPORATION for work described as: AEROSPACE SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT (ASTRA) AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGIES DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING (ATDT) CONTROL AUTOMATION RESEARCH Key points: 1. The contract focuses on advanced aerospace technologies, research, and testing, a critical area for national defense. 2. DCS Corporation, a known entity in defense contracting, secured this award. 3. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires close monitoring to ensure costs remain reasonable. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more granular cost data, but the fixed fee component provides some cost control.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders likely participated. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is expected to yield fair pricing, benefiting taxpayers by avoiding inflated costs.

Public Impact

Advancements in aerospace technology could lead to improved defense capabilities and potentially spin-off civilian applications. Investment in R&D is crucial for maintaining technological superiority in the aerospace sector. The contract duration of over 6 years suggests a long-term commitment to developing and testing these technologies.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can incentivize contractors to increase costs to maximize profit.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it hard to assess the true value and effectiveness of the research.
The contract is for research and development, where outcomes are inherently uncertain and may not yield desired results.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process.
Focus on critical aerospace technologies for national defense.
Long contract duration allows for in-depth research and development.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is vital for innovation and maintaining a technological edge, particularly within the defense industry.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, as DCS Corporation is a large entity. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award notice.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force, is the awarding agency. Standard oversight mechanisms for R&D contracts, including progress reports and financial reviews, would apply to ensure accountability and proper use of funds.

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 can lead to higher costs if not managed tightly.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the value and effectiveness of the R&D.
Research and Development outcomes are inherently uncertain and may not yield desired results.
No indication of small business participation or subcontracting opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $29.5 million to DCS CORPORATION. AEROSPACE SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT (ASTRA) AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGIES DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING (ATDT) CONTROL AUTOMATION RESEARCH

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DCS 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 $29.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-05-14. End: 2028-05-14.

What specific technological advancements are expected from this contract, and how will their success be measured?

The contract details are broad, focusing on 'Aerospace Systems Technology Research and Assessment' and 'Aerospace Technologies Development and Testing'. Specific expected advancements and their success metrics are not publicly detailed in this award notice. Measuring success in R&D is often tied to achieving defined research milestones, successful prototype development, or demonstrating novel capabilities, rather than immediate deployable products.

Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, what are the primary risks associated with cost overruns, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risk with CPFF contracts is that the contractor may have less incentive to control costs, as the government covers allowable costs plus a fixed fee. Mitigation strategies include rigorous oversight, detailed cost tracking, regular audits, and clearly defined contract scope to prevent scope creep. The fixed fee provides a ceiling on profit, but not on total cost.

How does this investment in aerospace R&D align with current and future defense priorities for the Air Force?

This contract likely aligns with Air Force priorities focused on maintaining technological superiority, developing next-generation aerospace capabilities, and addressing evolving threats. Investments in R&D are crucial for future force modernization, enabling advancements in areas such as hypersonics, autonomous systems, space capabilities, and advanced materials, all critical for national security.

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 › General Science and Technology R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH

Solicitation ID: FA865020S2610

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6909 METRO PARK DR STE 500, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22310

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $51,647,644

Exercised Options: $45,029,708

Current Obligation: $29,534,585

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 16

Total Subaward Amount: $9,401,635

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA865021D2602

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline