DoD's $7.9M R&D Contract for Sensors Directorate Activities Awarded to Leidos, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $7,895,128 ($7.9M)
Contractor: Leidos, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2022-10-01
End Date: 2026-07-01
Contract Duration: 1,369 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SENSORS DIRECTORATE ACTIVITIES
Place of Performance
Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20190
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $7.9 million to LEIDOS, INC. for work described as: SENSORS DIRECTORATE ACTIVITIES Key points: 1. The contract focuses on Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 2. Leidos, Inc. is the sole awardee under a full and open competition. 3. The contract duration is over three years, ending in July 2026. 4. The award is categorized under 'VA' (likely meaning 'Value Added' or similar administrative code).
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking is difficult without specific per-unit cost data for the R&D services.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the specific pricing discovery mechanisms within the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure are not detailed.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced R&D, with the ultimate value dependent on the successful development of new sensor technologies.
Public Impact
Advancement of sensor technology for potential defense applications. Investment in research and development critical for national security. Potential for technological breakthroughs with broader scientific applications.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes value assessment challenging.
- Long contract duration increases exposure to changing technological landscapes.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition promotes market-driven pricing.
- Focus on R&D aligns with strategic technological advancement goals.
- Award to a known entity (Leidos) suggests established capabilities.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS code 541715. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation but can be subject to long development cycles and uncertain outcomes.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Leidos, Inc., a large business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be critical to ensure the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure does not lead to excessive spending and that research objectives are met efficiently.
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
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
- Uncertainty inherent in R&D projects.
- Long contract duration may lead to technology obsolescence.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in summary data.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, va, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $7.9 million to LEIDOS, INC.. SENSORS DIRECTORATE ACTIVITIES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LEIDOS, 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 $7.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-10-01. End: 2026-07-01.
What specific sensor technologies are being developed, and what are the expected performance improvements?
The provided data does not specify the exact sensor technologies under development or their anticipated performance enhancements. Further details from the contract's SOW (Statement of Work) would be necessary to assess the specific R&D goals and their potential impact on defense capabilities or scientific advancement.
How will the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure be managed to mitigate cost overruns and ensure fair pricing?
Effective management of a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract requires robust oversight, detailed cost tracking, and clear definition of the fixed fee. The government contracting officer and technical team must diligently monitor expenditures against the estimated costs and ensure that the fixed fee accurately reflects the contractor's effort and risk, preventing unnecessary inflation.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this R&D contract, and how will success be measured?
Key performance indicators for R&D contracts are often tied to milestones, prototypes, technical reports, and successful demonstrations rather than traditional output metrics. Success measurement would likely involve achieving specific technological advancements, meeting defined research objectives within the Statement of Work, and delivering functional prototypes or validated research findings.
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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: FA865020S1119
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Leidos Holdings, Inc.
Address: 1750 PRESIDENTS ST, 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: $7,895,128
Exercised Options: $7,895,128
Current Obligation: $7,895,128
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 14
Total Subaward Amount: $2,131,169
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA865021D1014
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-10-01
Current End Date: 2026-07-01
Potential End Date: 2026-07-01 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-08
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