Leidos awarded $3.26M task order for CBRN survivability research, extending through 2028
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $3,258,331 ($3.3M)
Contractor: Leidos, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2022-09-09
End Date: 2028-09-07
Contract Duration: 2,190 days
Daily Burn Rate: $1.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: TASK ORDER 1 ON IDIQ FA8650-22-D-6431 CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL RADIOLOGICAL, AND NUCLEAR (CBRN) SURVIVABILITY PROGRAM
Place of Performance
Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20190
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $3.3 million to LEIDOS, INC. for work described as: TASK ORDER 1 ON IDIQ FA8650-22-D-6431 CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL RADIOLOGICAL, AND NUCLEAR (CBRN) SURVIVABILITY PROGRAM Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) survivability research. 2. Task order issued under a broader IDIQ contract, suggesting potential for follow-on work. 3. Research and Development (R&D) focus indicates investment in future defense capabilities. 4. Full and open competition was utilized, promoting a competitive bidding environment. 5. Contract duration of nearly six years allows for sustained research efforts. 6. Virginia is the primary state for contract performance, impacting local economic activity.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $3.26 million for a nearly six-year research and development effort appears reasonable. While specific cost breakdowns are not provided, the nature of R&D contracts often involves significant personnel and material costs. Benchmarking against similar CBRN research contracts would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment, but the initial award amount does not raise immediate concerns given the specialized and critical nature of the work.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This task order was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not detailed, but the use of full and open competition generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and innovative solutions for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the competitive process, which aims to secure the best value for the government's investment in critical defense research.
Public Impact
The Department of the Air Force benefits from advanced research into CBRN survivability, enhancing force protection. Services delivered include specialized research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Performance is primarily located in Virginia, potentially creating or sustaining high-skilled jobs in the region. The research aims to improve the survivability of military personnel and assets against CBRN threats.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep in R&D projects if not tightly managed.
- Reliance on specialized scientific expertise may limit the pool of qualified personnel.
- Long-term nature of the contract requires sustained funding and program commitment.
Positive Signals
- Focus on a critical national security area (CBRN survivability).
- Awarded under a competitive process, suggesting potential for good value.
- 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. The Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) survivability program is a niche but vital area within defense R&D. Spending in this sector is driven by evolving threats and the need for technological advancement to maintain military superiority and protect personnel. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely be found within other defense R&D contracts related to threat mitigation and advanced materials.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As a task order under a larger IDIQ, it is possible that subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist, particularly for specialized support services. However, without further details on subcontracting plans, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is unclear.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program management within the Department of the Air Force. Accountability measures are inherent in the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type, which requires detailed cost reporting and justification. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific research findings may be subject to security classifications.
Related Government Programs
- CBRN Defense Programs
- Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) Initiatives
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) R&D
- Military Survivability Research
- Chemical and Biological Defense Program
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration may outpace evolving threat landscape.
- R&D projects inherently carry risk of not achieving desired outcomes.
- Potential for cost overruns in complex research environments.
Tags
research-and-development, department-of-defense, air-force, cbrn, survivability, full-and-open-competition, cost-plus-fixed-fee, task-order, leidos-inc, virginia, science-and-technology, national-security
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $3.3 million to LEIDOS, INC.. TASK ORDER 1 ON IDIQ FA8650-22-D-6431 CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL RADIOLOGICAL, AND NUCLEAR (CBRN) SURVIVABILITY PROGRAM
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 $3.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-09-09. End: 2028-09-07.
What is the historical spending pattern for CBRN survivability research within the Department of the Air Force?
Analyzing historical spending for CBRN survivability research within the Department of the Air Force requires access to detailed budget and contract data over multiple fiscal years. Typically, such spending fluctuates based on perceived threat levels, technological advancements, and strategic priorities. Significant investments are often made during periods of heightened geopolitical tension or following specific threat assessments. Without direct access to historical financial records and contract databases specific to this program area, providing precise figures is challenging. However, it is understood that the Air Force, as a key branch of the military, consistently allocates resources to ensure the survivability of its assets and personnel against a wide spectrum of CBRN threats, often through a combination of internal research, development contracts, and procurement of protective equipment.
How does the awarded amount compare to similar CBRN survivability research contracts?
Comparing the $3.26 million award for this task order to similar CBRN survivability research contracts requires a benchmark of comparable projects. Research and development in this specialized field can vary significantly in cost depending on the scope, complexity, and duration. Contracts for basic research might be smaller, while those involving advanced prototyping, testing, and system integration could be substantially larger. Given that this is a task order under an IDIQ, it suggests a defined scope within a larger framework. Without specific details on the deliverables and the technological maturity targeted by this particular research, a direct comparison is difficult. However, for a multi-year R&D effort focused on critical survivability aspects, $3.26 million appears to be within a reasonable range, assuming it covers a well-defined research objective.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this research contract?
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for a research and development contract like this one, focused on CBRN survivability, are typically tied to the achievement of specific research milestones and technical objectives. These could include the successful development and testing of new materials or technologies, the validation of predictive models for threat assessment, or the demonstration of enhanced protective capabilities. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) implies that the contractor is incentivized to manage costs while achieving the defined technical goals. Specific KPIs would be detailed in the Statement of Work (SOW) and could involve metrics related to the efficacy of proposed solutions, the accuracy of research findings, adherence to project timelines, and the successful transfer of knowledge or technology to the government.
What is the track record of Leidos, Inc. in performing similar R&D contracts for the Department of Defense?
Leidos, Inc. has a substantial track record of performing research and development (R&D) contracts for the Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal agencies. The company possesses broad capabilities across various scientific and engineering disciplines, including areas relevant to defense, intelligence, and national security. Their experience often encompasses complex systems integration, advanced technology development, and scientific research. For CBRN-related work, Leidos has been involved in developing and implementing solutions for threat detection, protection, and consequence management. Their performance on previous DoD contracts, including those involving R&D, is generally well-documented in federal procurement databases, allowing for assessment of their past performance ratings, on-time delivery, and adherence to technical requirements.
What are the potential risks associated with the long duration of this contract (nearly 6 years)?
The long duration of this contract, spanning nearly six years, presents several potential risks. Firstly, the threat landscape for CBRN events can evolve rapidly, meaning the research objectives or technologies developed early in the contract might become less relevant or require significant adaptation by the time the contract concludes. Secondly, sustained funding for R&D projects can be subject to shifting budgetary priorities within the Department of Defense, potentially leading to funding uncertainties or program adjustments. Thirdly, maintaining consistent technical expertise and project team continuity over such an extended period can be challenging. Finally, there's a risk that the fixed-fee component might not adequately account for unforeseen cost increases or scope changes that could arise during a lengthy research endeavor, potentially impacting the contractor's profitability or the government's value if not managed proactively.
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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
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: $3,258,331
Exercised Options: $3,258,331
Current Obligation: $3,258,331
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA865022D6431
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-09-09
Current End Date: 2028-09-07
Potential End Date: 2028-09-07 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-07
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