Dod's $393M Multitude of Attritable Composite Structures (mass) Contract Awarded to Engineering and Software System Solutions, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,930,000 ($3.9M)

Contractor: Engineering and Software System Solutions, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-11-22

End Date: 2028-02-21

Contract Duration: 1,917 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: MULTITUDE OF ATTRITABLE COMPOSITE STRUCTURES (MASS)

Place of Performance

Location: SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92101

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $3.9 million to ENGINEERING AND SOFTWARE SYSTEM SOLUTIONS, INC. for work described as: MULTITUDE OF ATTRITABLE COMPOSITE STRUCTURES (MASS) Key points: 1. The contract focuses on Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, a critical area for defense innovation. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure may incentivize cost overruns if not closely monitored. 4. The contract's duration of 1917 days (over 5 years) indicates a long-term R&D commitment.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), which can lead to higher costs if not managed effectively. Benchmarking CPFF contracts in R&D is challenging due to variability, but close oversight is crucial.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and innovation.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in advanced R&D, which could yield significant long-term benefits if successful, but carries inherent risks of research failure.

Public Impact

Investment in advanced composite structures could lead to lighter, stronger, and more efficient military platforms. The R&D focus may result in technological advancements with dual-use applications, benefiting both defense and commercial sectors. Long-term contracts like this can provide stable funding for research institutions and foster specialized expertise. Potential for job creation in specialized engineering and manufacturing fields.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns.
Long contract duration requires sustained oversight.
R&D projects have inherent uncertainty and risk of failure.
Small business participation is not indicated.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Focus on critical R&D for defense modernization.
Potential for significant technological advancements.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, excluding nanotechnology and biotechnology. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining a technological edge, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research focus and agency.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a stated factor in this contract award (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests the prime contractor is likely a large business, and opportunities for small businesses would typically be through subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract's long duration and CPFF structure necessitate robust oversight from the Department of the Air Force to ensure cost control, adherence to research objectives, and accountability for taxpayer 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.
Long contract duration (over 5 years).
R&D projects carry inherent uncertainty.
Lack of stated small business participation.
Potential for scope creep in R&D.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $3.9 million to ENGINEERING AND SOFTWARE SYSTEM SOLUTIONS, INC.. MULTITUDE OF ATTRITABLE COMPOSITE STRUCTURES (MASS)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ENGINEERING AND SOFTWARE SYSTEM SOLUTIONS, 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 $3.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-11-22. End: 2028-02-21.

What specific advancements in composite structures are anticipated from this R&D effort, and how will they translate into tangible improvements for Air Force platforms?

The specific advancements are not detailed in the provided data. However, R&D in 'attritable composite structures' likely aims to develop materials and designs for components that are cost-effective to produce and potentially designed for a limited lifespan or specific mission profiles, balancing performance with affordability. These could lead to lighter airframes, improved aerodynamic efficiency, or novel weapon system integration, ultimately enhancing platform capabilities and reducing lifecycle costs.

Given the CPFF structure, what mechanisms are in place to mitigate the risk of cost overruns and ensure efficient use of funds?

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require stringent oversight. The Air Force likely employs Earned Value Management (EVM) to track progress against cost and schedule. Regular reviews, detailed reporting requirements, and clear performance metrics are essential. Establishing realistic baseline estimates and closely monitoring contractor expenditures against these baselines, along with defined fee structures tied to performance, are critical to managing risks associated with this contract type.

How will the success of this long-term R&D project be measured, and what are the key performance indicators for the 'MULTITUDE OF ATTRITABLE COMPOSITE STRUCTURES' initiative?

Success metrics for R&D contracts are often tied to achieving specific technical milestones, demonstrating proof-of-concept, developing prototypes, and validating performance under simulated or actual conditions. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) might include material strength-to-weight ratios, manufacturing cost targets, durability metrics, and successful integration into test platforms. The 'attritable' nature suggests cost-effectiveness and potentially controlled lifecycles will also be critical evaluation criteria.

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: TWO STEP

Solicitation ID: FA865022S5011

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 600 B STREET, 19TH FLOOR, SAN DIEGO, CA, 92101

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,049,736

Exercised Options: $5,049,736

Current Obligation: $3,930,000

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $514,224

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline