DoD's $12.4M contract for HARD TARGET VOID SENSING FUZE JCTD awarded to Alliant Techsystems Operations LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,409,071 ($12.4M)

Contractor: Alliant Techsystems Operations LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2008-03-31

End Date: 2013-09-13

Contract Duration: 1,992 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: HARD TARGET VOID SENSING FUZE JCTD

Place of Performance

Location: ELKTON, CECIL County, MARYLAND, 21921

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $12.4 million to ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS OPERATIONS LLC for work described as: HARD TARGET VOID SENSING FUZE JCTD Key points: 1. Contract awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract duration of 1992 days indicates a long-term need for the specified fuze system. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type shifts cost risk to the contractor, potentially stabilizing final costs. 4. The contract was awarded by the Department of the Air Force, a major component of the DoD. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 332993 points to ammunition manufacturing. 6. The contract's value of $12.4 million is a significant investment in advanced ordnance technology.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific contract is challenging without more granular data on similar fuze systems. However, the $12.4 million award over approximately five years suggests a substantial investment per year. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to control costs, but the overall value-for-money depends on the system's effectiveness and longevity in the field. Further analysis would require comparing unit costs and performance metrics against alternative or legacy systems.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 4 bids suggests a moderate level of competition for this specialized defense requirement. While full and open competition is generally preferred for maximizing price discovery and innovation, the specific number of bidders can influence the final price and the range of solutions considered.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process for defense contracts like this one helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down prices and encouraging innovative solutions.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Air Force and potentially other Department of Defense branches requiring advanced sensing fuze technology. The contract delivers specialized ammunition components, enhancing the capabilities of existing or future weapon systems. The geographic impact is primarily national, supporting defense readiness and technological advancement within the United States. Workforce implications may include specialized manufacturing and engineering roles within the defense industrial base, particularly at Alliant Techsystems.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen technical challenges arise despite the fixed-price structure.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical component could pose supply chain risks.
The effectiveness and reliability of the 'HARD TARGET VOID SENSING FUZE JCTD' in real-world scenarios require ongoing validation.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
Long contract duration suggests a sustained need and potential for economies of scale in production.
The contract supports the development and procurement of advanced military technology.

Sector Analysis

The defense sector, particularly ammunition manufacturing, is characterized by high technological barriers to entry and stringent quality control requirements. Contracts like this one for specialized fuze systems are crucial for maintaining military superiority and technological edge. The market is often dominated by a few large prime contractors who possess the necessary expertise and facilities. Spending benchmarks for similar advanced ordnance components can vary widely based on complexity and quantity, but multi-million dollar awards are common for cutting-edge defense systems.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a specific small business set-aside. However, the prime contractor, Alliant Techsystems Operations LLC, may engage small businesses for subcontracting opportunities to fulfill parts of the contract, contributing to the broader defense industrial base ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Air Force's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified goods. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific performance details may be sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Ammunition Procurement
Air Force Weapon Systems Development
Advanced Ordnance Technology Programs
Fuze and Warhead Systems

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may increase risk of technological obsolescence.
Dependence on a single contractor for specialized components.
Effectiveness in diverse operational environments requires thorough testing.
Potential for cost growth if unforeseen technical issues arise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $12.4 million to ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS OPERATIONS LLC. HARD TARGET VOID SENSING FUZE JCTD

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS OPERATIONS LLC.

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 $12.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-03-31. End: 2013-09-13.

What is the specific function and technological advantage of the 'HARD TARGET VOID SENSING FUZE JCTD' system?

The 'HARD TARGET VOID SENSING FUZE JCTD' likely refers to a Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD) program focused on developing a fuze system capable of detecting and detonating against hardened targets, potentially by sensing voids or specific structural characteristics within those targets. The technological advantage would lie in its ability to achieve greater effectiveness against deeply buried or reinforced enemy positions compared to conventional fuzes. This could involve advanced sensor technology, sophisticated detonation logic, and enhanced penetration capabilities. The JCTD designation suggests this was an experimental or developmental effort aimed at proving a new capability before full-scale procurement.

How does the $12.4 million contract value compare to similar advanced fuze system procurements by the DoD?

Direct comparison of the $12.4 million contract value for the 'HARD TARGET VOID SENSING FUZE JCTD' to similar advanced fuze systems is difficult without specific details on the system's complexity, quantity procured, and the specific threat environment it addresses. However, advanced fuzes incorporating sophisticated sensing and targeting technologies can be significantly more expensive than standard fuzes due to R&D costs, specialized materials, and complex manufacturing processes. Multi-million dollar contracts for developmental or specialized ordnance components are not uncommon within the DoD's procurement landscape, reflecting the high-stakes nature of defense technology acquisition.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to assess the success of this contract and the fuze system's effectiveness?

Key performance indicators for this contract would likely focus on the successful development, testing, and delivery of the fuze system according to specified technical requirements. This could include metrics such as target penetration depth against hardened structures, detonation reliability under various environmental conditions, accuracy of void sensing, and overall system survivability. For the JCTD program, success might also be measured by the demonstration of operational utility and the potential for transition to a program of record. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract implies that meeting these technical specifications within budget is a primary measure of success.

What is Alliant Techsystems Operations LLC's track record with similar defense contracts, particularly in ordnance and fuze technology?

Alliant Techsystems Operations LLC (now part of Northrop Grumman) has a significant and established track record in the defense sector, including extensive experience in munitions, propellants, and related technologies. They have been a major supplier of various ordnance components, including fuzes, for numerous U.S. military platforms. Their history includes participation in numerous advanced development programs and large-scale production contracts for the Department of Defense. This background suggests they possess the technical expertise and manufacturing capacity necessary for a contract involving advanced fuze systems like the 'HARD TARGET VOID SENSING FUZE JCTD'.

What are the potential risks associated with the long duration (1992 days) of this contract?

The long duration of 1992 days (approximately 5.5 years) for this contract presents several potential risks. Firstly, technological obsolescence is a concern; the fuze system's capabilities might be surpassed by newer technologies during its development or initial production phase. Secondly, cost escalation, despite the firm-fixed-price structure, can occur if unforeseen manufacturing challenges or material price increases emerge, potentially leading to contract modifications or disputes. Thirdly, changes in military requirements or strategic priorities could alter the need for this specific fuze system, impacting its ultimate deployment or value. Finally, maintaining contractor focus and quality over such an extended period requires robust program management from both the government and the contractor.

How does this contract fit into the broader landscape of U.S. Air Force munitions and advanced weapons development?

This contract for the 'HARD TARGET VOID SENSING FUZE JCTD' fits into the U.S. Air Force's ongoing efforts to modernize its munitions capabilities and develop advanced weapons systems. The focus on 'hard target' penetration and 'void sensing' indicates a strategic need to counter increasingly sophisticated and protected enemy infrastructure. Such developmental contracts are crucial for exploring and maturing technologies that can provide a decisive advantage in future conflicts. It represents an investment in next-generation ordnance, complementing other programs aimed at enhancing precision strike, survivability, and overall combat effectiveness for air and space power.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing › Ammunition (except Small Arms) Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems LLC (UEI: 618705925)

Address: 4700 NATHAN LANE NORTH, MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 90

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $12,628,955

Exercised Options: $12,409,071

Current Obligation: $12,409,071

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline