DoD's $27.2M R&D contract for software-defined radios awarded to Rockwell Collins, with 6 bidders
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $27,249,366 ($27.2M)
Contractor: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2019-10-28
End Date: 2023-06-14
Contract Duration: 1,325 days
Daily Burn Rate: $20.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: DATA LINK ENTERPRISE - SOFTWARE PROGRAMMABLE OPEN MISSION SYSTEMS COMPLIANT RADIO
Place of Performance
Location: CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN County, IOWA, 52498
State: Iowa Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $27.2 million to ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC. for work described as: DATA LINK ENTERPRISE - SOFTWARE PROGRAMMABLE OPEN MISSION SYSTEMS COMPLIANT RADIO Key points: 1. Contract awarded for research and development in advanced radio systems. 2. Competition involved 6 bidders, suggesting a moderately competitive landscape. 3. The contract duration of over 3 years indicates a significant project. 4. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541715 points to R&D in physical and engineering sciences. 6. The contract was awarded as a delivery order under a larger contract.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this R&D contract is challenging without specific deliverables or comparable projects. The fixed-price nature provides some cost control, but the overall value depends heavily on the successful development of the software-defined radio technology. Further analysis would require understanding the specific technical requirements and the innovation achieved.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, with six bids received. This level of competition is generally positive, indicating that multiple vendors were interested and capable of performing the work. A higher number of bidders typically leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition for this R&D contract suggests that taxpayers benefited from a competitive bidding process, which should have driven down costs and encouraged innovation among the bidders.
Public Impact
The Department of Defense is the primary beneficiary, seeking advanced communication capabilities. The contract supports the development of software-defined radios, enhancing military communication systems. The geographic impact is primarily within Iowa, where Rockwell Collins, Inc. is located. Workforce implications include R&D personnel, engineers, and technicians involved in the project.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- R&D contracts can be subject to scope creep if requirements are not clearly defined.
- The success of the technology development is a key risk factor.
- Reliance on a single contractor for delivery orders could limit future competition if not managed carefully.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition indicates a healthy market for this technology.
- Fixed-price contract type helps manage cost uncertainty.
- The award to a known entity like Rockwell Collins suggests a degree of confidence in their capabilities.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced communication technologies. The market for software-defined radios is driven by the need for flexible, adaptable, and secure communication systems in both military and civilian applications. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within defense R&D budgets for communication systems and electronic warfare.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, as indicated by 'sb': false. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses. The focus on R&D by a large prime contractor may limit direct opportunities for small businesses unless they are part of the supply chain or subcontracted by Rockwell Collins.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), which is responsible for ensuring contract compliance and performance. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of accountability for the contractor to deliver within the agreed budget. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Defense Research and Development
- Advanced Communication Systems
- Software-Defined Radios
- Military Technology Development
Risk Flags
- Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.
- Technological feasibility and performance risks.
- Schedule adherence challenges in complex development.
- Contractor performance on delivery orders.
Tags
defense, department-of-defense, rockwell-collins, research-and-development, software-defined-radio, full-and-open-competition, firm-fixed-price, delivery-order, iowa, naics-541715
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $27.2 million to ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC.. DATA LINK ENTERPRISE - SOFTWARE PROGRAMMABLE OPEN MISSION SYSTEMS COMPLIANT RADIO
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $27.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-10-28. End: 2023-06-14.
What is Rockwell Collins' track record with similar Department of Defense R&D contracts?
Rockwell Collins, now part of Collins Aerospace (a Raytheon Technologies company), has a long history of providing advanced avionics, communication, and electronic systems to the Department of Defense. They have consistently secured contracts for R&D and production of sophisticated military hardware, including communication systems, electronic warfare suites, and navigation systems. Their track record generally indicates a strong capability in developing and delivering complex technological solutions for defense applications. Specific performance on past R&D contracts would require a deeper dive into contract databases, but their sustained presence as a prime contractor suggests a reliable performance history.
How does the $27.2 million value compare to similar R&D contracts for software-defined radios?
The $27.2 million value for this R&D contract for software-defined radios is within a typical range for advanced technology development projects within the Department of Defense. R&D contracts can vary significantly based on the complexity, scope, and duration of the research. Projects involving cutting-edge software and hardware integration, such as advanced radios, often require substantial investment. Without knowing the specific technical objectives and deliverables, a precise comparison is difficult. However, considering the nature of software-defined radio development, which involves significant engineering and testing, this funding level appears commensurate with the potential for innovation and technological advancement.
What are the primary risks associated with this specific R&D contract?
The primary risks associated with this R&D contract include technological feasibility, schedule delays, and potential cost overruns if the fixed-price structure is not adequately managed against evolving requirements. Technological risks are inherent in R&D, as the successful development of novel software-defined radio capabilities is not guaranteed. Schedule risks may arise from unforeseen technical challenges or integration issues. While the contract is fixed-price, scope creep or poorly defined requirements could lead to change orders or disputes, impacting the overall cost and timeline. Furthermore, the reliance on a specific contractor for delivery orders could pose a risk if their performance falters or if future needs require different solutions.
How effective is the full and open competition strategy for R&D contracts of this nature?
The full and open competition strategy is generally considered effective for R&D contracts as it maximizes the pool of potential offerors, fostering innovation and potentially leading to better technological solutions and pricing. By allowing all responsible sources to submit proposals, the government can access a wider range of expertise and novel approaches. In this case, with six bidders, it suggests a healthy competitive environment. However, the effectiveness also depends on the clarity of the solicitation, the evaluation criteria, and the government's ability to assess complex technical proposals. For R&D, ensuring that the competition drives true innovation rather than just incremental improvements is a key aspect of its effectiveness.
What are the historical spending patterns for software-defined radio R&D within the Department of Defense?
Historical spending patterns for software-defined radio (SDR) R&D within the Department of Defense have shown a consistent and increasing trend over the past decade. Driven by the need for adaptable, interoperable, and secure communication systems, the DoD has invested heavily in SDR technology across various branches. This includes research into waveform development, cognitive radio capabilities, anti-jamming techniques, and network integration. Funding often comes from specific R&D programs within the Army, Navy, Air Force, and DARPA, with budgets allocated for basic research, applied research, and advanced technology development. The total spending can fluctuate annually based on strategic priorities and technological advancements, but SDR remains a critical area of investment.
What is the significance of the NAICS code 541715 for this contract?
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541715, 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology),' signifies that this contract is focused on fundamental and applied research and experimental development in these scientific fields. For this specific contract, it indicates that the work involves scientific inquiry and experimentation to advance knowledge and understanding in areas like physics, chemistry, engineering, and mathematics, leading to the development of new or improved products, processes, or services. In the context of software-defined radios, this NAICS code covers the engineering and scientific research required to create innovative communication technologies.
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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: RTX Corp
Address: 400 COLLINS RD NE, CEDAR RAPIDS, IA, 52498
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $27,249,366
Exercised Options: $27,249,366
Current Obligation: $27,249,366
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 3
Total Subaward Amount: $168,661
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA872618D0011
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-10-28
Current End Date: 2023-06-14
Potential End Date: 2023-06-14 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-08-25
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