DoD Awards $119M for Counter UAS Support to Science Applications International Corp

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $119,186,167 ($119.2M)

Contractor: Science Applications International Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2021-05-27

End Date: 2026-03-13

Contract Duration: 1,751 days

Daily Burn Rate: $68.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: COUNTER UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS SUPPORT AND SUSTAINMENT

Place of Performance

Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20190

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $119.2 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION for work described as: COUNTER UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS SUPPORT AND SUSTAINMENT Key points: 1. Significant contract value for critical counter-drone technology. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting market availability. 3. Potential for cost overruns with Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type. 4. Engineering services sector sees substantial investment in defense tech.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of $119M is substantial. Benchmarking against similar large-scale engineering support contracts is difficult without more specific service details, but the fixed fee component aims to control costs.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust marketplace for these services. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and innovation.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced defense technology, aiming to enhance national security through effective counter-UAS capabilities.

Public Impact

Enhances national security by addressing the growing threat of unmanned aerial systems. Supports the Department of the Air Force's operational readiness and technological superiority. Invests in advanced engineering and sustainment services for critical defense systems.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.
  • Sustainment over a long duration (2026) requires ongoing monitoring for efficiency.
  • Reliance on a single awardee for this critical capability.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded through full and open competition, ensuring market access.
  • Addresses a high-priority national security need (counter-UAS).
  • Long-term contract provides stability for sustainment efforts.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting advanced defense technology. Spending benchmarks in this area are highly variable, but $119M for counter-UAS support is a significant investment reflecting the evolving threat landscape.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Science Applications International Corporation, a large business. There is no explicit indication of small business subcontracting participation in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force, is responsible for oversight. The contract's duration and cost-plus nature necessitate diligent monitoring to ensure value and performance.

Related Government Programs

  • Engineering Services
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

  • Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
  • Long contract duration requires sustained oversight.
  • Dependence on a single large contractor for critical technology.
  • Lack of explicit small business participation noted.

Tags

engineering-services, department-of-defense, va, delivery-order, 100m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $119.2 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION. COUNTER UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS SUPPORT AND SUSTAINMENT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION.

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 $119.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-05-27. End: 2026-03-13.

What specific sustainment activities are included in this contract, and how do they contribute to the overall effectiveness of counter-UAS systems?

The contract likely encompasses maintenance, repair, upgrades, and technical support for existing counter-UAS platforms and associated systems. Effective sustainment ensures the systems remain operational, technologically relevant, and capable of countering evolving drone threats, thereby directly contributing to mission success and national security.

How will the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure be managed to mitigate potential cost overruns and ensure fair pricing for taxpayers?

Effective management of a CPFF contract requires robust oversight of direct costs, detailed tracking of labor hours and materials, and clear definition of the fixed fee. The contracting officer must ensure that all costs claimed are reasonable, allocable, and allowable, with regular audits and performance reviews to prevent scope creep and ensure the contractor meets objectives within the agreed-upon fee structure.

What is the projected return on investment for this $119M expenditure in terms of enhanced threat detection and neutralization capabilities?

Quantifying ROI for defense spending is complex, but it can be assessed by reduced operational risk from UAS threats, successful interdiction rates, and the cost avoidance of potential damage or disruption. The investment aims to provide a technological advantage, deter adversaries, and protect critical assets, with the ultimate ROI measured in national security resilience and mission assurance.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesArchitectural, Engineering, and Related ServicesEngineering Services

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENTMAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 12010, SUNSET HILLS ROAD, 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: $129,834,292

Exercised Options: $129,834,292

Current Obligation: $119,186,167

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 120

Total Subaward Amount: $55,841,064

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADU329

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2021-05-27

Current End Date: 2026-03-13

Potential End Date: 2026-03-13 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-12-16

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