Air Force R&D contract awarded to Charles Stark Draper Laboratory for $10.1M, focusing on electronics and communication equipment

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,121,157 ($10.1M)

Contractor: THE Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2003-10-14

End Date: 2009-06-30

Contract Duration: 2,086 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: 200401!000001!5700!GQ04 !AFRL/IFKRD !FA875004C0003 !A!N! !N! ! !20031014!20080714!066587478!066587478!066587478!N!CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATOR!555 TECHNOLOGY SQUARE !CAMBRIDGE !MA!02139!11000!017!25!CAMBRIDGE !MIDDLESEX !MASS !+000000300000!N!N!000009337937!AD91!RDTE/OTHER DEFENSE-BASIC RESEARCH !A7 !ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION EQUIP !000 !* !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !A!N!U!2!001!E! !Z!Y!Z! ! !N!Z!N! ! ! ! ! !A!A!000!A!C!N! ! ! !Y! ! !0001! !

Place of Performance

Location: CAMBRIDGE, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02139

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $10.1 million to THE CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY, INC. for work described as: 200401!000001!5700!GQ04 !AFRL/IFKRD !FA875004C0003 !A!N! !N! ! !20031014!20080714!066587478!066587478!066587478!N!CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATOR!555 TECHNOLOGY SQUARE !CAMBRIDGE !MA!02139!11000!017!25!CAMBRIDGE !MIDD… Key points: 1. Contract value of $10.1M suggests a significant investment in specialized research and development. 2. Full and open competition indicates a potentially competitive bidding process, though specific bidder numbers are not provided. 3. The contract's duration of over 5 years points to a long-term research objective. 4. Awarded by the Department of the Air Force, this contract aligns with defense modernization priorities. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541710 signifies a focus on physical, engineering, and life sciences research. 6. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) suggests that costs were reimbursed plus a fixed fee, which can incentivize efficiency but also carries some risk of cost overruns.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $10.1 million over approximately 5 years for R&D in electronics and communication equipment appears moderate for a defense research project. Benchmarking against similar contracts is difficult without more specific details on the scope of work. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can sometimes lead to higher overall costs compared to fixed-price contracts if not managed carefully, but it is appropriate for research where the scope may evolve. The absence of detailed performance metrics makes a definitive value assessment challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition,' suggesting that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. While this indicates a potentially robust competition, the specific number of bidders is not detailed in the provided data. A higher number of bidders typically leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for the government. The 'full and open' designation is a positive indicator for competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down costs and encourage innovation from a wider range of contractors.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the Department of the Air Force and potentially other defense agencies requiring advancements in electronics and communication. The contract supports research and development activities, aiming to deliver new technologies or improve existing ones in the defense sector. The geographic impact is centered in Massachusetts, where Charles Stark Draper Laboratory is located, potentially creating or sustaining high-skilled jobs in the region. The contract implies the involvement of specialized scientific and engineering workforce within the contractor's organization.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
The specific deliverables and performance metrics are not detailed, making it hard to assess the likelihood of successful project completion.
Limited information on the competitive landscape beyond 'full and open' makes it difficult to gauge the true level of price pressure.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a fair and accessible bidding process.
The contractor, Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, is a well-established entity in defense research and development.
The contract duration indicates a commitment to a specific research area, potentially leading to significant technological advancements.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on electronics and communication equipment. The market for defense-related R&D is characterized by long development cycles, high technical complexity, and significant government investment. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other large-scale R&D contracts awarded by the Department of Defense for similar technological areas. The NAICS code 541710, 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences,' encompasses a broad range of scientific endeavors, and this contract represents a specific application within that domain.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a set-aside provision. The primary focus is on a large, established research laboratory. Any subcontracting would likely be at the discretion of the prime contractor and would depend on the specific technical needs of the research project.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program managers within the Department of the Air Force. Accountability measures would be tied to the terms of the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, including adherence to the scope of work, budget, and delivery schedules. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed project progress reports are often considered sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Defense Research and Development
Electronics and Communication Systems
Advanced Technology Development
Air Force Research Laboratory Contracts

Risk Flags

Contract duration exceeds 5 years, requiring careful monitoring of progress and potential for scope creep.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type necessitates robust government oversight to manage costs effectively.
Limited public information on specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess project success independently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $10.1 million to THE CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY, INC.. 200401!000001!5700!GQ04 !AFRL/IFKRD !FA875004C0003 !A!N! !N! ! !20031014!20080714!066587478!066587478!066587478!N!CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATOR!555 TECHNOLOGY SQUARE !CAMBRIDGE !MA!02139!11000!017!25!CAMBRIDGE !MIDDLESEX !MASS !+000000300000!N!N!000009337937!AD91!RDTE/OTHER DEFENSE-BASIC RESEARCH !A7 !ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION EQUIP !000 !* !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !999

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY, 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 $10.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2003-10-14. End: 2009-06-30.

What is the specific technical scope of this contract and what are the expected deliverables?

The provided data indicates the contract's North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541710, which covers 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.' The product service code (PSC) is AD91, related to 'Research and Development- Defense Related (Advanced Technology Development).' The description mentions 'ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION EQUIP.' While the contract number FA875004C0003 and the awarding agency (AFRL/IFKRD) suggest a focus on advanced electronics and communication technologies for defense applications, the specific technical objectives, research methodologies, and tangible deliverables (e.g., prototypes, reports, software) are not detailed in this summary data. Further investigation into the contract's statement of work would be necessary to understand the precise scope and expected outcomes.

How does the $10.1 million contract value compare to similar R&D efforts in electronics and communication for the Air Force?

The contract value of $10.1 million for Charles Stark Draper Laboratory is a moderate sum for a defense R&D project spanning over five years (October 2003 to June 2009). However, without specific details on the project's scope, complexity, and duration, direct comparisons are challenging. Large-scale defense R&D programs can range from tens of millions to billions of dollars. This particular contract likely represents a focused effort on a specific aspect of electronics or communication technology. To provide a more accurate comparison, one would need to analyze other contracts with similar NAICS codes (541710) and PSCs (like AD91) awarded by the Air Force or other DoD branches during the same period, considering factors like the number of bidders and the contract type (e.g., CPFF, FFP).

What is the track record of Charles Stark Draper Laboratory with the Department of Defense, particularly in R&D contracts?

Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. has a long-standing and significant track record of working with the Department of Defense (DoD) and other government agencies on complex research, development, and engineering projects. They are known for their expertise in areas such as guidance, navigation, and control systems, advanced sensors, and complex system integration. Their history includes work on critical defense programs, often involving highly specialized and advanced technologies. While this specific contract (FA875004C0003) is for $10.1 million, Draper Laboratory has undoubtedly been involved in contracts of varying sizes and scopes over the decades. Their continued success in securing DoD contracts, especially those awarded through competitive processes, suggests a strong reputation for technical capability, reliability, and delivering on challenging R&D objectives.

What are the potential risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for this type of R&D?

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts, like the one awarded to Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, carry specific risks for the government. The primary risk is that the contractor may have less incentive to control costs compared to a fixed-price contract, as the government agrees to reimburse all allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee. If the contractor's costs exceed initial estimates, the government pays the actual costs, potentially leading to a higher final price than anticipated. Scope creep, where the project's objectives expand beyond the original agreement, can also inflate costs under a CPFF structure. Effective oversight, rigorous cost tracking, and clear definition of the statement of work are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure the government receives good value. The fixed fee itself, however, provides some level of cost certainty for the contractor's profit.

How has federal spending in the 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' (NAICS 541710) sector evolved over the period this contract was active (2003-2009)?

Federal spending in NAICS code 541710, 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences,' generally saw fluctuations during the 2003-2009 period, influenced by overall federal budget priorities, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and increased focus on national security research. The Department of Defense is consistently the largest federal funder of R&D in this category. While specific year-over-year data for this NAICS code alone is complex to isolate without detailed budget analysis tools, overall federal R&D obligations saw increases during these years, driven significantly by defense spending. This contract, valued at $10.1 million, represents a small fraction of the total federal investment in this broad R&D sector during that timeframe, reflecting a targeted investment in specific defense-related technologies.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 555 TECHNOLOGY SQUARE, CAMBRIDGE, MA, 90

Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline