DoD's $54.35M ORCA Contract Awarded to Booz Allen Hamilton for R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $54,350,269 ($54.4M)
Contractor: Booz Allen Hamilton Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2018-08-06
End Date: 2023-12-29
Contract Duration: 1,971 days
Daily Burn Rate: $27.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: OPERATIONAL RESILIENT CYBER ADVANCEMENTS (ORCA)
Place of Performance
Location: MCLEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22102
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $54.4 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC for work described as: OPERATIONAL RESILIENT CYBER ADVANCEMENTS (ORCA) Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single large business, Booz Allen Hamilton. 2. Focuses on Research and Development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 3. Competition method was 'Full and Open', suggesting broad market access. 4. Contract duration is substantial at 1971 days, indicating long-term project scope.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The award amount of $54.35M is moderate for R&D, but the final cost is subject to actual expenses.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which is positive for price discovery. However, the specific details of the bidding process and the number of bidders are not provided, making a full assessment of price competitiveness difficult.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced R&D, which has the potential for future benefits but carries inherent risks of research outcomes not meeting expectations.
Public Impact
Investment in advanced research and development for national security. Potential for technological advancements with broad applications. Contract supports a major defense contractor, impacting the aerospace and defense sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher spending.
- Lack of specific performance metrics or outcome data.
- Long contract duration may lead to scope creep or evolving requirements.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Focus on critical R&D areas for the Department of Defense.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically for physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement but often involves high risk and uncertainty in outcomes.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Booz Allen Hamilton, a large business. There is no indication that small businesses were involved as subcontractors or partners in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically be managed by the Department of the Air Force contracting officers and program managers. The effectiveness of oversight depends on robust performance monitoring and financial controls.
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
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF contract type.
- Lack of transparency on specific R&D deliverables and outcomes.
- Long contract duration increases risk of scope creep.
- No clear indication of small business participation.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, va, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $54.4 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC. OPERATIONAL RESILIENT CYBER ADVANCEMENTS (ORCA)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON 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 $54.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-08-06. End: 2023-12-29.
What specific technological advancements are expected from this ORCA contract, and how will they benefit the Department of Defense?
The ORCA contract aims to advance operational resilience and cyber capabilities. Specific advancements are likely classified but could include enhanced network security, improved data protection, or more robust defense systems against cyber threats. The benefit to the DoD would be a stronger, more secure operational posture in increasingly complex digital environments.
Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, what mechanisms are in place to control costs and ensure value for money?
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require strong oversight to manage costs. Mechanisms typically include detailed audits of incurred costs, regular reviews of project progress against milestones, and clear definitions of allowable costs. The fixed fee component provides some incentive for the contractor to manage costs efficiently to maximize profit.
How will the success of the R&D efforts under this contract be measured, and what are the key performance indicators?
Success measurement for R&D contracts often relies on achieving specific technical milestones, delivering prototypes, or demonstrating proof-of-concept for new technologies. Key performance indicators might include the successful integration of developed solutions, performance benchmarks met by the technology, and adherence to project timelines and budget constraints.
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 › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Solicitation ID: FA875018S7002
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation
Address: 8283 GREENSBORO DR, MCLEAN, VA, 22102
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $67,435,795
Exercised Options: $67,435,795
Current Obligation: $54,350,269
Actual Outlays: $2,199,221
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 25
Total Subaward Amount: $4,393,461
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-08-06
Current End Date: 2023-12-29
Potential End Date: 2023-12-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-05-21
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