DoD's CLUE III contract awards Booz Allen Hamilton $25.8M for drone integration R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $25,830,568 ($25.8M)
Contractor: Booz Allen Hamilton Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2022-07-28
End Date: 2027-11-27
Contract Duration: 1,948 days
Daily Burn Rate: $13.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: COLLABORATIVE LOW-ALTITUDE UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS INTEGRATION EFFORT UTM RDT&E, MATURATION, PRODUCTIZATION, OPERATIONAL ASSESSMENT, AND DEPLOYMENT (CLUE III)
Place of Performance
Location: MCLEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22102
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $25.8 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC for work described as: COLLABORATIVE LOW-ALTITUDE UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS INTEGRATION EFFORT UTM RDT&E, MATURATION, PRODUCTIZATION, OPERATIONAL ASSESSMENT, AND DEPLOYMENT (CLUE III) Key points: 1. This contract focuses on integrating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) at low altitudes. 2. Booz Allen Hamilton, a large defense contractor, secured this R&D award. 3. The contract spans multiple phases: RDT&E, maturation, productization, assessment, and deployment. 4. The sector is Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts for UAS integration is difficult due to the specialized nature of the work.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating a limited competition. This method may not have yielded the most competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced drone integration research, with potential long-term benefits for defense capabilities, but the limited competition raises concerns about cost-effectiveness.
Public Impact
Advancements in drone technology could enhance military surveillance and operational capabilities. Integration efforts may lead to more efficient and safer airspace management for drones. The project's success could influence future defense spending on unmanned systems.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may result in higher costs.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts carry inherent cost overrun risks.
- The specific R&D outcomes are uncertain.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical emerging technology area (UAS integration).
- Involves a phased approach from R&D to deployment.
- Supports national defense objectives.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement but can be subject to long development cycles and uncertain outcomes.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to Booz Allen Hamilton, a large business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force is the awarding agency. Oversight will be critical to manage the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure and ensure the R&D objectives are met efficiently.
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
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Limited competition (after exclusion of sources).
- Long contract duration (1948 days).
- Focus on R&D with inherent uncertainty.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $25.8 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC. COLLABORATIVE LOW-ALTITUDE UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS INTEGRATION EFFORT UTM RDT&E, MATURATION, PRODUCTIZATION, OPERATIONAL ASSESSMENT, AND DEPLOYMENT (CLUE III)
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 $25.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-07-28. End: 2027-11-27.
What is the projected return on investment for this drone integration R&D effort?
The projected return on investment for this drone integration R&D effort is not explicitly stated in the provided data. However, the investment aims to enhance national defense capabilities through advanced unmanned aircraft systems. The long-term benefits are expected to materialize through improved surveillance, operational efficiency, and potentially reduced risk to personnel in future military operations.
What are the primary risks associated with the limited competition for this contract?
The primary risks associated with limited competition include potentially higher contract costs due to a lack of competitive pressure, reduced innovation from a smaller pool of bidders, and a perception of unfairness. This approach may not guarantee the best value for taxpayer dollars compared to a full and open competition.
How will the effectiveness of the CLUE III integration effort be measured?
The effectiveness of the CLUE III integration effort will likely be measured through a series of operational assessments and productization milestones outlined in the contract. Key performance indicators would probably include successful integration of UAS, adherence to safety and regulatory standards, and demonstrated improvements in mission capabilities during deployment phases.
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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
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: $34,989,680
Exercised Options: $34,989,680
Current Obligation: $25,830,568
Actual Outlays: $387,211
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $3,188,566
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA875021D1100
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-07-28
Current End Date: 2027-11-27
Potential End Date: 2027-11-27 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-07-25
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