DoD's $29.6M MANTA 2.0 contract for space control research awarded to General Dynamics
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $29,568,111 ($29.6M)
Contractor: General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-09-30
End Date: 2024-11-29
Contract Duration: 426 days
Daily Burn Rate: $69.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: MANTA 2.0 - CONCEPTUAL STUDIES AND PRELIMINARY RESEARCH IN THE AREAS OF OFFENSIVE SPACE CONTROL, DEFENSIVE SPACE CONTROL, COMMAND AND CONTROL, AND SPACE DOMAIN AWARENESS.
Place of Performance
Location: SAN JOSE, SANTA CLARA County, CALIFORNIA, 95134
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $29.6 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: MANTA 2.0 - CONCEPTUAL STUDIES AND PRELIMINARY RESEARCH IN THE AREAS OF OFFENSIVE SPACE CONTROL, DEFENSIVE SPACE CONTROL, COMMAND AND CONTROL, AND SPACE DOMAIN AWARENESS. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical space control capabilities for the Air Force. 2. General Dynamics Mission Systems is the sole awardee. 3. Research and Development sector, specifically physical and engineering sciences. 4. Potential for significant technological advancements in space domain awareness and control.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type allows for flexibility in research but requires careful monitoring of costs to ensure value. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult due to the specialized nature of space control research.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting a competitive process but with specific criteria that may have limited the pool of eligible bidders. This method aims for a balance between competition and specialized expertise.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting advanced research in a critical national security area, with the expectation of future technological benefits and deterrence.
Public Impact
Enhances national security through advancements in space control and awareness. Supports technological innovation in a high-stakes defense sector. Potential for spin-off technologies benefiting commercial space applications. Invests in research critical for maintaining space superiority.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may impact overall cost-effectiveness.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee requires diligent oversight to prevent cost overruns.
Positive Signals
- Addresses critical R&D needs in space control.
- Awarded to a known defense contractor with relevant expertise.
- Supports technological advancement in a key strategic domain.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced physical and engineering sciences related to space control. Spending benchmarks for such specialized R&D are highly variable, but the amount is significant for conceptual studies.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not awarded to a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force is responsible for oversight. The contract type and duration necessitate ongoing monitoring of progress and expenditures to ensure accountability and effective use of funds.
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 Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure.
- Limited competition may reduce price competitiveness.
- Long-term value realization depends on successful R&D outcomes and integration.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical research.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ca, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $29.6 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC.. MANTA 2.0 - CONCEPTUAL STUDIES AND PRELIMINARY RESEARCH IN THE AREAS OF OFFENSIVE SPACE CONTROL, DEFENSIVE SPACE CONTROL, COMMAND AND CONTROL, AND SPACE DOMAIN AWARENESS.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, 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 $29.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-09-30. End: 2024-11-29.
What specific technological advancements are anticipated from the MANTA 2.0 research, and how will they be measured for success?
The MANTA 2.0 research aims to advance capabilities in offensive and defensive space control, command and control, and space domain awareness. Success will likely be measured through technical feasibility studies, prototype development milestones, and demonstrated performance improvements in simulated or test environments, aligning with the Department of Defense's strategic space objectives.
Given the 'limited' competition, what steps are being taken to ensure the fixed fee adequately reflects the value and risk associated with this R&D effort?
The contracting agency likely conducted thorough market research and cost analysis to establish a fair and reasonable fixed fee, considering the inherent uncertainties of R&D. The 'exclusion of sources' suggests a justification for a narrower competition, possibly due to specialized requirements. Ongoing performance monitoring and potential for contract modifications will also play a role in managing value.
How will the outcomes of this research be integrated into future operational systems, and what is the projected timeline for such integration?
The integration timeline is not specified, but conceptual studies and preliminary research typically serve as foundational work for subsequent development phases. Outcomes will likely inform future system requirements and acquisition programs within the Air Force's space portfolio. The effectiveness will be gauged by the successful transition of research findings into tangible improvements in space control and awareness capabilities.
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 › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Wico Limited
Address: 2688 ORCHARD PKWY, SAN JOSE, CA, 95134
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $29,568,111
Exercised Options: $29,568,111
Current Obligation: $29,568,111
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA881921D0418
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-09-30
Current End Date: 2024-11-29
Potential End Date: 2024-11-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-08-15
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