DoD's $67.3M R&D Contract for Propulsion Sciences Awarded to Astrion Group
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $67,296,575 ($67.3M)
Contractor: Astrion Group, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2015-08-04
End Date: 2018-12-17
Contract Duration: 1,231 days
Daily Burn Rate: $54.7K/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: IGF::OT::IGF RESEARCH IN PROPULSION SCIENCES III
Place of Performance
Location: EDWARDS, KERN County, CALIFORNIA, 93524
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $67.3 million to ASTRION GROUP, LLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF RESEARCH IN PROPULSION SCIENCES III Key points: 1. The contract focuses on research and development in propulsion sciences, a critical area for defense capabilities. 2. Astrion Group, LLC, secured this definitive contract, indicating a specific capability match. 3. The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, suggesting a deliberate selection process. 4. The R&D nature of the contract implies potential for innovation but also inherent risks in achieving defined outcomes.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's cost-plus-fixed-fee structure allows for flexibility in R&D but requires careful monitoring to ensure cost efficiency. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is challenging due to the specialized nature of propulsion sciences.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources,' this method suggests a competitive process where specific sources were initially considered but ultimately opened. This approach aims to balance specialized needs with broad market engagement, potentially impacting price discovery by focusing on technically qualified bidders.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are allocated to advance critical propulsion technologies, with the potential for significant long-term defense benefits, though the direct return on investment for this specific contract is tied to R&D success.
Public Impact
Advancement of critical propulsion technologies for national defense. Potential for innovation in aerospace and defense sectors. Investment in specialized scientific research and development. Supports the Department of Defense's strategic technological goals.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- R&D contracts can have uncertain outcomes.
- Cost-plus contracts require diligent oversight.
- Specialized R&D may limit broad applicability.
Positive Signals
- Addresses critical defense technology needs.
- Utilizes a competitive award process.
- Invests in scientific advancement.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS code 541712. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority in defense, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research domain and project scope.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Astrion Group, LLC, and there is no indication of small business participation. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were pursued or available.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense, through the Defense Contract Management Agency, is responsible for oversight. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure necessitates robust financial and performance monitoring to ensure accountability and prevent cost overruns.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure requires diligent oversight.
- R&D outcomes are inherently uncertain.
- Limited information on specific technological deliverables.
- No clear indication of small business involvement.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ca, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $67.3 million to ASTRION GROUP, LLC. IGF::OT::IGF RESEARCH IN PROPULSION SCIENCES III
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ASTRION GROUP, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $67.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2015-08-04. End: 2018-12-17.
What is the expected technological advancement from this R&D contract?
The contract aims to advance propulsion sciences, which could lead to improvements in engine efficiency, thrust vectoring, or novel propulsion systems. Specific expected advancements are typically detailed in the contract's statement of work, focusing on enhancing military capabilities and operational effectiveness for the Department of Defense.
What are the primary risks associated with this cost-plus-fixed-fee R&D contract?
The primary risks include potential cost overruns if R&D efforts prove more complex or time-consuming than anticipated, and the inherent uncertainty of R&D outcomes where success is not guaranteed. Ensuring adequate oversight and clear performance metrics is crucial to mitigate these risks and maximize taxpayer value.
How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Department of Defense's R&D portfolio?
This contract contributes by investing in foundational propulsion technologies that underpin various defense platforms. Successful R&D outcomes can lead to next-generation capabilities, enhancing strategic advantage and operational effectiveness across different military branches, aligning with the DoD's long-term technological development goals.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except 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
Solicitation ID: FA930015R0004
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1100 REDSTONE GTWY SW STE 300, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35808
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $88,552,879
Exercised Options: $80,000,598
Current Obligation: $67,296,575
Actual Outlays: $223,403
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 127
Total Subaward Amount: $21,562,346
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2015-08-04
Current End Date: 2018-12-17
Potential End Date: 2018-12-17 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-03-07
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