DoD's $230M High Energy Laser Research Contract Awarded to Leidos Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $23,066,570 ($23.1M)
Contractor: Leidos, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2018-08-23
End Date: 2026-01-23
Contract Duration: 2,710 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF HIGH ENERGY COMBINABLE FIBER LASER ADVANCED RESEARCH EFFORT (FLARE)
Place of Performance
Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20190
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $23.1 million to LEIDOS, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF HIGH ENERGY COMBINABLE FIBER LASER ADVANCED RESEARCH EFFORT (FLARE) Key points: 1. Leidos, Inc. secured a significant $230.6M contract for advanced laser research. 2. The contract falls under the 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' NAICS code. 3. Awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract duration is substantial, spanning over 2700 days, indicating a long-term research effort.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), which allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee. This is common for R&D where final costs are uncertain. The total value of $230.6M over its duration needs to be benchmarked against similar large-scale R&D efforts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is expected to yield a fair price for the research, maximizing taxpayer value.
Public Impact
Advancement in high-energy laser technology could have significant defense and scientific applications. The substantial investment signals a commitment to cutting-edge research by the Department of Defense. Long-term nature of the contract suggests potential for sustained innovation and development in the field.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.
- The long duration of the contract increases the risk of scope creep or evolving technological requirements.
- Reliance on a single contractor (Leidos) for this specific research effort.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive process.
- Focus on advanced research and development aligns with strategic technological goals.
- Significant investment in a critical technology area.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced physical sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority and innovation, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research scope and duration.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was awarded to Leidos, Inc., a large business. There is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Department of the Air Force, a branch of the DoD. Oversight will likely involve regular reporting, milestone reviews, and financial audits to ensure progress and proper 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
- Contract duration is exceptionally long (2710 days).
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent cost overrun risks.
- No explicit mention of small business participation.
- Specific research outcomes and technological advancements are not detailed.
- Potential for evolving technological requirements over the contract's long lifespan.
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 $23.1 million to LEIDOS, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF HIGH ENERGY COMBINABLE FIBER LASER ADVANCED RESEARCH EFFORT (FLARE)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LEIDOS, 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 $23.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-08-23. End: 2026-01-23.
What specific technological advancements are expected from this high-energy laser research effort, and how do they align with current defense priorities?
The specific advancements are not detailed in the provided data. However, high-energy laser research typically aims to develop directed energy weapons for defense applications, such as missile defense, counter-drone capabilities, or non-lethal systems. Alignment with defense priorities would involve assessing how these potential capabilities address emerging threats and strategic objectives outlined by the Department of Defense.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and milestones for this contract, and how will their achievement be measured to ensure value for money?
Key performance indicators and milestones are not explicitly detailed in the provided data. For a Cost Plus Fixed Fee R&D contract, KPIs would likely focus on research progress, successful demonstration of laser capabilities, adherence to technical specifications, and timely completion of research phases. Measurement of value for money would involve comparing achieved technical outcomes against the investment, considering the competitive nature of the award and ongoing oversight.
What is the potential for dual-use applications of the developed high-energy laser technology beyond military purposes, and how might this impact broader economic or scientific sectors?
High-energy laser technology has potential dual-use applications in various sectors, including industrial manufacturing (cutting, welding), medical procedures (surgery, diagnostics), scientific research (spectroscopy, material analysis), and telecommunications. Successful development could spur innovation in these fields, create new markets, and contribute to economic growth. The extent of this impact depends on the specific characteristics and cost-effectiveness of the developed technology.
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
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Leidos Holdings, Inc.
Address: 11951 FREEDOM DR, RESTON, VA, 20190
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $23,515,062
Exercised Options: $23,515,062
Current Obligation: $23,066,570
Actual Outlays: $2,077,098
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 88
Total Subaward Amount: $8,693,854
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-08-23
Current End Date: 2026-01-23
Potential End Date: 2026-01-23 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-22
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