DoD Awards $11M for HPEM Sources, Boosting Research Capabilities
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $11,015,900 ($11.0M)
Contractor: Leidos, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2022-01-20
End Date: 2027-01-20
Contract Duration: 1,826 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THE PURPOSE IS TO BUILD TWO NEW HIGH FREQUENCY, HIGH POWER HPEM SOURCES FOR FREE-FIELD EFFECTS DATA COLLECTION.
Place of Performance
Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20190
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $11.0 million to LEIDOS, INC. for work described as: THE PURPOSE IS TO BUILD TWO NEW HIGH FREQUENCY, HIGH POWER HPEM SOURCES FOR FREE-FIELD EFFECTS DATA COLLECTION. Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced research technology for high power electromagnetic sources. 2. Leidos, Inc. secured the contract, indicating a competitive landscape for specialized R&D services. 3. Potential risks include technological complexity and long-term project viability. 4. Spending falls within the Research and Development sector, crucial for defense innovation.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $11.02 million for a 5-year period suggests a reasonable allocation for specialized R&D. Benchmarking against similar complex research projects would provide further context on cost-effectiveness.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method likely resulted in a competitive price for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for advanced research, aiming to enhance national defense capabilities through technological superiority.
Public Impact
Enhances U.S. defense research infrastructure with cutting-edge HPEM technology. Supports advanced data collection for understanding free-field effects, crucial for future defense strategies. Potential for technological breakthroughs with implications for national security.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 60 / 10
Warning Flags
- Technological complexity of HPEM sources.
- Long project duration (5 years) increases risk of scope creep or obsolescence.
- Reliance on a single contractor for development and data collection.
Positive Signals
- Investment in critical R&D for national security.
- Full and open competition ensures competitive pricing.
- Clear purpose for advancing scientific understanding of electromagnetic effects.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS code 541715. Spending in this area is vital for maintaining technological advantage, with typical contract values varying widely based on project scope and complexity.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses in this contract. Larger prime contractors often manage subcontracts, which may offer opportunities for SMBs.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force is the awarding agency, implying oversight through established defense procurement and research management processes. Further oversight details would depend on internal agency protocols.
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
- Technological feasibility and performance.
- Project timeline adherence.
- Cost overruns.
- Data integrity and usability.
- Long-term maintenance and operational costs.
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 $11.0 million to LEIDOS, INC.. THE PURPOSE IS TO BUILD TWO NEW HIGH FREQUENCY, HIGH POWER HPEM SOURCES FOR FREE-FIELD EFFECTS DATA COLLECTION.
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 $11.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-01-20. End: 2027-01-20.
What is the projected return on investment for this HPEM research initiative?
The return on investment is primarily measured in enhanced national security and technological superiority rather than direct financial returns. Successful data collection could lead to the development of advanced defense systems, improved threat detection, and more effective countermeasures, ultimately justifying the $11.02 million expenditure.
What are the primary technical risks associated with developing high power, high frequency electromagnetic sources?
Key technical risks include achieving the required power and frequency outputs reliably, managing heat dissipation, ensuring system stability over extended operations, and mitigating potential electromagnetic interference with other systems. The complexity of HPEM technology necessitates rigorous testing and validation throughout the development lifecycle.
How will the collected free-field effects data be utilized to improve future defense capabilities?
The data will be used to refine models and simulations of electromagnetic phenomena, enabling better prediction of system performance in various environments and development of more resilient electronic warfare capabilities. This understanding is critical for designing next-generation communication, radar, and directed energy systems.
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
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Leidos Holdings, Inc.
Address: 1750 PRESIDENTS ST, 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: $11,811,844
Exercised Options: $11,811,844
Current Obligation: $11,015,900
Actual Outlays: $861,418
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 21
Total Subaward Amount: $2,514,227
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA945122D0003
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-01-20
Current End Date: 2027-01-20
Potential End Date: 2027-01-20 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-18
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