DoD's $17.3M R&D Contract Awarded to AXIENT LLC Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $17,364,746 ($17.4M)
Contractor: Axient LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2020-09-22
End Date: 2027-12-31
Contract Duration: 2,656 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: NTS-3
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35806
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $17.4 million to AXIENT LLC for work described as: NTS-3 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to AXIENT LLC for Research and Development services. 2. Significant value of $17.3 million over its period of performance. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically physical, engineering, and life sciences. 5. The award is a Delivery Order under a larger contract vehicle.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), which can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. Benchmarking CPFF contracts in R&D is challenging due to variability, but the awarded amount seems within a reasonable range for specialized research services.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating a competitive process. This method generally promotes price discovery and potentially better value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is positive for taxpayers, as it aims to secure the best possible price and quality through market forces.
Public Impact
Supports advanced research and development initiatives for the Department of the Air Force. Potential for technological advancements and innovation stemming from the contracted R&D. Economic impact in Alabama, where the contractor is located. The contract duration extends to late 2027, indicating a long-term research objective.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize cost overruns if not closely monitored.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess effectiveness.
- The 'Exclusion of Sources' clause in the competition type warrants further investigation into its justification.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
- Contract supports critical R&D for the Department of Defense.
- Long contract duration allows for sustained research efforts.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector (NAICS 541715). Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement but can be subject to cost overruns due to the inherent uncertainties in research. Benchmarks vary widely based on the specific R&D area.
Small Business Impact
The provided data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. The contract was awarded to AXIENT LLC, and further analysis would be needed to determine if they are a small business or if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The use of a Delivery Order suggests this is part of a larger Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, which typically has its own oversight mechanisms. However, specific oversight details for this particular order are not provided.
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.
- Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data.
- Ambiguity in 'Exclusion of Sources' clause requires further investigation.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, al, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $17.4 million to AXIENT LLC. NTS-3
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AXIENT LLC.
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 $17.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-09-22. End: 2027-12-31.
What specific R&D objectives does this contract aim to achieve, and how will success be measured?
The provided data lacks specifics on the R&D objectives. Success measurement would typically involve technical milestones, deliverables, and adherence to research protocols. Without this information, it's difficult to assess the value beyond the awarded amount and contract type. Further review of the SOW and performance metrics is recommended.
What is the justification for 'Exclusion of Sources' within the full and open competition framework?
The 'Exclusion of Sources' clause within a 'Full and Open Competition' award typically means that while the competition was open, certain sources were excluded based on specific criteria (e.g., security, capability, prior work). The justification for this exclusion is critical for ensuring fairness and preventing potential anti-competitive practices. This requires a deeper dive into the contract's justification documentation.
How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure mitigate risks of cost overruns in this specific R&D context?
CPFF contracts are designed to cover all allowable costs plus a fixed fee. While the fixed fee provides an incentive for the contractor to control costs, the inherent uncertainty in R&D can still lead to cost overruns if the scope expands or unforeseen challenges arise. Effective government oversight, clear scope definition, and regular reviews are essential to manage these risks.
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
Address: 360A QUALITY CIRCLE, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35806
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $18,878,389
Exercised Options: $18,878,389
Current Obligation: $17,364,746
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 21
Total Subaward Amount: $7,581,604
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA945319D0002
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-09-22
Current End Date: 2027-12-31
Potential End Date: 2027-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-15
More Contracts from Axient LLC
- Counter - Rocket Artillery Mortar (cram) Technical, Logistics and Program Management Support Services — $359.9M (General Services Administration)
- Test, Exercise and Wargames Support Igf::ot::igf — $233.8M (Department of Defense)
- Development Corps STS3 — $197.9M (General Services Administration)
- ORS Rapid Response Branch. Communications Development Under the Rrsw Idiq Contract. the Contractor Shall Furnish ALL Labor, Supplies, Materials, Travel, Other Direct Costs, and Fees Necessary to Accomplish the Requirements Contained in the Attached Task Order — $191.5M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Range Task Order — $177.3M (Department of Defense)
Other Department of Defense Contracts
- Federal Contract — $51.3B (Humana Government Business Inc)
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- SSN 802 and 803 Long Lead Time Material — $34.7B (Electric Boat Corporation)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- KC-X Modernization Program — $32.0B (THE Boeing Company)