DoD Awards Viasat Inc. $13.5M for R&D Services, Extending Contract to 2027
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $13,577,825 ($13.6M)
Contractor: Viasat Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-09-28
End Date: 2027-09-29
Contract Duration: 1,462 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: VAST TO 04 SAND^2
Place of Performance
Location: CARLSBAD, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92009
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $13.6 million to VIASAT INC for work described as: VAST TO 04 SAND^2 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Viasat Inc. for Research and Development services. 2. Full and open competition was utilized for this contract. 3. The contract has a duration of 1462 days. 4. The primary sector is Research and Development. 5. The award value is $13,577,825.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult due to the specialized nature of the work.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure may not always yield the most cost-effective outcome for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for specialized R&D services. The effectiveness of the spending will depend on the successful development and application of the research outcomes.
Public Impact
Supports advanced research and development initiatives within the Department of the Air Force. Potential for technological advancements that could benefit national security. Contract duration extends over several years, indicating a long-term research objective.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
- Limited visibility into specific R&D deliverables and their ultimate value.
- Contract duration is lengthy, requiring sustained oversight.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Supports critical R&D for the Department of Defense.
- Clear end date for contract performance.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation but can be highly variable in terms of return on investment.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business subcontracting opportunities exist.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be critical to ensure Viasat Inc. meets the R&D objectives within the cost and schedule parameters. The Department of Defense's contracting officers will be responsible for monitoring performance and expenditures.
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.
- Lengthy contract duration.
- Lack of specific R&D deliverable details.
- No indication of small business participation.
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 $13.6 million to VIASAT INC. VAST TO 04 SAND^2
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is VIASAT 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 $13.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-09-28. End: 2027-09-29.
What specific R&D objectives is this contract intended to achieve, and how will their success be measured?
The specific R&D objectives are not detailed in the provided data. Measuring success will likely involve technical milestones, prototype development, and final reports demonstrating the feasibility and application of the research. The contracting officer's representative (COR) will play a key role in monitoring progress against these undefined objectives.
What are the potential risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for this type of R&D work?
CPFF contracts carry risks of cost overruns, as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee. For R&D, where outcomes are uncertain, this can incentivize less cost-conscious behavior. Effective oversight is crucial to manage scope creep and ensure efficient resource utilization to mitigate these risks.
How does this $13.5 million investment align with the Department of the Air Force's broader R&D strategy and priorities?
Without insight into the specific R&D focus, it's challenging to assess alignment. However, R&D spending of this magnitude suggests a strategic investment in a particular technological area deemed important for future Air Force capabilities. Its effectiveness hinges on whether the research contributes to achieving those strategic goals and provides a tangible advantage.
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: TWO STEP
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 6155 EL CAMINO REAL, CARLSBAD, CA, 92009
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $13,896,311
Exercised Options: $13,577,825
Current Obligation: $13,577,825
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 3
Total Subaward Amount: $577,156
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA945321D0029
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-09-28
Current End Date: 2027-09-29
Potential End Date: 2027-09-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-02
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