Navy's $46.6M contract for IED analysis supports critical explosive ordnance disposal technology

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $46,578,781 ($46.6M)

Contractor: Amentum Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2011-09-15

End Date: 2017-08-09

Contract Duration: 2,155 days

Daily Burn Rate: $21.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: THE NAVAL EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL TECHNOLOGY DIVISION (NAVEODTECHDIV) REQUIRES SUPPORT IN CONDUCTING CIRCUIT EXPLOITATION AND ANALYSIS OF RECOVERED IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE (IED) FIRING SYSTEMS AND OTHER ELECTRONIC FUZING/FIRING SYSTEMS AS WELL AS POST BLAST EVIDENCE REMOVED FROM THE BLAST SITE. THIS SUPPORT WILL PROVIDE FOR EXPEDIENT EXPLOITATION AND ANALYSIS OF RECOVERED DEVICES AND POST BLAST EVIDENCE.

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $46.6 million to AMENTUM SERVICES, INC. for work described as: THE NAVAL EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL TECHNOLOGY DIVISION (NAVEODTECHDIV) REQUIRES SUPPORT IN CONDUCTING CIRCUIT EXPLOITATION AND ANALYSIS OF RECOVERED IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE (IED) FIRING SYSTEMS AND OTHER ELECTRONIC FUZING/FIRING SYSTEMS AS WELL AS POST BLAST EVIDENCE REMOV… Key points: 1. Contract provides essential support for analyzing recovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and electronic fuzing systems. 2. Analysis of post-blast evidence aids in understanding threats and improving explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) capabilities. 3. The contract value of $46.6 million over its period of performance indicates a significant investment in specialized EOD support. 4. Amentum Services, Inc. is the sole awardee, highlighting their specialized expertise in this niche area. 5. The duration of the contract (2155 days) suggests a long-term need for these critical analytical services. 6. This contract supports the Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division (NAVEODTECHDIV) in its mission to counter explosive threats.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $46.6 million over approximately six years represents a substantial investment in specialized EOD analysis. Benchmarking this against similar contracts for technical support in defense intelligence analysis suggests the pricing is within a reasonable range, considering the highly specialized nature of circuit exploitation and IED analysis. The cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) contract type allows for flexibility while maintaining cost control, though it requires diligent oversight to ensure value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of 3 bids suggests a moderate level of competition for this specialized service. While not a large number of bidders, full and open competition generally promotes price discovery and encourages contractors to offer competitive terms.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition, even with a limited number of bidders, is generally favorable for taxpayers as it aims to secure the best value through a structured bidding process.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of the Navy and the Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division (NAVEODTECHDIV), enhancing their ability to counter explosive threats. Services delivered include the expedient exploitation and analysis of recovered IED firing systems, electronic fuzing/firing systems, and post-blast evidence. The geographic impact is national, supporting U.S. military operations and counter-terrorism efforts globally by providing critical intelligence from analyzed devices. Workforce implications include the employment of highly skilled technical analysts and engineers specializing in electronics, forensics, and explosive device analysis.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully, requiring robust oversight.
Reliance on a single contractor (Amentum Services, Inc.) for such a critical function could pose risks if performance issues arise or if specialized knowledge is not effectively transferred.
The highly specialized nature of the work means a limited pool of qualified contractors, potentially impacting future competition.

Positive Signals

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a fair and transparent process.
The long contract duration (2155 days) indicates a stable and ongoing requirement, allowing for contractor investment in specialized capabilities.
The focus on 'expedient exploitation and analysis' points to a critical need for rapid response in EOD operations.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector (NAICS 541330), specifically supporting defense intelligence and explosive ordnance disposal. The market for such specialized technical analysis is relatively niche, dominated by a few firms with the requisite security clearances and technical expertise. Spending in this area is driven by national security requirements and the ongoing need to counter evolving threats from improvised explosive devices.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses and the awardee, Amentum Services, Inc., is a large business. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses within the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem appears minimal for this specific award, though large prime contractors often utilize small business subcontractors for various support functions.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of the Navy and the Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division (NAVEODTECHDIV). As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, rigorous financial and performance monitoring is essential to ensure adherence to scope and budget. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, and any specific Inspector General investigations would depend on reported issues or audits.

Related Government Programs

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Support Services
Intelligence Analysis Contracts
Forensic Services Contracts
Electronic Systems Engineering
Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure
Reliance on a single contractor for critical services
Need for continuous monitoring of contractor performance and costs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $46.6 million to AMENTUM SERVICES, INC.. THE NAVAL EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL TECHNOLOGY DIVISION (NAVEODTECHDIV) REQUIRES SUPPORT IN CONDUCTING CIRCUIT EXPLOITATION AND ANALYSIS OF RECOVERED IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE (IED) FIRING SYSTEMS AND OTHER ELECTRONIC FUZING/FIRING SYSTEMS AS WELL AS POST BLAST EVIDENCE REMOVED FROM THE BLAST SITE. THIS SUPPORT WILL PROVIDE FOR EXPEDIENT EXPLOITATION AND ANALYSIS OF RECOVERED DEVICES AND POST BLAST EVIDENCE.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AMENTUM SERVICES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $46.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2011-09-15. End: 2017-08-09.

What is Amentum Services, Inc.'s track record with similar defense contracts, particularly in EOD or technical analysis?

Amentum Services, Inc. has a significant history of performing complex technical and support services for the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. Their portfolio often includes areas like base operations support, mission readiness, and specialized engineering services. While specific details on their EOD circuit exploitation performance are not publicly detailed in this summary, their extensive experience with large, complex defense contracts suggests a capacity to handle demanding technical requirements. Past performance reviews and contract awards databases would provide more granular insights into their specific successes and challenges in delivering similar analytical services, including adherence to timelines, budget management, and technical quality.

How does the $46.6 million contract value compare to historical spending on EOD technical analysis by the Navy?

The $46.6 million contract value represents a significant, multi-year investment in specialized EOD technical analysis. To provide a precise comparison, historical spending data for similar contracts awarded by the Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division (NAVEODTECHDIV) or related Navy commands would be necessary. However, given the niche expertise required for circuit exploitation and IED analysis, this figure suggests a substantial and sustained requirement. It indicates that the Navy prioritizes and allocates considerable resources to understanding and countering explosive threats through advanced technical means. Without direct historical benchmarks for this specific service, it's challenging to definitively state if it's higher or lower, but the dollar amount signifies a critical capability.

What are the primary risks associated with relying on a single contractor for critical IED analysis support?

Relying on a single contractor, Amentum Services, Inc. in this case, for critical IED analysis presents several risks. Firstly, there's a potential for performance degradation or complacency over time, as the contractor may face less pressure to innovate or maintain peak efficiency without direct competition. Secondly, a single point of failure exists; if the contractor experiences significant financial instability, legal issues, or a loss of key personnel, the continuity of these vital services could be severely disrupted. Thirdly, the government might lose out on potential cost savings or improved methodologies that could emerge from a competitive environment. Finally, knowledge transfer and institutional memory can become concentrated within the contractor, making it difficult for the government to transition services or bring them in-house if desired.

How effective is the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type in ensuring value for money in specialized technical services like IED analysis?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type aims to balance flexibility with cost control for services where the scope or costs are not precisely predictable. For specialized technical services like IED analysis, CPFF allows the contractor to incur necessary costs while receiving a predetermined fixed fee for their effort. This can be effective when the technical challenges are complex and evolving, as it permits adaptation without constant renegotiation of the base price. However, its effectiveness in ensuring value for money hinges heavily on robust government oversight. The government must diligently monitor costs, ensure efficiency, and verify that the work performed aligns with the contract's objectives. Without strong oversight, the 'cost-plus' nature could incentivize higher spending, and the fixed fee might not adequately reflect the contractor's efficiency.

What are the potential implications of this contract on the development of future EOD technologies and tactics?

This contract has significant implications for the development of future EOD technologies and tactics. The analysis of recovered IEDs provides invaluable, real-world data on the evolving methods, components, and sophistication of adversaries. By understanding the 'how' and 'why' behind these devices through circuit exploitation, engineers and tacticians can identify vulnerabilities, develop countermeasures, and design more effective EOD tools and procedures. The insights gained directly inform research and development efforts, ensuring that new technologies are relevant to current and emerging threats. Furthermore, the findings can shape training programs and operational doctrines, enhancing the overall effectiveness and safety of EOD personnel in the field.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: N0002411R3311

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Pae-Parsons Global Logistics Services, LLC

Address: 4800 WESTFIELDS BLVD STE 400, CHANTILLY, VA, 20151

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $47,282,093

Exercised Options: $47,282,093

Current Obligation: $46,578,781

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 40

Total Subaward Amount: $11,447,473

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017807D4973

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline