DoD's $38.8M CBRN Defense Engineering Services Contract Awarded to HII Mission Technologies Corp

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $38,765,926 ($38.8M)

Contractor: HII Mission Technologies Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2013-02-08

End Date: 2016-06-12

Contract Duration: 1,220 days

Daily Burn Rate: $31.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: TECHNICAL AND ENGINEERING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL AND NUCLEAR (CBRN) DEFENSE

Place of Performance

Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35806

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $38.8 million to HII MISSION TECHNOLOGIES CORP for work described as: TECHNICAL AND ENGINEERING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL AND NUCLEAR (CBRN) DEFENSE Key points: 1. Contract provides critical technical and engineering support for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) defense. 2. Awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a robust market for these specialized services. 3. The contract duration of 1220 days indicates a significant, long-term need for CBRN expertise. 4. Performance period spans from February 2013 to June 2016, providing historical context for current needs. 5. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) suggests a need for flexibility in scope while managing costs. 6. The base award amount of $31.7M represents the initial value, with potential for growth. 7. This contract falls under Engineering Services, a key sector for national security and defense readiness.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's base award of $31.7M for over three years of specialized CBRN engineering support appears reasonable given the critical nature of the services. Benchmarking against similar complex defense engineering contracts is challenging without more granular data on specific deliverables. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, while allowing for flexibility, requires careful oversight to ensure cost efficiency. The total obligated amount of $38.8M suggests the contract was utilized to its potential, indicating a sustained need for the services provided.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. This process generally fosters competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value solution. The fact that it was competed openly suggests a healthy market for CBRN defense engineering services, with several companies possessing the necessary expertise and security clearances.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition typically benefits taxpayers by driving down costs through market forces and ensuring that government funds are used efficiently to obtain high-quality services.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and its personnel, who receive enhanced protection and readiness against CBRN threats. Services delivered include critical engineering support, technical expertise, and potentially research and development related to CBRN defense systems. Geographic impact is likely nationwide, supporting various military installations and operational readiness across different branches of the armed forces. Workforce implications include the employment of highly skilled engineers, scientists, and technical specialists in the defense sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.
The long duration of the contract could present challenges in adapting to rapidly evolving CBRN threats and technologies.
Ensuring continuous innovation and technological advancement within the scope of a fixed-fee contract can be difficult.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive market and potential for value.
The contract addresses a critical national security need, ensuring readiness against CBRN threats.
HII Mission Technologies Corp. is a known entity in the defense sector, suggesting established capabilities.
The contract's duration implies a stable, long-term requirement, allowing for focused expertise development.

Sector Analysis

The defense engineering services sector is a critical component of the national security apparatus, encompassing a wide range of specialized technical support. This contract for CBRN defense engineering falls within a niche but vital area, requiring advanced scientific and technical knowledge. The market for such services is characterized by high barriers to entry due to security clearances, specialized expertise, and stringent government oversight. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the unique nature of CBRN defense, but overall defense engineering services represent a multi-billion dollar segment of federal procurement.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions. Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses is likely limited unless HII Mission Technologies Corp. engaged in subcontracting with small businesses. Analysis of subcontracting plans would be necessary to determine the extent of small business participation and its impact on the small business ecosystem within the defense sector.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Department of the Navy's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures would be embedded within the contract's performance work statement, requiring adherence to specific technical and delivery standards. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

CBRN Defense Systems
Military Engineering Services
Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Programs
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) CBRN Preparedness
Chemical and Biological Defense Program (CBDP)

Risk Flags

Contract Duration
Cost Plus Fixed Fee Structure
Evolving Threat Landscape

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $38.8 million to HII MISSION TECHNOLOGIES CORP. TECHNICAL AND ENGINEERING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL AND NUCLEAR (CBRN) DEFENSE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HII MISSION TECHNOLOGIES CORP.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $38.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2013-02-08. End: 2016-06-12.

What is the track record of HII Mission Technologies Corp. in providing CBRN defense engineering services?

HII Mission Technologies Corp., a subsidiary of Huntington Ingalls Industries, has a significant presence in the defense sector, offering a broad range of technical and engineering solutions. While specific details on their CBRN defense engineering track record for this particular contract are not fully elaborated in the provided data, their overall portfolio includes expertise in areas relevant to national security, including advanced technologies, cyber, and fleet support. Their ability to secure and perform on a contract of this nature, awarded through full and open competition by the Department of the Navy, suggests a demonstrated capability and a history of meeting complex defense requirements. Further investigation into their past performance reviews and specific project outcomes related to CBRN would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their expertise in this specialized field.

How does the value of this contract compare to similar CBRN defense engineering contracts?

Direct comparison of this $38.8 million contract value to similar CBRN defense engineering contracts is challenging without access to a broader dataset of comparable procurements. The specialized nature of CBRN defense, encompassing chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, means that contracts can vary significantly in scope, duration, and technical complexity. Factors such as the specific threat vectors addressed, the level of research and development involved, and the required security clearances all influence pricing. However, for a multi-year contract providing comprehensive engineering support, the value appears within a reasonable range for critical defense capabilities. Benchmarking would ideally involve comparing contracts with similar service definitions, performance periods, and agency requirements.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how were they mitigated?

Primary risks associated with this contract likely include the rapid evolution of CBRN threats and technologies, requiring continuous adaptation; potential cost overruns inherent in Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts if not managed stringently; and the challenge of maintaining highly specialized expertise. Mitigation strategies would typically involve robust program management, clear performance metrics, regular technical reviews, and proactive engagement with the contractor to ensure alignment with evolving threat landscapes. The CPFF structure itself, while allowing flexibility, necessitates strong government oversight to control costs. Furthermore, the full and open competition likely mitigated risks related to contractor capability by ensuring multiple qualified bidders were assessed.

How effective was this contract in enhancing the DoD's CBRN defense capabilities?

The effectiveness of this contract in enhancing the DoD's CBRN defense capabilities is inferred from its successful award and performance over its duration (2013-2016). By providing dedicated technical and engineering support, the contract likely contributed to the development, maintenance, and improvement of CBRN defense systems and protocols. The sustained need, as indicated by the full utilization of the contract's potential, suggests it fulfilled critical requirements. While specific metrics on capability enhancement are not provided, the continuity of specialized engineering support is fundamental to maintaining and advancing a nation's defense posture against complex threats like CBRN agents.

What are the historical spending patterns for CBRN defense engineering services within the Department of Defense?

Historical spending patterns for CBRN defense engineering services within the Department of Defense are characterized by consistent investment due to the persistent and evolving nature of these threats. While this specific contract represents a $38.8 million outlay between 2013 and 2016, overall DoD spending in this area is substantial and spread across various agencies and programs, including the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) and specific service branches like the Navy. Spending fluctuates based on threat assessments, technological advancements, and strategic priorities. Analyzing broader historical data would reveal trends in contract types, key service providers, and the overall budget allocated to maintaining and advancing CBRN defense capabilities, often involving significant R&D components alongside engineering support.

What is the significance of the 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' contract type for this acquisition?

The 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' (CPFF) contract type is significant because it balances flexibility for the contractor with cost control for the government in situations where the scope of work is not precisely defined at the outset or is expected to evolve. For CBRN defense engineering, where research, development, and adaptation to new threats might be necessary, CPFF allows the contractor to incur costs while aiming for a predetermined profit (the fixed fee). This structure incentivizes the contractor to control costs to maximize their fee, but it also requires diligent government oversight to prevent unnecessary expenditures and ensure the fixed fee remains reasonable relative to the effort. It's often used for complex services where innovation or adaptation is key.

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: N0002411R3499

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc

Address: 670 DISCOVERY DR, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35806

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $39,770,485

Exercised Options: $39,770,485

Current Obligation: $38,765,926

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017805D4231

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline