DoD awards BAE Systems $51.17M for AESA/Twist Reflector Antenna integration and RF source development

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $51,167,034 ($51.2M)

Contractor: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2018-08-27

End Date: 2023-06-30

Contract Duration: 1,768 days

Daily Burn Rate: $28.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: THIS EFFORT SHALL DESIGN, DEVELOP, TEST, EVALUATE AND FABRICATE A DIRECT DIGITAL SYNTHESIZER (DDS) BASED RF SOURCE AND INTEGRATE IT WITH AESA (ACTIVE ELECTRONICALLY SCANNED ARRAY) AND TWIST REFLECTOR ANTENNAS, DATA RECORDER, HIGH POWER RF AMPLIFIERS AND COCKPIT AND REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS.

Place of Performance

Location: NASHUA, HILLSBOROUGH County, NEW HAMPSHIRE, 03060

State: New Hampshire Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $51.2 million to BAE SYSTEMS INFORMATION AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS INTEGRATION INC. for work described as: THIS EFFORT SHALL DESIGN, DEVELOP, TEST, EVALUATE AND FABRICATE A DIRECT DIGITAL SYNTHESIZER (DDS) BASED RF SOURCE AND INTEGRATE IT WITH AESA (ACTIVE ELECTRONICALLY SCANNED ARRAY) AND TWIST REFLECTOR ANTENNAS, DATA RECORDER, HIGH POWER RF AMPLIFIERS AND COCKPIT AND REMOTE CONTROL… Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advanced RF source development and integration with sophisticated antenna systems. 2. BAE Systems, a major defense contractor, is performing this work. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can carry higher cost risks. 4. This is a delivery order under a larger contract, indicating phased execution. 5. The duration of the effort is substantial, spanning over 1700 days. 6. The contract is for engineering services, a critical component of defense system development.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $51.17 million for the design, development, testing, and fabrication of a Direct Digital Synthesizer (DDS) based RF source and its integration with AESA and Twist Reflector antennas appears within a reasonable range for complex defense systems development. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type introduces potential for cost overruns compared to fixed-price contracts. Benchmarking against similar complex integration and development efforts would provide a clearer picture of value for money, but such data is not readily available in the provided snippet.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this procurement method generally fosters competitive pricing and encourages innovation. The agency's commitment to full and open competition is a positive indicator for achieving fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the potential for competitive pricing and the selection of the most capable solution through a broad solicitation process.

Public Impact

The Department of Defense benefits from the development of advanced RF source and antenna integration capabilities. This effort supports the advancement of electronic warfare and radar systems. The geographic impact is primarily within New Hampshire where BAE Systems is located. The contract supports highly skilled engineering and technical workforce within the defense sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to higher final costs if not managed tightly.
Long contract duration increases the risk of scope creep or evolving requirements.
Integration of complex systems like AESA and specialized antennas presents technical challenges.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process.
BAE Systems is a reputable defense contractor with extensive experience.
The contract addresses critical defense technology development.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically focusing on advanced electronic systems and engineering services. The market for such specialized defense technology development is characterized by high barriers to entry, significant R&D investment, and long development cycles. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely involve other major defense system integration contracts, often valued in the tens to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the complexity and scope.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (sb: false) and does not specify any small business subcontracting goals (ss: false). Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem appears minimal for this specific award. However, large prime contractors like BAE Systems often engage small businesses as subcontractors on broader programs, though this is not explicitly detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), which is responsible for ensuring contractor performance and compliance. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates robust financial oversight to monitor expenditures and prevent cost overruns. Transparency is generally maintained through contract reporting mechanisms, though specific details on public accessibility of progress reports are not provided.

Related Government Programs

Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Systems
Direct Digital Synthesizer (DDS) Technology
RF Source Development
Antenna Integration
Defense Engineering Services

Risk Flags

Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF)
Technical Integration Complexity
Long Program Duration
Potential for Scope Creep

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $51.2 million to BAE SYSTEMS INFORMATION AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS INTEGRATION INC.. THIS EFFORT SHALL DESIGN, DEVELOP, TEST, EVALUATE AND FABRICATE A DIRECT DIGITAL SYNTHESIZER (DDS) BASED RF SOURCE AND INTEGRATE IT WITH AESA (ACTIVE ELECTRONICALLY SCANNED ARRAY) AND TWIST REFLECTOR ANTENNAS, DATA RECORDER, HIGH POWER RF AMPLIFIERS AND COCKPIT AND REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BAE SYSTEMS INFORMATION AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS INTEGRATION INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $51.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-08-27. End: 2023-06-30.

What is the track record of BAE Systems in delivering similar complex RF and antenna integration projects for the Department of Defense?

BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc. has a long and extensive track record with the Department of Defense, consistently delivering complex electronic warfare systems, radar components, and communication technologies. They are a prime contractor on numerous advanced defense programs, including those involving AESA technology and sophisticated RF systems. Their experience spans design, development, manufacturing, and integration across various platforms. While specific project details and performance metrics for past comparable contracts are not provided here, their established position as a major defense supplier suggests a high level of capability and a history of successful, albeit often lengthy and complex, project execution within the defense sector.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure compare to other contract types for this kind of R&D and integration effort in terms of value for money?

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts are often used for research and development or complex integration efforts where the scope is not fully defined at the outset, making fixed-price contracts impractical. In a CPFF contract, the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. While this allows for flexibility and encourages innovation by reducing contractor risk, it can lead to higher overall costs for the government compared to fixed-price contracts if costs escalate significantly. Value for money is achieved if the final system meets all requirements and the fixed fee remains reasonable relative to the effort. However, it requires stringent government oversight to control costs and ensure the fee is justified by the work performed. Fixed-price incentive fee or other performance-based contracts might offer better value if performance metrics can be clearly defined.

What are the primary technical risks associated with integrating a DDS-based RF source with AESA and Twist Reflector antennas?

Integrating a Direct Digital Synthesizer (DDS) based RF source with Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) and Twist Reflector antennas presents several technical risks. DDS technology, while offering high precision and agility, must be capable of generating the required power, bandwidth, and spectral purity for the specific RF applications. Challenges include managing thermal dissipation from high-power components, ensuring signal integrity across interfaces, and achieving precise synchronization between the RF source and the antenna's beamforming capabilities. AESA antennas require complex digital control for beam steering, and integrating a novel RF source demands careful calibration and testing to ensure optimal performance and interoperability. Twist reflector antennas, often used for specific polarization or gain characteristics, add another layer of integration complexity. Ensuring electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) between all components is also a critical risk area.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar engineering services related to advanced antenna and RF systems within the Department of Defense?

Historical spending patterns for advanced antenna and RF systems engineering services within the Department of Defense are substantial and tend to be cyclical, driven by modernization programs and evolving threat landscapes. Major defense contractors like BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon consistently receive significant portions of this spending. Contracts often range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars, reflecting the complexity, long development timelines, and high R&D investment required. Spending is typically concentrated in areas such as electronic warfare, radar systems, satellite communications, and advanced sensor development. While specific aggregate figures for 'engineering services' in this niche are hard to isolate without detailed category analysis, the overall investment in these critical technologies represents a multi-billion dollar annual expenditure across the DoD.

What are the implications of this contract being a delivery order under a larger contract?

This contract being a delivery order (aw: DELIVERY ORDER) under a larger contract signifies a phased approach to fulfilling a broader requirement. It means that the initial contract vehicle (likely an IDIQ or similar umbrella agreement) was established previously, potentially through a separate competitive process. This specific delivery order then defines the scope, value, and timeline for a particular segment of work, in this case, the design, development, testing, and fabrication of the DDS-based RF source and its integration. The implications include potentially faster execution for this specific task once awarded, as the foundational contract is already in place. It also suggests that the overall program may involve multiple delivery orders over time, allowing for flexibility in adapting to evolving needs or phasing funding. The total value of all delivery orders under the parent contract could significantly exceed the $51.17 million stated here.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: HQ072715R0001

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Ball Corporation

Address: 65 SPIT BROOK RD, NASHUA, NH, 03060

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: $51,316,236

Exercised Options: $51,316,236

Current Obligation: $51,167,034

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HQ072716D0002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline