Missile Defense Agency awards $12.19M contract for R&D and space systems operations support
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $12,191,350 ($12.2M)
Contractor: Amentum Technology, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2018-04-02
End Date: 2020-12-31
Contract Duration: 1,004 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF DEFINE FUTURE MISSILE DEFENSE SPACE ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURES (MDSEA) REQUIRED TO SUPPORT RESEARCH&DEVELOPMENT (R&D), AND SPACE SYSTEMS OPERATIONS AT THE MISSILE DEFENSE SPACE CENTER (MDSC) AND THE REQUIRED MISSILE DEFENSE SPACE CENTER AND THE MISSILE DEFENSE INTEGRATION AND OPERATIONS CENTER (MDIOC) FACILITIES, INFRASTRUCTURE, NETWORKS, INTEGRATION, AND PHYSICAL SECURITY.
Place of Performance
Location: COLORADO SPRINGS, EL PASO County, COLORADO, 80912
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $12.2 million to AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF DEFINE FUTURE MISSILE DEFENSE SPACE ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURES (MDSEA) REQUIRED TO SUPPORT RESEARCH&DEVELOPMENT (R&D), AND SPACE SYSTEMS OPERATIONS AT THE MISSILE DEFENSE SPACE CENTER (MDSC) AND THE REQUIRED MISSILE DEFENSE SPACE CENTER AND THE MISSILE DEFENSE INTEGRA… Key points: 1. Contract focuses on defining future missile defense space enterprise architectures. 2. Supports research and development (R&D) and space systems operations. 3. Services are to be performed at key Missile Defense Agency facilities. 4. Contractor is Amentum Technology, Inc., with a strong track record in defense contracting. 5. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), indicating shared risk. 6. Duration of the contract was 1004 days, ending in late 2020.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $12.19 million for a period of approximately 3 years appears reasonable for specialized R&D and operational support in the defense sector. Benchmarking against similar contracts for architectural development and systems integration in space defense would provide a more precise value assessment. The CPFF structure suggests that costs are monitored, but the fixed fee component needs to be evaluated for reasonableness.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. This competitive process is expected to drive better pricing and service quality. The specific number of bidders and the evaluation criteria would offer further insight into the effectiveness of the competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to cost savings and innovation.
Public Impact
Benefits the Department of Defense, specifically the Missile Defense Agency, by enhancing critical space defense capabilities. Delivers essential research, development, and operational support for advanced missile defense systems. Services are geographically focused on facilities within the United States, supporting national security infrastructure. Implications for a specialized workforce in R&D, systems engineering, and space operations within the defense industry.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns inherent in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts if not rigorously managed.
- The specialized nature of the work may limit the pool of qualified contractors, potentially impacting future competition.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical architectural definitions could pose a risk if performance falters.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
- Contractor Amentum Technology, Inc. has experience in similar defense and aerospace projects.
- The contract supports a critical national security mission for missile defense.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced physical, engineering, and life sciences, excluding biotechnology. The Missile Defense Agency operates in a highly specialized segment of the defense industry, characterized by long development cycles, significant technological complexity, and substantial government investment. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely be found within other advanced aerospace and defense R&D programs.
Small Business Impact
The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements for this contract. As a specialized R&D and operational support contract, the primary contractor likely possesses the necessary expertise, potentially limiting opportunities for smaller, less specialized firms unless they are part of a subcontracting team. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was encouraged or mandated.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Missile Defense Agency's contracting and program management offices. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to investigations of fraud, waste, or abuse. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific performance metrics and detailed cost breakdowns may be considered sensitive.
Related Government Programs
- Missile Defense Systems
- Space Systems Development
- Advanced Research and Development
- Department of Defense IT and Engineering Services
- Aerospace and Defense Contracting
Risk Flags
- Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF)
- Technical Complexity
- National Security Sensitivity
Tags
department-of-defense, missile-defense-agency, research-and-development, space-systems, enterprise-architecture, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition, amentum-technology-inc, national-security, systems-engineering, colorado, fy2018
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $12.2 million to AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF DEFINE FUTURE MISSILE DEFENSE SPACE ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURES (MDSEA) REQUIRED TO SUPPORT RESEARCH&DEVELOPMENT (R&D), AND SPACE SYSTEMS OPERATIONS AT THE MISSILE DEFENSE SPACE CENTER (MDSC) AND THE REQUIRED MISSILE DEFENSE SPACE CENTER AND THE MISSILE DEFENSE INTEGRATION AND OPERATIONS CENTER (MDIOC) FACILITIES, INFRASTRUCTURE, NETWORKS, INTEGRATION, AND PHYSICAL SECURITY.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Missile Defense Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $12.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-04-02. End: 2020-12-31.
What is Amentum Technology, Inc.'s track record with the Missile Defense Agency and similar defense contracts?
Amentum Technology, Inc. has a significant history of supporting defense and aerospace initiatives, including work with the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and other branches of the Department of Defense. Their portfolio often includes complex engineering, research and development, and operational support services. Prior contracts may have involved systems integration, architectural design, and sustainment for advanced defense platforms. A review of their past performance ratings and any past performance issues on similar contracts would be crucial for a comprehensive assessment. Their experience in space systems and missile defense specifically positions them as a capable contractor for this type of specialized work.
How does the $12.19 million contract value compare to similar R&D contracts for missile defense architecture?
Benchmarking the $12.19 million contract value requires comparing it against contracts for similar services, such as defining enterprise architectures for space-based defense systems, conducting advanced R&D in missile defense, and providing operational support for specialized facilities. Contracts of this nature are highly specialized and can vary significantly in cost based on scope, duration, and technological complexity. Without access to specific comparable contract data (e.g., from government databases like FPDS or SAM.gov, or industry reports), a precise comparison is difficult. However, for a multi-year effort involving R&D and operational support for critical national security infrastructure, this value appears within a plausible range, assuming the scope and duration are commensurate.
What are the primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract?
The primary risk with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract is the potential for cost overruns. While the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs, the fixed fee provides a profit incentive. If costs escalate significantly beyond initial estimates, the government may end up paying more than anticipated, especially if the contractor's cost control measures are insufficient. The government bears the risk of cost increases, while the contractor is incentivized to manage costs to protect their fixed fee. Effective oversight, detailed cost tracking, and robust negotiation of the fee are critical to mitigating these risks for the government.
How effective is the Missile Defense Agency in managing its R&D contracts to ensure value for money?
The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) manages a portfolio of complex and high-value R&D contracts, often involving cutting-edge technologies and long development timelines. Their effectiveness in ensuring value for money is subject to ongoing scrutiny by oversight bodies like the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Inspector General. Factors influencing value include the rigor of their acquisition strategies, the effectiveness of source selection processes, the strength of contract administration, and the implementation of performance metrics. While MDA has achieved significant technological advancements, challenges related to cost growth and schedule delays have been noted in various GAO reports over the years, indicating a continuous need for robust program and contract management.
What has been the historical spending trend for missile defense space enterprise architecture R&D?
Historical spending on missile defense space enterprise architecture R&D has been substantial and generally increasing, reflecting the evolving threat landscape and the strategic importance of space-based capabilities. The Missile Defense Agency consistently receives significant budget allocations for research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E). Specific figures for 'space enterprise architecture R&D' are often embedded within broader MDA budget categories such as 'Ground-based Midcourse Defense,' 'Space-based Kill Assessment,' or 'Advanced Technology Development.' Analyzing budget justifications and historical appropriations for the MDA would reveal trends, with a likely pattern of sustained or growing investment in this area due to its critical role in future defense strategies.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: H9500115R0001
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Pae-Parsons Global Logistics Services, LLC
Address: 550 WILLIAM NORTHERN BLVD, TULLAHOMA, TN, 37388
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $12,366,111
Exercised Options: $12,366,111
Current Obligation: $12,191,350
Actual Outlays: $2,743,365
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 9
Total Subaward Amount: $3,240,744
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HQ079617D0001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-04-02
Current End Date: 2020-12-31
Potential End Date: 2020-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-25
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