DoD's Missile Defense Agency awards $27M for R&D analysis support to Science Applications International Corp
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $26,953,625 ($27.0M)
Contractor: Science Applications International Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2022-09-09
End Date: 2026-09-11
Contract Duration: 1,463 days
Daily Burn Rate: $18.4K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: QUICK REACTION TEAM (QRT) SUPPORT - EVOLVING ANALYSIS CAPABILITY TO MODEL THE MDS EXPECTED PERFORMANCE IN SUPPORT OF THE DIRECTOR FOR ENGINEERING QRT SUPPORT AND ANALYSIS EFFORT. THIS EFFORT SUPPORTS RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING OF THE MDS.
Place of Performance
Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20190
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $27.0 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION for work described as: QUICK REACTION TEAM (QRT) SUPPORT - EVOLVING ANALYSIS CAPABILITY TO MODEL THE MDS EXPECTED PERFORMANCE IN SUPPORT OF THE DIRECTOR FOR ENGINEERING QRT SUPPORT AND ANALYSIS EFFORT. THIS EFFORT SUPPORTS RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING OF THE MDS. Key points: 1. This contract focuses on evolving analysis capabilities for the Missile Defense System (MDS). 2. The effort supports research, development, and testing of the MDS. 3. It is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract awarded on a sole-source basis. 4. The period of performance spans from September 2022 to September 2026.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking this specific R&D support is difficult due to its specialized nature.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was not competed, raising concerns about price discovery and potentially higher costs for taxpayers. A sole-source award limits opportunities for other qualified contractors to bid.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in a higher overall cost to taxpayers compared to a fully competed contract.
Public Impact
Supports critical research and development for national defense systems. Ensures continued analysis and modeling of missile defense performance. Potential for long-term reliance on a single contractor for specialized support.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition
- Cost-plus contract type carries inherent cost risk
- Lack of transparency in pricing due to sole-source nature
Positive Signals
- Supports critical national defense R&D
- Provides specialized analytical capabilities
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 technological advancement but can be subject to cost overruns and long development cycles.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Science Applications International Corporation, a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the contractor is performing efficiently and that costs are reasonable. The Missile Defense Agency should monitor performance closely.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Missile Defense Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Lack of demonstrated competition
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited transparency in pricing
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, va, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $27.0 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION. QUICK REACTION TEAM (QRT) SUPPORT - EVOLVING ANALYSIS CAPABILITY TO MODEL THE MDS EXPECTED PERFORMANCE IN SUPPORT OF THE DIRECTOR FOR ENGINEERING QRT SUPPORT AND ANALYSIS EFFORT. THIS EFFORT SUPPORTS RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING OF THE MDS.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Missile Defense Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $27.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-09-09. End: 2026-09-11.
What is the justification for the sole-source award, and what steps are being taken to ensure fair pricing?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities or a critical need that cannot be met by other sources. The Missile Defense Agency should have documented this justification. To ensure fair pricing, they should conduct thorough cost analysis, review historical data if available, and potentially negotiate profit margins rigorously.
How will the effectiveness of the evolving analysis capability be measured, especially given the R&D nature of the work?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) tied to the accuracy and timeliness of the MDS performance models. This could include metrics on prediction accuracy, simulation speed, and the ability to incorporate new data. Regular reviews and independent validation of the analytical outputs will be crucial.
What is the long-term strategy for MDS analysis support, and will future requirements be competed?
The long-term strategy should outline how the agency plans to maintain and evolve its analytical capabilities. Future requirements should ideally be competed to leverage market competition and ensure best value. If specific capabilities remain unique, a clear path for future sole-source justification or a strategy to foster competition should be established.
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: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: HQ085422R0001
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 12010, SUNSET HILLS ROAD, RESTON, VA, 20190
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $39,619,003
Exercised Options: $31,325,129
Current Obligation: $26,953,625
Actual Outlays: $2,800,197
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-09-09
Current End Date: 2026-09-11
Potential End Date: 2027-09-11 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-01
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