DoD Awards $19.8M for Missile Defense Space Operations R&D to Amentum Technology
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $19,865,674 ($19.9M)
Contractor: Amentum Technology, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-12-09
End Date: 2027-02-07
Contract Duration: 790 days
Daily Burn Rate: $25.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO SUSTAIN THE MDSEA SPACE OPERATIONS CENTER (SOC) AND MDSEA FOR FUTURE R&D OF EXPERIMENTAL MENTAL OR DEVELOPMENTAL MISSILE DEFENSE MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEM SPACE CAPABILITIES SYSTEM SPACE CAPABILITIES.
Place of Performance
Location: COLORADO SPRINGS, EL PASO County, COLORADO, 80912
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $19.9 million to AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO SUSTAIN THE MDSEA SPACE OPERATIONS CENTER (SOC) AND MDSEA FOR FUTURE R&D OF EXPERIMENTAL MENTAL OR DEVELOPMENTAL MISSILE DEFENSE MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEM SPACE CAPABILITIES SYSTEM SPACE CAPABILITIES. Key points: 1. Focuses on sustaining and advancing experimental missile defense space capabilities. 2. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting market availability. 3. Risk associated with R&D for novel space capabilities. 4. Sector is primarily Research and Development in Physical and Engineering Sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The award amount of $19.8M for a duration of approximately 2.5 years needs further benchmarking against similar R&D efforts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and potentially better value, though the CPIF structure requires close oversight.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are allocated for critical national security R&D, aiming for technological advancement in missile defense.
Public Impact
Enhances national security through advanced missile defense technology. Supports innovation in space-based defense systems. Potential for technological spin-offs benefiting other sectors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost overruns possible with CPIF contract type.
- R&D inherently carries technical and programmatic risks.
- Long-term sustainment costs not detailed.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Focus on critical national security capabilities.
- Supports technological advancement in a key defense area.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically for physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining a technological edge, but often involves higher risk and longer development cycles.
Small Business Impact
The contract does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. Amentum Technology, Inc. is likely a large business, and further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is responsible for oversight. The CPIF contract type necessitates robust monitoring of costs and performance to ensure value for taxpayer money and mitigate risks.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Missile Defense Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Technical feasibility of experimental space capabilities.
- Potential for schedule delays in R&D.
- Cost growth under CPIF contract.
- Dependence on future funding appropriations.
- Integration challenges with existing systems.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, co, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $19.9 million to AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC.. THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO SUSTAIN THE MDSEA SPACE OPERATIONS CENTER (SOC) AND MDSEA FOR FUTURE R&D OF EXPERIMENTAL MENTAL OR DEVELOPMENTAL MISSILE DEFENSE MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEM SPACE CAPABILITIES SYSTEM SPACE CAPABILITIES.
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 $19.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-12-09. End: 2027-02-07.
What is the projected return on investment for the experimental missile defense capabilities being developed under this task order?
The return on investment for experimental R&D is inherently difficult to quantify upfront and is often measured in terms of enhanced national security, technological superiority, and deterrence. Specific ROI metrics are unlikely to be available at this stage, as the focus is on capability development rather than immediate commercial viability.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of the R&D efforts and the contractor's performance?
Key performance indicators for R&D contracts typically include achieving specific technical milestones, demonstrating system functionality, meeting performance requirements within defined parameters, and adhering to development schedules. The CPIF structure suggests incentives tied to achieving cost and performance targets, which would be detailed in the contract's performance work statement.
How does this investment align with the broader strategic goals of the Missile Defense Agency and the Department of Defense?
This investment directly aligns with the MDA's mission to develop and deploy layered missile defense systems. By focusing on space operations and experimental capabilities, it addresses emerging threats and aims to maintain a technological advantage in a critical domain, supporting the DoD's overall strategic objectives for national security.
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 INCENTIVE FEE (V)
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: $68,377,282
Exercised Options: $68,377,282
Current Obligation: $19,865,674
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: 2024-12-09
Current End Date: 2027-02-07
Potential End Date: 2027-02-07 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-25
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