DoD's $20.2M R&D contract for RF signal identification prototype awarded to General Dynamics

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,220,899 ($20.2M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2009-07-28

End Date: 2013-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,525 days

Daily Burn Rate: $13.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: RETRIEVER; A PROGRAM TO DEVELOP A PROTOTYPE OF A DISTRIBUTED SYSTEM OF DEVICES TO BE UTILIZED TO PERFORM RF SIGNAL IDENTIFICATION AND LOCATION.

Place of Performance

Location: YPSILANTI, WASHTENAW County, MICHIGAN, 48197

State: Michigan Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $20.2 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: RETRIEVER; A PROGRAM TO DEVELOP A PROTOTYPE OF A DISTRIBUTED SYSTEM OF DEVICES TO BE UTILIZED TO PERFORM RF SIGNAL IDENTIFICATION AND LOCATION. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on developing a prototype for a distributed system of devices for RF signal identification and location. 2. Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust market for this technology. 3. The contract duration of over 1500 days indicates a complex, long-term research and development effort. 4. The cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) contract type allows for flexibility in R&D but requires careful cost monitoring. 5. The specific NAICS code (541712) points to specialized R&D in physical and engineering sciences. 6. The contract was awarded by DARPA, known for funding high-risk, high-reward research projects.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this R&D contract is challenging due to its specialized nature and the lack of direct comparable contracts. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure means the final cost could vary, but the fixed fee component provides some cost control. Without more detailed cost breakdowns or performance metrics, a definitive value assessment is difficult. However, the award to a large, established defense contractor like General Dynamics suggests a perceived capability to deliver on the complex R&D requirements.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple capable vendors had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive offers. The presence of 10 bids suggests a healthy level of interest and capability within the industry for this type of advanced R&D.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition typically leads to better value for taxpayers by driving down prices and encouraging innovation among bidders.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense, which will gain advanced capabilities in RF signal identification and location. The services delivered include research and development of a prototype distributed system. The geographic impact is likely concentrated within the contractor's facilities, primarily in Michigan. Workforce implications include employment for specialized engineers and researchers in the defense technology sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.
The long duration of the contract increases the risk of technological obsolescence or shifting requirements.
The specialized nature of the R&D may limit the broader applicability of the developed technology.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive market.
The contractor, General Dynamics, is a reputable entity with significant defense contracting experience.
The contract is for a prototype, suggesting a focus on innovation and future capabilities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced physical and engineering sciences. The market for RF signal identification and location technology is driven by defense and intelligence needs, with significant investment from government agencies like DARPA. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish for highly specialized R&D prototypes, but the overall defense R&D spending is substantial, indicating a strong demand for such innovations.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the data indicates no subcontracting goals were specified. General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc. is a large business, suggesting the primary focus was on securing specialized R&D capabilities from a prime contractor. This contract is unlikely to have a direct positive impact on the small business ecosystem unless General Dynamics engages them as subcontractors, which is not explicitly indicated.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). As a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract, DARPA would monitor expenditures closely to ensure they align with the project's objectives and the fixed fee. Accountability measures would be tied to the successful development of the prototype and adherence to research milestones. Transparency is generally limited for highly specialized R&D contracts, but DARPA is known for its rigorous program management.

Related Government Programs

DARPA Research and Development Programs
Advanced Signal Intelligence Systems
Electronic Warfare Technology Development
Prototype Development Contracts

Risk Flags

Long contract duration increases risk of obsolescence or changing requirements.
Cost-plus-fixed-fee requires diligent government cost oversight.
Specialized R&D may have limited direct commercial applicability.
Potential for key personnel turnover over the extended project timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $20.2 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC.. RETRIEVER; A PROGRAM TO DEVELOP A PROTOTYPE OF A DISTRIBUTED SYSTEM OF DEVICES TO BE UTILIZED TO PERFORM RF SIGNAL IDENTIFICATION AND LOCATION.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $20.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-07-28. End: 2013-09-30.

What is the specific technological innovation this contract aims to achieve?

This contract, awarded to General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc., aims to develop a prototype of a distributed system of devices. The core function of this system is to perform Radio Frequency (RF) signal identification and location. This implies a need for advanced capabilities in sensing, signal processing, data fusion, and potentially networking of multiple devices to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the RF spectrum. The goal is likely to enhance situational awareness, intelligence gathering, and potentially counter-surveillance capabilities for the Department of Defense by enabling more precise and rapid identification and pinpointing of RF emitters.

How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) contract type influence cost control and contractor incentive?

The Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract type is common for research and development efforts where the final costs are uncertain. Under CPFF, the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This structure incentivizes the contractor to complete the work efficiently to maximize their profit margin, as the fee is fixed regardless of the final cost. However, it also places a significant burden on the government to closely monitor and audit the contractor's costs to ensure they are reasonable and allocable to the contract. For this $20.2 million contract, DARPA would need robust oversight to manage potential cost escalations while ensuring the R&D objectives are met.

What are the potential risks associated with a long-duration R&D contract like this?

Long-duration R&D contracts, such as this 1525-day (over 4 years) effort, carry inherent risks. Technological advancements can occur rapidly, potentially rendering the developed prototype obsolete before its completion or deployment. Requirements may also shift due to evolving strategic needs or new threat assessments, necessitating costly modifications or a complete re-evaluation of the project's direction. Furthermore, the extended timeline increases the possibility of key personnel turnover within the contractor's team, potentially impacting institutional knowledge and project continuity. Managing these risks requires proactive program management, flexible contract modifications, and continuous assessment of the technological landscape.

What is the significance of DARPA awarding this contract for RF signal identification?

DARPA's involvement signifies that this contract addresses a high-priority, potentially groundbreaking technological challenge. DARPA is known for funding high-risk, high-reward research projects that aim to create technological surprise and maintain the U.S. military's qualitative advantage. An award from DARPA for RF signal identification and location suggests that current capabilities in this area are insufficient to meet future defense needs, and that a novel, potentially disruptive solution is sought. This also implies that the project may involve cutting-edge research in areas like artificial intelligence, advanced sensor fusion, and distributed systems.

How does the 'full and open competition' impact the value and innovation for this R&D contract?

Awarding the contract through 'full and open competition' means that all responsible sources were permitted to submit proposals. This broad competition typically fosters innovation by encouraging multiple companies to develop unique approaches to solve the stated problem. For taxpayers, it increases the likelihood of receiving competitive pricing and technically superior solutions, as a wider pool of vendors vies for the award. The fact that 10 proposals were received suggests a robust market for this technology, allowing DARPA to select the most promising approach based on technical merit and potential value, rather than being limited to a pre-selected group of contractors.

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 › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH

Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp (UEI: 001381284)

Address: 1200 JOE HALL DRIVE, YPSILANTI, MI, 48197

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $20,220,899

Exercised Options: $20,220,899

Current Obligation: $20,220,899

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline