DoD Awards RTX Corp $33.2M for Vulcan Gas Turbine R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $33,255,021 ($33.3M)
Contractor: RTX Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2010-06-28
End Date: 2013-06-28
Contract Duration: 1,096 days
Daily Burn Rate: $30.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: NEW CONTRACT AWARD FOR VULCAN PROGRAM, PHASE II TO EVALUATE THE DESIGN, PERFORMANCE, LIFE, AND DURABILITY OF THE CVC GAS TURBINE TECHNOLOGIES.
Place of Performance
Location: EAST HARTFORD, HARTFORD County, CONNECTICUT, 06118
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $33.3 million to RTX CORPORATION for work described as: NEW CONTRACT AWARD FOR VULCAN PROGRAM, PHASE II TO EVALUATE THE DESIGN, PERFORMANCE, LIFE, AND DURABILITY OF THE CVC GAS TURBINE TECHNOLOGIES. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on evaluating gas turbine technologies for the Vulcan program. 2. RTX Corporation, a major defense contractor, is the awardee. 3. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences is the sector. 4. The contract duration is 3 years, ending June 28, 2013.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The award amount of $33.2M for a 3-year R&D project requires careful monitoring to ensure value for money.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the specific price discovery mechanisms and their effectiveness are not detailed.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced research and development, with the potential for future technological advancements in defense capabilities.
Public Impact
Advancement of critical gas turbine technology for potential defense applications. Investment in research and development to maintain technological superiority. Potential for job creation and economic activity within the aerospace and defense sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
- Long duration for R&D may present challenges in adapting to evolving requirements.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Focus on critical technology development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically related to advanced turbine technologies. Spending in this sector is crucial for maintaining technological edge in defense.
Small Business Impact
The awardee is RTX Corporation, a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific contract award.
Oversight & Accountability
The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) is responsible for oversight. The effectiveness of oversight in managing costs and ensuring performance for this R&D contract is critical.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Long contract duration for R&D.
- Potential for cost overruns.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ct, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $33.3 million to RTX CORPORATION. NEW CONTRACT AWARD FOR VULCAN PROGRAM, PHASE II TO EVALUATE THE DESIGN, PERFORMANCE, LIFE, AND DURABILITY OF THE CVC GAS TURBINE TECHNOLOGIES.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is RTX CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $33.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-06-28. End: 2013-06-28.
What specific performance metrics will be used to evaluate the design, performance, life, and durability of the CVC gas turbine technologies?
The contract details should outline specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) performance metrics. These would likely include parameters such as thrust output, fuel efficiency, operational lifespan under various conditions, thermal management capabilities, and resistance to environmental factors. The effectiveness of the R&D will be judged against these predefined benchmarks.
How will the government ensure that the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure does not lead to excessive contractor profit or inefficient cost management?
The government will likely employ rigorous oversight and auditing processes. This includes regular reviews of incurred costs, verification of contractor's cost accounting practices, and negotiation of the fixed fee based on realistic cost estimates. Performance milestones and deliverables will be closely monitored to ensure they align with the fee structure.
What is the long-term strategy for integrating the evaluated CVC gas turbine technologies into existing or future defense platforms?
The long-term strategy would involve a phased approach, potentially including further development, prototyping, and testing on specific platforms. Successful evaluation in Phase II could lead to subsequent contracts for integration, testing, and full-scale production. The findings will inform future platform design and procurement decisions.
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: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: RTX Corp (UEI: 001344142)
Address: 400 MAIN ST, EAST HARTFORD, CT, 06108
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $33,255,022
Exercised Options: $33,255,022
Current Obligation: $33,255,021
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-06-28
Current End Date: 2013-06-28
Potential End Date: 2013-06-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2017-11-14
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