DoD Awards BAE Systems $17.8M for Adaptive Electronic Warfare Research

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,846,419 ($17.8M)

Contractor: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2010-12-29

End Date: 2014-06-19

Contract Duration: 1,268 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 13

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: BEHAVIORAL LEARNING FOR ADAPTIVE ELECTRONIC WARFARE, A PROGRAM TO DEVELOP THE CAPABILITY TO COUNTER ADAPTIVE WIRELESS COMMUNICATION THREATS IN TACTICAL ENVIRONMENTS AND IN TACTICALLY RELEVANT TIME SCALES.

Place of Performance

Location: BURLINGTON, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01803

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $17.8 million to BAE SYSTEMS INFORMATION AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS INTEGRATION INC. for work described as: BEHAVIORAL LEARNING FOR ADAPTIVE ELECTRONIC WARFARE, A PROGRAM TO DEVELOP THE CAPABILITY TO COUNTER ADAPTIVE WIRELESS COMMUNICATION THREATS IN TACTICAL ENVIRONMENTS AND IN TACTICALLY RELEVANT TIME SCALES. Key points: 1. Focuses on countering adaptive wireless threats in tactical environments. 2. BAE Systems is the sole awardee, raising competition questions. 3. Contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can increase costs. 4. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type offers less price certainty than fixed-price contracts. Without specific cost breakdowns or benchmarks, it's difficult to assess if the $17.8 million is a fair price for the R&D effort.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

Despite being awarded to BAE Systems, the contract was advertised under full and open competition. However, the lack of multiple bids or a competitive range suggests limited actual competition for this specific award.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting advanced defense research, with potential long-term benefits for national security. The cost-plus nature warrants close monitoring to ensure value for money.

Public Impact

Enhances U.S. military's ability to combat evolving communication threats. Supports technological advancement in electronic warfare capabilities. Potential for dual-use applications in civilian communication security. Invests in critical R&D for national defense.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
Limited competition despite full and open solicitation
No small business participation noted

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical defense need
Invests in advanced R&D
Potential for significant technological advancement

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority, but often involves higher risk and less predictable outcomes compared to procurement contracts.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates no small business participation in this contract. Efforts to include small businesses in defense R&D could foster innovation and economic growth.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Defense, through the Defense Contract Management Agency, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Robust oversight is essential to manage the risks associated with Cost Plus Fixed Fee agreements and ensure program objectives are met efficiently.

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 overruns due to CPFF structure
Limited competition may lead to suboptimal pricing
Technological feasibility and performance risks inherent in R&D
Potential for scope creep in research projects
Lack of small business involvement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $17.8 million to BAE SYSTEMS INFORMATION AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS INTEGRATION INC.. BEHAVIORAL LEARNING FOR ADAPTIVE ELECTRONIC WARFARE, A PROGRAM TO DEVELOP THE CAPABILITY TO COUNTER ADAPTIVE WIRELESS COMMUNICATION THREATS IN TACTICAL ENVIRONMENTS AND IN TACTICALLY RELEVANT TIME SCALES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BAE SYSTEMS INFORMATION AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS INTEGRATION INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $17.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-12-29. End: 2014-06-19.

What is the projected return on investment for this behavioral learning R&D in electronic warfare?

The return on investment for R&D contracts, especially in defense, is often measured in strategic advantage and threat mitigation rather than direct financial returns. The 'value' lies in developing capabilities that counter evolving threats, ensuring operational effectiveness and national security. Quantifying this in monetary terms is challenging but critical for long-term defense planning.

What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract structure for this project?

The primary risks with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract are cost overruns and potential for reduced contractor efficiency. The government bears the risk of actual costs exceeding estimates, while the fixed fee provides a guaranteed profit margin for the contractor, potentially disincentivizing cost control. Close monitoring of expenditures and performance is crucial.

How effective is this program expected to be in countering adaptive wireless communication threats?

The effectiveness hinges on the successful development and implementation of advanced behavioral learning algorithms. The program aims to enable adaptive EW systems to identify, analyze, and respond to novel threats in real-time. Success will be measured by the system's ability to maintain communication links and disrupt enemy signals in complex, contested tactical environments.

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: 13

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: BAE Systems PLC

Address: 6 NEW ENGLAND EXECUTIVE PARK, BURLINGTON, MA, 01803

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $18,805,152

Exercised Options: $17,846,419

Current Obligation: $17,846,419

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 2

Total Subaward Amount: $152,912

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline