DARPA Awards BAE Systems $28.1M for Research Project, Full and Open Competition Used
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $28,142,440 ($28.1M)
Contractor: BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2014-10-20
End Date: 2016-12-14
Contract Duration: 786 days
Daily Burn Rate: $35.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF DARPA RESEARCH PROJECT (REUBEN).
Place of Performance
Location: BOULDER, BOULDER County, COLORADO, 80301
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $28.1 million to BAE SYSTEMS SPACE & MISSION SYSTEMS INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF DARPA RESEARCH PROJECT (REUBEN). Key points: 1. Contract awarded to BAE Systems for R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract value of $28.1M is a significant investment in advanced research. 4. The project falls under the 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' NAICS code.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract's cost-plus-fixed-fee structure allows for flexibility in research while maintaining cost control. Benchmarking against similar DARPA R&D contracts would provide further insight into pricing.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating a competitive process was initiated. This method generally promotes price discovery and potentially better value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in advanced research and development, which could lead to future technological advancements and national security benefits.
Public Impact
Investment in cutting-edge research by DARPA, a key agency for technological innovation. Potential for breakthroughs in physical, engineering, or life sciences with broad applications. Contract awarded to a major defense contractor, BAE Systems, highlighting industry involvement.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Contract duration of 786 days may indicate a complex or lengthy research process.
- The 'EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' clause warrants further examination to understand its implications on competition.
Positive Signals
- Use of full and open competition is a positive signal for fair pricing.
- DARPA's involvement suggests a focus on high-impact, forward-looking research.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS code 541712. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation and maintaining a technological edge, with significant government investment typical for defense-related R&D.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems Inc., a large defense contractor. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award, which is common for large-scale R&D projects.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), which provides contract administration and oversight. The fixed-fee component of the contract provides a degree of cost accountability.
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
- Potential for cost overruns inherent in cost-plus contracts.
- Lack of transparency regarding the 'EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' justification.
- Long contract duration may indicate project complexity or potential delays.
- No explicit mention of small business subcontracting opportunities.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, co, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $28.1 million to BAE SYSTEMS SPACE & MISSION SYSTEMS INC.. IGF::OT::IGF DARPA RESEARCH PROJECT (REUBEN).
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BAE SYSTEMS SPACE & MISSION SYSTEMS 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 $28.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2014-10-20. End: 2016-12-14.
What specific technological advancements are anticipated from this DARPA research project, and how will they align with national security objectives?
The specific technological advancements are not detailed in the provided data. However, DARPA projects typically aim to develop breakthrough capabilities that address future national security challenges. The alignment would depend on the project's focus within physical, engineering, or life sciences, potentially impacting areas like advanced materials, AI, or biotechnologies.
Given the 'EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' clause, what was the justification for excluding other potential bidders, and did this impact the final contract price?
The justification for excluding sources is not provided. This clause often arises when specific expertise, proprietary technology, or unique capabilities are required, making full and open competition impractical. The impact on price is uncertain; while competition is generally preferred, exclusion might limit price discovery if alternatives were genuinely viable.
How will the effectiveness and ultimate value of this $28.1M R&D investment be measured and assessed by DARPA post-contract completion?
DARPA typically assesses R&D effectiveness through milestone achievements, prototype development, and technology transition plans. The ultimate value is often measured by the successful maturation of the technology and its subsequent adoption or impact on defense capabilities. Specific metrics would be defined within the contract's statement of work.
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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Ball Corp (UEI: 006419147)
Address: 1600 COMMERCE ST, BOULDER, CO, 80301
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $44,991,136
Exercised Options: $28,142,440
Current Obligation: $28,142,440
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 9
Total Subaward Amount: $2,390,563
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2014-10-20
Current End Date: 2016-12-14
Potential End Date: 2017-12-13 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-11-10
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