DoD's ASTARTE Program Phase 1 Awards Raytheon $26.5M for R&D in Physical Sciences
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $26,467,587 ($26.5M)
Contractor: Raytheon Company
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-02-10
End Date: 2024-10-08
Contract Duration: 1,336 days
Daily Burn Rate: $19.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 7
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: AIR SPACE TOTAL AWARENESS FOR RAPID TACTICAL EXECUTION (ASTARTE) PROGRAM, PHASE 1 (BASE)
Place of Performance
Location: TEWKSBURY, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01876
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $26.5 million to RAYTHEON COMPANY for work described as: AIR SPACE TOTAL AWARENESS FOR RAPID TACTICAL EXECUTION (ASTARTE) PROGRAM, PHASE 1 (BASE) Key points: 1. The contract focuses on research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences, excluding specialized areas. 2. Raytheon Company is the sole awardee under a definitive contract. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, indicating potential for cost overruns. 4. The NAICS code 541715 suggests a focus on advanced scientific research.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to higher costs than fixed-price contracts if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult due to the specialized nature of the research.
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 awardee is Raytheon Company, and the impact of this competition on price discovery for this specialized R&D is not immediately clear.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are allocated for advanced research and development, with the ultimate benefit depending on the program's success and technological advancements.
Public Impact
Advanced research in physical sciences could lead to future technological breakthroughs. The program's success may impact national security capabilities. Investment in R&D supports innovation within the defense sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can inflate costs.
- Limited transparency on specific R&D deliverables and milestones.
- Potential for scope creep in research-intensive projects.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Focus on cutting-edge research and development.
- Potential for significant technological advancements.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation but can be subject to long development cycles and uncertain outcomes.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Raytheon Company, a large prime contractor. There is no immediate indication of small business participation or subcontracting opportunities within the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be critical to ensure the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure does not lead to excessive spending and that research objectives are met efficiently by DARPA.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Long contract duration (over 3 years).
- Research and Development projects have inherent uncertainty.
- Sole awardee to a large corporation.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ma, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $26.5 million to RAYTHEON COMPANY. AIR SPACE TOTAL AWARENESS FOR RAPID TACTICAL EXECUTION (ASTARTE) PROGRAM, PHASE 1 (BASE)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is RAYTHEON COMPANY.
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 $26.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-02-10. End: 2024-10-08.
What are the specific research objectives and expected outcomes for ASTARTE Phase 1?
The specific research objectives and expected outcomes for ASTARTE Phase 1 are not detailed in the provided data. Generally, DARPA programs aim for breakthrough technologies. Further investigation into program documentation would be required to ascertain the precise deliverables and success metrics for this particular contract.
How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure mitigate risks for the government in this R&D context?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure aims to incentivize the contractor to control costs by providing a fixed fee on top of allowable costs. However, for R&D, it can be challenging to accurately estimate costs upfront, potentially leading to cost overruns. Government oversight is crucial to monitor expenditures and ensure efficiency.
What is the potential long-term impact of this R&D investment on defense capabilities?
The long-term impact of this R&D investment is speculative but potentially significant. DARPA's focus on 'AIR SPACE TOTAL AWARENESS FOR RAPID TACTICAL EXECUTION' suggests advancements that could enhance situational awareness, command and control, or operational speed in complex environments, ultimately bolstering national defense capabilities.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and 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: HR001120S0039
Offers Received: 7
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Rockwell Collins Australia PTY Limited
Address: 50 APPLE HILL DR, TEWKSBURY, MA, 01876
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $36,359,723
Exercised Options: $26,957,698
Current Obligation: $26,467,587
Actual Outlays: $1,399,690
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 19
Total Subaward Amount: $4,146,134
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-02-10
Current End Date: 2024-10-08
Potential End Date: 2024-12-09 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-08-14
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