DoD Awards $30.7M for Longshot UAV R&D to General Atomics
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $30,709,295 ($30.7M)
Contractor: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-02-12
End Date: 2024-10-31
Contract Duration: 1,357 days
Daily Burn Rate: $22.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: LONGSHOT UNMANNED AIR VEHICLE
Place of Performance
Location: POWAY, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92064
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $30.7 million to GENERAL ATOMICS AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: LONGSHOT UNMANNED AIR VEHICLE Key points: 1. General Atomics, a major defense contractor, secured this award. 2. The contract falls under R&D for physical, engineering, and life sciences. 3. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, suggesting a competitive process. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can carry higher risk. 5. This award is for a Longshot Unmanned Air Vehicle project.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to costs exceeding initial estimates. Without specific cost breakdowns or benchmarks for similar UAV R&D, a precise value assessment is difficult.
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.' This implies an initial exclusion, followed by a broader competition, which may impact price discovery compared to unrestricted full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced R&D in unmanned aerial vehicle technology, aiming for future defense capabilities.
Public Impact
Development of advanced unmanned air vehicle technology for potential military applications. Investment in research and development to maintain technological superiority. Potential for future procurement of operational systems based on this R&D. Job creation and economic activity within the defense sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns.
- R&D projects inherently carry a risk of not achieving desired outcomes.
- Exclusion of sources in competition could limit initial price discovery.
Positive Signals
- Focus on advanced unmanned aerial vehicle technology.
- Awarded to a reputable defense contractor.
- Long duration suggests a comprehensive development effort.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically for physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement in defense, with benchmarks varying widely based on project scope and complexity.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., is a large business. There is no explicit indication of small business participation in this specific contract award.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be managed by the Department of Defense, specifically DARPA. The contract type and duration will necessitate careful monitoring of progress and expenditures to ensure accountability.
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.
- Research and Development project risks.
- Potential for limited initial competition.
- Lack of detailed cost breakdown for value assessment.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ca, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $30.7 million to GENERAL ATOMICS AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS, INC.. LONGSHOT UNMANNED AIR VEHICLE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is GENERAL ATOMICS AERONAUTICAL 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 $30.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-02-12. End: 2024-10-31.
What is the specific technological advancement expected from the Longshot UAV R&D?
The specific technological advancement is not detailed in the provided data. However, DARPA's involvement suggests a focus on cutting-edge capabilities, potentially related to long-endurance, advanced payload integration, or novel operational concepts for unmanned aerial vehicles.
What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for this R&D project?
The primary risks with a CPFF contract for R&D include potential cost overruns if the contractor's costs exceed estimates, as the government bears the majority of the cost risk. There's also a risk that the fixed fee may not adequately incentivize cost control if not structured carefully.
How does the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' impact the overall effectiveness of the procurement?
This procurement method suggests that while initial sources might have been excluded, the subsequent full and open competition aimed to ensure a broad range of qualified offerors could compete. This can enhance effectiveness by fostering innovation and potentially achieving better value, though the initial exclusion warrants scrutiny.
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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: HR001120S0037
Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 14200 KIRKHAM WAY, POWAY, CA, 92064
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: $30,709,295
Exercised Options: $30,709,295
Current Obligation: $30,709,295
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 7
Total Subaward Amount: $23,594,580
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-02-12
Current End Date: 2024-10-31
Potential End Date: 2024-10-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-07-18
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