DoD Awards $31.3M for Optical Instruments, Test Equipment, and Accessories to Carl Zeiss Optronics GmbH

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,263,605 ($19.3M)

Contractor: Hensoldt Optronics Gmbh

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2006-03-14

End Date: 2010-07-31

Contract Duration: 1,600 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: 200606!000505!1700!M67854!COMMANDING GENERAL !M6785406C6004 !A!N! !N! ! !20060314!20070306!313201683!315016121!315730978!N!CARL ZEISS OPTRONICS GMBH !CARL-ZEISS-STR 22 !OBERKOCHEN !GM! !00000! !GM! ! !GERMANY !+000003716180!N!N!000005148680!6650!OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS, TEST EQUIP, COMPS & ACCYS !A4A!COMBAT VEHICLES !000 !NOT DISCERNABLE !333314!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !A!U!J!2!003!B! !Z!N!A!B!GM!Y!L!N! ! ! ! ! !A!A!000!A!B!N! ! ! ! !1727!M67854!0001! !

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $19.3 million to HENSOLDT OPTRONICS GMBH for work described as: 200606!000505!1700!M67854!COMMANDING GENERAL !M6785406C6004 !A!N! !N! ! !20060314!20070306!313201683!315016121!315730978!N!CARL ZEISS OPTRONICS GMBH !CARL-ZEISS-STR 22 !OBERKOCHEN !GM! !00000! !GM! ! … Key points: 1. The contract, valued at $31.3 million, was awarded to Carl Zeiss Optronics GmbH for optical instruments and related accessories. 2. This award falls under the Combat Vehicles sector, indicating a focus on military hardware. 3. The contract was awarded using full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The duration of the contract is 1600 days, spanning from March 2006 to July 2010.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $31.3 million for optical instruments and test equipment appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized military hardware, though a direct per-unit cost comparison is not readily available without more detailed specifications.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing and allows for a broad range of potential suppliers to bid. This method aims to ensure the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is intended to maximize taxpayer value by fostering a competitive environment that drives down costs and improves the quality of goods and services procured.

Public Impact

Procurement of specialized optical instruments and test equipment for military applications. Potential impact on the readiness and operational capabilities of combat vehicles. Supports the defense industrial base, specifically in the area of optical manufacturing.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited information on specific performance metrics or quality assurance.
Potential for obsolescence of technology over the contract duration.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a fair process.
Clear identification of the product/service category (Optical Instruments).

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically related to Combat Vehicles. Spending in this area is critical for military modernization and operational readiness. Benchmarks for similar specialized optical equipment contracts can vary significantly based on technological sophistication and quantity.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication in the provided data that small businesses were involved in this specific contract award. The primary awardee is a foreign entity, Carl Zeiss Optronics GmbH.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of Defense, which has established oversight mechanisms for procurement. However, the provided data does not detail specific oversight activities or accountability measures for this particular contract.

Related Government Programs

Optical Instrument and Lens Manufacturing
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for technology obsolescence due to contract length.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in the provided data.
Limited insight into specific oversight and accountability mechanisms.
Foreign awardee may present unique logistical or support challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $19.3 million to HENSOLDT OPTRONICS GMBH. 200606!000505!1700!M67854!COMMANDING GENERAL !M6785406C6004 !A!N! !N! ! !20060314!20070306!313201683!315016121!315730978!N!CARL ZEISS OPTRONICS GMBH !CARL-ZEISS-STR 22 !OBERKOCHEN !GM! !00000! !GM! ! !GERMANY !+000003716180!N!N!000005148680!6650!OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS, TEST EQUIP, COMPS & ACCYS !A4A!COMBAT VEHICLES !000 !NOT DISCERNABLE !333314!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !999

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HENSOLDT OPTRONICS GMBH.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $19.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2006-03-14. End: 2010-07-31.

What specific types of optical instruments and test equipment were procured under this contract, and how do they contribute to the capabilities of combat vehicles?

The data specifies 'Optical Instruments, Test Equip, Comps & Accys' under the PSC code 6650, and the NAICS code 333314 for Optical Instrument and Lens Manufacturing. These likely include specialized sighting systems, targeting components, diagnostic tools, and calibration equipment essential for the advanced functionality and maintenance of modern combat vehicles. The exact nature and contribution would depend on the specific operational requirements of the platforms they are intended for.

Given the contract's duration and the rapid pace of technological advancement in optics, what measures were in place to mitigate the risk of procuring outdated technology?

While the data doesn't explicitly detail mitigation strategies, contracts of this length often include clauses for technology refresh, phased deliveries, or performance-based specifications that allow for adaptation. The 'full and open competition' aspect might have encouraged bidders to propose the most current viable solutions. However, without specific contract language, the risk of obsolescence remains a potential concern.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to industry benchmarks for similar specialized optical equipment, and what was the rationale for selecting Carl Zeiss Optronics GmbH?

A precise benchmark comparison is difficult without detailed specifications of the optical instruments. However, the contract was awarded via 'full and open competition,' suggesting that Carl Zeiss Optronics GmbH's proposal was deemed the most advantageous based on price, technical merit, and other evaluation factors. The rationale would be documented in the source selection decision, which is not provided here.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing › Optical Instrument and Lens Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. (UEI: 403284867)

Address: CARL-ZEISS-STR. 22, OBERKOCHEN

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline