Northrop Grumman awarded $132.5M for R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences by the Office of Naval Research

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,245,912 ($13.2M)

Contractor: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2004-02-17

End Date: 2010-12-23

Contract Duration: 2,501 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: 200405!000873!1700!E612A !OFFICE OF NAVAL RESEARCH, HEADQU!N0001403C0422 !A!N! !N! ! !20040217!20060816!800131955!008255408!016435559!N!NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPO!1580B W NURSERY RD, MS B58!LINTHICUM HEIG !MD!21090!47150!003!24!LINTHICUM HEIGHTS !ANNE ARUNDEL !MARYLAND !+000003250000!N!N!000000000000!AD93!RDTE/OTHER DEFENSE-ADV TECH DEV !S1 !SERVICES !000 !* !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !A!N!U!2!002!E! !Z!Y!Z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !Z!Z!A!A!000!A!C!N! ! ! ! ! ! !0001! !

Place of Performance

Location: LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, ANNE ARUNDEL County, MARYLAND, 21090

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $13.2 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION for work described as: 200405!000873!1700!E612A !OFFICE OF NAVAL RESEARCH, HEADQU!N0001403C0422 !A!N! !N! ! !20040217!20060816!800131955!008255408!016435559!N!NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPO!1580B W NURSERY RD, MS B58!LINTHICUM HEIG !MD!21090!47150!003!24!LINTHICUM HEIGHTS !ANNE… Key points: 1. Contract value of $132.5M for R&D services. 2. Awarded by the Office of Naval Research, a key defense research agency. 3. Contract duration of over 8 years suggests a long-term research objective. 4. Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation is a major defense contractor. 5. The contract falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 6. Awarded via full and open competition after exclusion of sources.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $132.5 million for over 8 years of R&D services appears reasonable given the nature of advanced research and development. Benchmarking against similar large-scale R&D contracts within the Department of Defense is challenging without more specific service details. However, the duration and scope suggest a significant investment in technological advancement.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' This indicates that while competition was sought, certain sources may have been excluded based on specific criteria, potentially limiting the breadth of bidders. The number of bidders is not specified, but this competition type suggests a more targeted approach than a purely open solicitation.

Taxpayer Impact: This limited competition structure may result in less aggressive pricing compared to a fully open bid, potentially impacting taxpayer value if a wider pool of competitors could have offered better terms.

Public Impact

Benefits the Office of Naval Research by advancing scientific and technological capabilities. Delivers research and development services in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Geographic impact is primarily within the contractor's operational areas, with potential national security implications. Workforce implications include employment for scientists, engineers, and support staff at Northrop Grumman.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Limited competition may reduce price discovery and potentially increase costs for taxpayers.
  • The long duration of the contract could lead to scope creep or cost overruns if not managed effectively.
  • Specific details on the R&D focus are not provided, making it difficult to assess the direct impact or innovation potential.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded to a major defense contractor with a proven track record.
  • The contract supports critical research and development for national security.
  • The duration suggests a commitment to long-term technological advancement.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. This is a critical area for defense innovation. The market for defense R&D is dominated by large aerospace and defense corporations, with significant government investment. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend on the specific technological area being researched, but large R&D contracts are common within the Department of Defense.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. Given the nature of advanced R&D and the prime contractor, it is possible that subcontracting opportunities may exist for specialized small businesses, but this is not explicitly detailed in the provided data. The primary focus is on a large prime contractor's capabilities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is likely managed by the Department of Defense's contract management agencies, such as the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), ensuring compliance with contract terms and performance standards. Accountability measures would be tied to research milestones and deliverables. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though specific R&D project details may be sensitive.

Related Government Programs

  • Naval Research Programs
  • Advanced Technology Development
  • Defense Research and Development
  • Engineering Services Contracts
  • Life Sciences Research Contracts

Risk Flags

  • Limited competition may impact cost-effectiveness.
  • Lack of specific R&D details hinders impact assessment.
  • Long contract duration requires robust oversight.

Tags

research-and-development, office-of-naval-research, department-of-defense, northrop-grumman, maryland, definitive-contract, cost-plus-fixed-fee, limited-competition, large-business, physical-sciences, engineering, life-sciences

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $13.2 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION. 200405!000873!1700!E612A !OFFICE OF NAVAL RESEARCH, HEADQU!N0001403C0422 !A!N! !N! ! !20040217!20060816!800131955!008255408!016435559!N!NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPO!1580B W NURSERY RD, MS B58!LINTHICUM HEIG !MD!21090!47150!003!24!LINTHICUM HEIGHTS !ANNE ARUNDEL !MARYLAND !+000003250000!N!N!000000000000!AD93!RDTE/OTHER DEFENSE-ADV TECH DEV !S1 !SERVICES !000 !* !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !999

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $13.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2004-02-17. End: 2010-12-23.

What is the specific nature of the research and development being conducted under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' (NAICS code 541710). However, the specific scientific or technological focus of the R&D is not detailed. This could encompass a wide range of activities, from materials science and advanced manufacturing to biotechnology and artificial intelligence applications relevant to naval operations. Further details would be required from the contract's statement of work to understand the precise research objectives and expected outcomes.

How does the contract's value compare to similar R&D efforts by the Office of Naval Research?

Direct comparison of the $132.5 million contract value to similar R&D efforts is difficult without knowing the specific research domain and scope. The Office of Naval Research (ONR) funds a broad spectrum of research, from basic science to applied technology development. Large, multi-year R&D contracts are typical for advanced projects. To benchmark effectively, one would need to identify contracts with similar durations, technical objectives, and contractor capabilities within the ONR's portfolio. The duration of over 8 years suggests a significant, long-term research initiative.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or milestones for this contract?

The provided data does not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) or milestones for this contract. For R&D contracts, KPIs often relate to achieving specific research objectives, developing prototypes, demonstrating technological feasibility, publishing findings, or meeting technical performance targets. The Office of Naval Research would typically establish these in the contract's statement of work, and their achievement would be monitored throughout the contract's duration to ensure progress and value for money.

What is Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation's track record with similar R&D contracts for the Department of Defense?

Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation is a major defense contractor with extensive experience in research and development across various domains, including aerospace, defense, and technology. They have a long history of securing and executing large-scale R&D contracts with the Department of Defense and its various branches, including the Navy. Their track record typically involves complex system development, advanced technology integration, and scientific research, making them a frequent recipient of such awards.

What is the potential impact of this contract on future technological advancements in naval warfare?

The potential impact of this contract on future naval warfare technology depends heavily on the specific R&D focus. If the research pertains to areas like advanced materials, autonomous systems, cyber capabilities, or next-generation sensor technology, it could significantly enhance the performance, survivability, and operational effectiveness of naval platforms. The long duration suggests a commitment to developing foundational technologies that could shape future naval capabilities over the next decade and beyond.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesScientific Research and Development ServicesResearch and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENTDEFENSE (OTHER) R&D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Northrop Grumman Corporation

Address: 1580B W NURSERY RD, MS B58, LINTHICUM HEIG, MD, 21090

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $469,726

Exercised Options: $469,726

Current Obligation: $13,245,912

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline

Start Date: 2004-02-17

Current End Date: 2010-12-23

Potential End Date: 2010-12-23 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2022-08-18

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