DoD's Navy Awards $43.6M for Sea Hunter II Unmanned Vessel Development
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $43,559,069 ($43.6M)
Contractor: Leidos, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2017-12-15
End Date: 2021-07-07
Contract Duration: 1,300 days
Daily Burn Rate: $33.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 999
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: DESIGN AND BUILD OF ADDITIONAL SEA HUNTER PLATFORM FOR S&T ADVANCEMENT (SEA HUNTER II)
Place of Performance
Location: LONG BEACH, HARRISON County, MISSISSIPPI, 39560
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $43.6 million to LEIDOS, INC. for work described as: DESIGN AND BUILD OF ADDITIONAL SEA HUNTER PLATFORM FOR S&T ADVANCEMENT (SEA HUNTER II) Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Leidos, Inc. for R&D in physical sciences. 2. Full and open competition was utilized for this definitive contract. 3. Project duration was 1300 days, ending July 2021. 4. Focus on S&T advancement for the Sea Hunter platform.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $43.6 million for a research and development project of this scope appears reasonable. Benchmarking against similar advanced maritime technology development contracts would provide further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The use of full and open competition suggests a robust price discovery process. This method allows multiple qualified vendors to bid, potentially leading to more competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced defense research, aiming for technological superiority which can have long-term security benefits.
Public Impact
Enhances unmanned maritime capabilities for the U.S. Navy. Supports advancements in autonomous vessel technology. Contributes to the Department of Defense's research and development goals.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in complex R&D projects.
- Long-term sustainment and operational costs not detailed.
Positive Signals
- Leverages advanced technology for defense applications.
- Competition likely drove value for the taxpayer.
- Clear R&D objective for platform enhancement.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological advantage, with benchmarks varying widely based on project complexity and innovation.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Leidos, Inc., a large business. There is no indication of small business subcontracting participation in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Navy, under the Department of Defense, managed this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for R&D contracts would apply, focusing on technical milestones and financial expenditures.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost-plus contract type can lead to higher costs if not managed tightly.
- R&D projects inherently carry technical and schedule risks.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
- Specific performance metrics not detailed in summary.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ms, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $43.6 million to LEIDOS, INC.. DESIGN AND BUILD OF ADDITIONAL SEA HUNTER PLATFORM FOR S&T ADVANCEMENT (SEA HUNTER II)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LEIDOS, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $43.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-12-15. End: 2021-07-07.
What were the key performance metrics for the Sea Hunter II platform development?
Key performance metrics likely focused on the platform's autonomy, endurance, payload capacity, and operational effectiveness in various maritime conditions. Specifics would be detailed in the contract's statement of work, outlining requirements for sensor integration, navigation systems, and survivability testing to ensure the advancement of S&T goals.
What are the primary risks associated with the development of advanced unmanned maritime systems like Sea Hunter II?
Primary risks include technological immaturity, integration challenges between complex systems, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and potential cost overruns due to the experimental nature of R&D. Ensuring reliability and safety in autonomous operations also presents significant hurdles that require rigorous testing and validation.
How does the Sea Hunter II project contribute to the overall effectiveness of naval operations?
The Sea Hunter II project enhances naval effectiveness by advancing autonomous capabilities, potentially enabling longer-duration missions with reduced manning, and providing persistent surveillance or strike options. This technology can improve situational awareness and operational reach, allowing the Navy to adapt to evolving threats and maintain a strategic advantage.
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 › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Solicitation ID: N0001417SB001
Offers Received: 999
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Leidos Holdings, Inc. (UEI: 611641312)
Address: 11951 FREEDOM DR, RESTON, VA, 20190
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $43,559,069
Exercised Options: $43,559,069
Current Obligation: $43,559,069
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 8
Total Subaward Amount: $4,404,523
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2017-12-15
Current End Date: 2021-07-07
Potential End Date: 2021-07-07 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-02-28
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