DoD Awards $7.9M Engineering Services Contract to Marine Acoustics Inc. via Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $7,894,233 ($7.9M)
Contractor: Marine Acoustics Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2018-11-19
End Date: 2022-11-18
Contract Duration: 1,460 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS REQUIREMENT IS TO PROVIDE PROGRAMMATIC, TECHNICAL, FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES TO ONR CODE 32.
Place of Performance
Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22203
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $7.9 million to MARINE ACOUSTICS INC for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS REQUIREMENT IS TO PROVIDE PROGRAMMATIC, TECHNICAL, FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES TO ONR CODE 32. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Marine Acoustics Inc. for programmatic, technical, financial, and administrative support. 2. Significant contract value of $7.9 million over a 4-year period. 3. Procured through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract falls under Engineering Services (NAICS 541330), a common sector for DoD support.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract's cost-plus-fixed-fee structure allows for flexibility but requires careful monitoring of costs to ensure value. Benchmarking against similar support service contracts would provide further insight into its pricing.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The use of full and open competition is a positive indicator for price discovery, as multiple bidders likely competed. This method generally leads to more competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for essential programmatic and technical support services, with competition aiming to ensure efficient allocation.
Public Impact
Ensures continued support for ONR Code 32's critical programs. Supports technological advancement and research within the Department of Defense. Provides stable employment for personnel involved in defense support services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
- Reliance on a single award for comprehensive support services.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition promotes fairness and potentially better pricing.
- Clear definition of support services required.
- Long-term contract provides stability for program execution.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, which is a significant area of spending for the Department of Defense. Benchmarks for similar support services can vary widely based on specialization and duration.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business subcontracting opportunities exist within this prime contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense, through the Defense Contract Management Agency, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Robust oversight is crucial for cost control and performance management.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in CPFF contract.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical support.
- Scope creep risk without stringent management.
Tags
engineering-services, department-of-defense, va, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $7.9 million to MARINE ACOUSTICS INC. THE PURPOSE OF THIS REQUIREMENT IS TO PROVIDE PROGRAMMATIC, TECHNICAL, FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES TO ONR CODE 32.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MARINE ACOUSTICS INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $7.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-11-19. End: 2022-11-18.
What specific programmatic, technical, financial, and administrative support services are detailed within the contract, and how do these align with ONR Code 32's strategic objectives?
The contract outlines a broad range of support services essential for ONR Code 32's operations. These likely include project management, research support, financial administration, and technical expertise. A detailed review of the Statement of Work (SOW) is necessary to confirm alignment with strategic objectives and assess the necessity and scope of each service provided.
How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure compare to industry standards for similar engineering support services, and what mechanisms are in place to mitigate potential cost overruns?
Cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) contracts are common for R&D and complex services where scope is not fully defined. While offering flexibility, they carry inherent risk of cost escalation. Effective mitigation relies on strong government oversight, detailed cost tracking, clear performance metrics, and defined fee structures that incentivize efficiency and cost control.
What is the projected impact of this contract on the operational effectiveness and research output of ONR Code 32 over its four-year duration?
This contract is intended to bolster the operational effectiveness and research output of ONR Code 32 by providing essential programmatic, technical, financial, and administrative support. Consistent and high-quality support should enable the office to focus on its core mission of advancing naval science and technology, potentially leading to accelerated research outcomes and improved program execution.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: N0001418R3004
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Marine Acoustics, Inc.
Address: 809 AQUIDNECK AVE 2, MIDDLETOWN, RI, 02842
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $8,812,728
Exercised Options: $8,812,728
Current Obligation: $7,894,233
Actual Outlays: $337,646
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: N0017814D7821
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-11-19
Current End Date: 2022-11-18
Potential End Date: 2023-11-18 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-11
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