DoD Awards $20.7M R&D Contract to Textron Systems for MAGNUSS Program
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $20,737,476 ($20.7M)
Contractor: Textron Systems Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-03-08
End Date: 2026-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,302 days
Daily Burn Rate: $15.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: MAGNUSS
Place of Performance
Location: COCKEYSVILLE, BALTIMORE County, MARYLAND, 21030
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $20.7 million to TEXTRON SYSTEMS CORPORATION for work described as: MAGNUSS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Textron Systems for research and development. 2. Full and open competition was utilized. 3. Potential for significant technological advancement in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 4. Contract duration extends to September 2026.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult due to the specialized nature of the work.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure may not always yield the lowest price.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in advanced R&D, with the potential for future benefits, but the cost-plus nature requires careful oversight to ensure value.
Public Impact
Advancement in scientific research and development. Potential for new technologies and innovations. Investment in the defense sector's technological capabilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Long contract duration.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition.
- Award to established contractor.
- Focus on critical R&D area.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation but can be subject to cost overruns and uncertain outcomes.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business, and no subcontracting information is provided.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be critical to manage the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure and ensure the R&D objectives are met efficiently and effectively within budget.
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 overrun potential with CPFF.
- Long contract duration may increase risk.
- Uncertainty of R&D outcomes.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, md, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $20.7 million to TEXTRON SYSTEMS CORPORATION. MAGNUSS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TEXTRON SYSTEMS CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $20.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-03-08. End: 2026-09-30.
What specific technological advancements are expected from the MAGNUSS program, and how will their success be measured?
The provided data does not detail the specific technological advancements expected from the MAGNUSS program. Success measurement would typically involve defined milestones, prototypes, testing results, and adherence to research objectives outlined in the full contract. Further inquiry into the contract's SOW is needed to assess expected outcomes and their measurability.
What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type for this R&D effort?
The primary risks of a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for R&D include potential cost overruns if the contractor's costs exceed estimates, as the government absorbs these costs. The fixed fee provides incentive for the contractor, but the government bears the financial risk. Inefficient performance by the contractor could also lead to higher overall costs without a commensurate increase in value.
How does the $20.7 million investment align with broader Department of Defense R&D spending benchmarks for similar scientific research areas?
Benchmarking this $20.7 million investment requires detailed comparison with DoD R&D spending on contracts with similar NAICS codes (541715) and contract types (CPFF). Without access to broader spending data and specific program goals, it's challenging to definitively state alignment. However, R&D investments of this magnitude are common for programs aiming for significant technological breakthroughs.
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
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Textron Inc
Address: 124 INDUSTRY LN, HUNT VALLEY, MD, 21030
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: $112,079,089
Exercised Options: $21,491,432
Current Obligation: $20,737,476
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 4
Total Subaward Amount: $3,974,737
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-03-08
Current End Date: 2026-09-30
Potential End Date: 2026-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-14
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