DoD Awards Alion Science $156M for R&D Services, Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $15,599,830 ($15.6M)
Contractor: Alion Science and Technology Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2007-07-26
End Date: 2011-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,527 days
Daily Burn Rate: $10.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: BASIC CONTRACT AWARD
Place of Performance
Location: MYSTIC, NEW LONDON County, CONNECTICUT, 06355
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $15.6 million to ALION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION for work described as: BASIC CONTRACT AWARD Key points: 1. Significant R&D investment by the Department of the Navy. 2. Alion Science and Technology Corporation is the awardee. 3. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources. 4. Contract duration spans over 4 years.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The total award amount is $155,998,303.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' This suggests an initial exclusion, followed by a broader competition, which may impact price discovery compared to a purely full and open process.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for research and development, with the ultimate benefit expected to be advancements in defense capabilities.
Public Impact
Supports advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences for national security. Potential for technological breakthroughs that could enhance military effectiveness. Investment in a specific company for critical research services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- CPFF contract type can incentivize cost escalation.
- Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.
- Limited transparency on specific R&D outcomes.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through a competitive process.
- Long-term contract provides stability for R&D efforts.
- Focus on critical research and development areas.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for maintaining technological superiority but can be subject to long development cycles and uncertain outcomes.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific set-aside for small businesses. The awardee, Alion Science and Technology Corporation, is a large business, suggesting limited direct benefit to small businesses through this prime contract.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be critical to manage the CPFF structure and ensure the R&D objectives are met efficiently and effectively within the allocated budget. The Department of the Navy is responsible for this oversight.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type.
- Potential for cost overruns.
- R&D outcomes can be uncertain.
- Limited information on specific R&D objectives and metrics.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ct, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $15.6 million to ALION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION. BASIC CONTRACT AWARD
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ALION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 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 $15.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-07-26. End: 2011-09-30.
What specific R&D advancements are expected from this contract, and how will their value be measured?
The contract focuses on 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.' Specific advancements are not detailed in the award data. Value measurement will likely depend on the successful development of technologies or scientific understanding that enhance Department of Defense capabilities, which is inherently difficult to quantify upfront in R&D.
What were the 'sources excluded' prior to the full and open competition, and why?
The contract description 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' implies that certain potential sources were initially considered and then excluded before the broader competition commenced. The reasons for exclusion are not provided but could relate to specific capabilities, prior performance, or strategic sourcing decisions by the agency.
How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure impact the government's risk and the contractor's incentive for cost control?
A CPFF contract shifts significant cost risk to the government, as the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs plus a fixed fee. While the fixed fee provides some incentive for the contractor to complete the work, it doesn't directly reward cost savings, potentially leading to less aggressive cost management compared to fixed-price contracts.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: N0002406R5416
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 10 WEST 35TH STREET, CHICAGO, IL, 90
Business Categories: Category Business, HUBZone Firm, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $15,599,830
Exercised Options: $15,599,830
Current Obligation: $15,599,830
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-07-26
Current End Date: 2011-09-30
Potential End Date: 2011-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2011-07-21
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