DoD's $9.9M Naval Propulsion R&D Contract for Nickel Boron Coatings Awarded to Rolls-Royce
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $9,922,860 ($9.9M)
Contractor: Rolls-Royce Marine North America Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2007-12-19
End Date: 2013-09-30
Contract Duration: 2,112 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT OF NICKEL BORON COATINGS FOR NAVAL PROPULSION SYSTEMS.
Place of Performance
Location: PASCAGOULA, JACKSON County, MISSISSIPPI, 39581
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $9.9 million to ROLLS-ROYCE MARINE NORTH AMERICA INC. for work described as: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT OF NICKEL BORON COATINGS FOR NAVAL PROPULSION SYSTEMS. Key points: 1. This contract focuses on critical R&D for naval propulsion systems, highlighting advanced materials science. 2. Rolls-Royce Marine North America Inc. secured the award, indicating specialized capabilities in this niche. 3. The contract duration of over 5 years suggests a significant, long-term research effort. 4. The primary sector is Defense, with a specific focus on naval applications and material science.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which is common for R&D where costs are uncertain. The award amount of $9.9M over 5 years appears reasonable for specialized research in naval propulsion.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced R&D to improve naval capabilities, which can lead to long-term cost savings and enhanced national security.
Public Impact
Enhances naval propulsion system efficiency and durability through advanced coatings. Supports technological advancement in the defense sector, potentially leading to future military advantages. Invests in specialized R&D, fostering innovation in materials science relevant to maritime applications. The research could have broader applications in other high-stress industrial environments.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns inherent in Cost Plus Fixed Fee R&D contracts.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical R&D may pose a long-term risk.
- The specific benefits and applications beyond naval propulsion are not detailed.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Focus on critical R&D for national defense.
- Long-term contract duration suggests sustained investment in innovation.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically R&D for naval applications. Spending benchmarks for similar specialized R&D contracts can vary widely based on complexity and duration, but $9.9M over 5 years for advanced materials research is within a typical range for such projects.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the prime contractor is Rolls-Royce Marine North America Inc., a large business. There is no information provided regarding small business subcontracting participation for this specific contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Navy awarded this contract, implying oversight from the Department of Defense. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires diligent monitoring of costs and progress to ensure accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost overruns in R&D
- Contractor performance risk
- Limited visibility into specific R&D outcomes
- Long-term reliance on specialized contractor
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ms, dca, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $9.9 million to ROLLS-ROYCE MARINE NORTH AMERICA INC.. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT OF NICKEL BORON COATINGS FOR NAVAL PROPULSION SYSTEMS.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ROLLS-ROYCE MARINE NORTH AMERICA 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 $9.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-12-19. End: 2013-09-30.
What is the projected long-term cost savings or operational efficiency gain expected from the improved nickel boron coatings?
The specific projected cost savings or efficiency gains are not detailed in the provided data. However, R&D contracts of this nature aim to improve system reliability, reduce maintenance needs, and potentially increase operational performance, which indirectly translates to long-term cost benefits and enhanced mission effectiveness for naval vessels.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of this R&D effort?
The provided data does not specify the key performance indicators for this R&D contract. Typically, for materials science research, KPIs would include metrics related to coating durability, resistance to corrosion and wear, adhesion strength, thermal properties, and performance under simulated operational conditions relevant to naval propulsion systems.
Are there any potential dual-use applications or commercial spin-offs anticipated from this naval R&D project?
While the primary focus is naval propulsion, advancements in nickel boron coatings for high-stress, corrosive environments could potentially have dual-use applications. Industries such as aerospace, energy production, or even high-performance automotive sectors might benefit from enhanced coating technologies, though specific commercial spin-off plans are not detailed in this contract data.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: N0002405R4201
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC (UEI: 217127290)
Address: 110 NORFOLK ST, WALPOLE, MA, 08
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $10,022,860
Exercised Options: $10,022,860
Current Obligation: $9,922,860
Contract Characteristics
Consolidated Contract: Yes
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-12-19
Current End Date: 2013-09-30
Potential End Date: 2013-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2012-09-27
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