DoD's $15.2M R&D Contract with Rockwell Collins: Research & Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $15,244,434 ($15.2M)
Contractor: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2006-06-30
End Date: 2011-07-31
Contract Duration: 1,857 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: R&D
Place of Performance
Location: CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN County, IOWA, 52498
State: Iowa Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $15.2 million to ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC. for work described as: R&D Key points: 1. The contract awarded to Rockwell Collins, Inc. for R&D services represents a significant investment in technological advancement. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a robust process for selecting the contractor. 3. The contract duration of 1857 days indicates a long-term project with potential for substantial outcomes. 4. The 'IA' status code and 'IOWA' location suggest a specific operational or geographical focus for this R&D effort.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking CPFF contracts for similar R&D services is challenging without more detailed cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Full and open competition was employed, which typically fosters competitive pricing. However, the CPFF structure means the government bears the cost risk, and the final price is determined by actual costs plus a fixed fee.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for this R&D contract. The effectiveness and ultimate value of the research will determine the true taxpayer impact.
Public Impact
Advancement in physical, engineering, and life sciences research could lead to new technologies benefiting national security. The long-term nature of the contract suggests a commitment to developing complex solutions. The involvement of the Defense Contract Management Agency implies rigorous oversight of contract performance and financial management.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent risk of cost escalation.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess R&D success upfront.
- Limited information on the specific R&D objectives hinders a full understanding of potential impact.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition suggests a fair and competitive award process.
- The substantial funding indicates a high priority placed on this R&D initiative.
- The long contract duration allows for in-depth research and development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is critical for innovation and maintaining a technological edge, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research domain.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors. The primary awardee is Rockwell Collins, Inc., a large corporation, suggesting limited direct opportunities for small businesses on the prime contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense, through agencies like the Defense Contract Management Agency, is responsible for oversight. The CPFF contract type necessitates close monitoring of costs and progress to ensure accountability and prevent waste.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Long contract duration without clear interim success metrics.
- Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.
- Limited transparency on specific R&D objectives and expected outcomes.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ia, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $15.2 million to ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC.. R&D
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ROCKWELL COLLINS, 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 $15.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-06-30. End: 2011-07-31.
What specific technological advancements are expected from this $15.2M R&D investment, and how do they align with current defense priorities?
The contract focuses on 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.' While specific advancements are not detailed, such R&D typically aims to enhance military capabilities, improve operational efficiency, or develop next-generation defense systems. Alignment with defense priorities would be assessed through the contract's statement of work and the agency's strategic goals for technological superiority.
Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, what measures are in place to mitigate the risk of cost overruns and ensure efficient use of taxpayer funds?
Mitigation strategies for CPFF contracts often include detailed cost accounting standards, regular audits, robust Earned Value Management (EVM) systems, and clear performance milestones. The Defense Contract Management Agency's role is crucial in monitoring expenditures, verifying costs, and ensuring that the contractor operates efficiently within the defined scope to achieve the fixed fee.
How will the success and effectiveness of this long-term R&D project be measured, particularly given the inherent uncertainties in research outcomes?
Effectiveness is typically measured against pre-defined technical milestones, deliverables, and performance metrics outlined in the contract's Statement of Work. For R&D, success can also be gauged by the successful transition of developed technologies into operational systems or further development phases. Regular technical reviews and independent assessments by the contracting agency are vital for evaluating progress and overall effectiveness.
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
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 400 COLLINS RD NE, CEDAR RAPIDS, IA, 02
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $15,244,434
Exercised Options: $15,244,434
Current Obligation: $15,244,434
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-06-30
Current End Date: 2011-07-31
Potential End Date: 2011-07-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2014-07-22
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