DoD's $55M Advanced Space Research Contract Awarded to Peraton Inc. Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $55,180,308 ($55.2M)
Contractor: Peraton Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-12-21
End Date: 2026-12-20
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $30.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SESPD II - ADVANCED SPACE RESEARCH TO INCLUDE THE DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT AND MANUFACTURING OF SPACE VEHICLE HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE.
Place of Performance
Location: HERNDON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20170
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $55.2 million to PERATON INC. for work described as: SESPD II - ADVANCED SPACE RESEARCH TO INCLUDE THE DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT AND MANUFACTURING OF SPACE VEHICLE HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advanced space vehicle hardware and software development. 2. Peraton Inc. secured the award through a full and open competition. 3. The contract has a significant value of over $55 million. 4. Research and Development in Nanotechnology (NAICS 541713) is the primary sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), which allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee. This type is common for R&D where costs are uncertain, but it can lead to higher overall costs compared to fixed-price contracts if not managed carefully.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The award was made under full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders likely participated. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value offer.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is expected to yield a fair price for the advanced space research services, maximizing taxpayer value.
Public Impact
Advancement in space technology could lead to significant national security benefits. Investment in nanotechnology research may spur innovation in related commercial sectors. The contract duration of 5 years suggests a long-term commitment to space research goals. Potential for job creation in the aerospace and technology sectors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- CPFF contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
- Reliance on a single awardee for critical space research components.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition suggests a robust bidding process.
- Focus on advanced R&D aligns with strategic national interests.
- Long contract duration provides stability for research efforts.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on nanotechnology for advanced space applications. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining technological superiority and national security, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research scope and technological maturity.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, and there is no specific indication of small business participation in the provided data. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Navy is the contracting agency, with the Department of Defense overseeing. Oversight will be crucial for managing the CPFF contract type and ensuring the successful development of space vehicle hardware and software.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in Nanotechnology
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type carries inherent cost escalation risks.
- Potential for scope creep in advanced R&D projects.
- Dependence on Peraton Inc. for critical space technology development.
- Uncertainty in achieving specific nanotechnology breakthroughs within the contract period.
Tags
research-and-development-in-nanotechnolo, department-of-defense, va, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $55.2 million to PERATON INC.. SESPD II - ADVANCED SPACE RESEARCH TO INCLUDE THE DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT AND MANUFACTURING OF SPACE VEHICLE HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is PERATON 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 $55.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-12-21. End: 2026-12-20.
What specific nanotechnology advancements are being pursued under this contract, and how do they align with current DoD space strategy?
The provided data does not detail the specific nanotechnology advancements. However, given the context of advanced space research, it likely involves materials science, miniaturization, or novel propulsion systems. These would align with DoD strategies focused on enhancing satellite capabilities, reducing launch costs, and developing next-generation space assets for reconnaissance, communication, and defense.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will Peraton Inc.'s performance be measured against them?
Specific KPIs are not detailed in the provided data. Typically, for CPFF R&D contracts, KPIs would include meeting technical milestones, adhering to development schedules, managing costs within projections, and delivering functional prototypes or designs. The contracting officer's representative (COR) and technical teams would monitor progress against these metrics.
What is the potential for technology transfer or commercialization of the research outcomes from this contract?
The potential for technology transfer is significant, as advancements in space and nanotechnology often have dual-use applications. While the primary focus is defense, successful research could lead to innovations in areas like advanced materials, sensors, or computing that benefit the commercial sector. The government typically has mechanisms in place to facilitate such transfers, often through licensing agreements or spin-off companies.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in Nanotechnology
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: N0017321RRJ01
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 12975 WORLDGATE DR STE 7322, HERNDON, VA, 20170
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $120,717,551
Exercised Options: $120,717,551
Current Obligation: $55,180,308
Actual Outlays: $19,764
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 51
Total Subaward Amount: $13,396,656
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-12-21
Current End Date: 2026-12-20
Potential End Date: 2026-12-20 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-18
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