DoD's Navy Awards $14.6M for Optical R&D to Amentum Technology, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,580,554 ($14.6M)

Contractor: Amentum Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-02-15

End Date: 2025-08-14

Contract Duration: 911 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: R&D SUPPORT FOR OPTICAL TECHNIQUES.

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20375

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $14.6 million to AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: R&D SUPPORT FOR OPTICAL TECHNIQUES. Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced optical research. 2. Amentum Technology, Inc. is the sole awardee. 3. Potential for technological advancements in defense capabilities. 4. Focus on physical, engineering, and life sciences R&D.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The total award value is $14.6 million over approximately 3 years.

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, it is a delivery order, implying it might be part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical research and development, aiming for technological superiority. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure requires careful oversight to ensure value for money.

Public Impact

Advancement of optical technologies for national security. Potential for spin-off technologies benefiting civilian sectors. Job creation in the R&D sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type can increase risk of cost overruns.
  • Sole awardee for this specific delivery order.
  • Long performance period (911 days) requires sustained oversight.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded under full and open competition.
  • Supports critical R&D in advanced optical techniques.
  • Potential for significant technological advancements.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically for optical techniques. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological edge in defense.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. Amentum Technology, Inc. is not typically classified as a small business.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Navy is responsible for oversight. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure necessitates robust financial monitoring and performance management to ensure accountability and prevent waste.

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-plus-fixed-fee contract type.
  • Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.
  • Long performance period requires sustained oversight.
  • Limited visibility into specific research areas.

Tags

research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, dc, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $14.6 million to AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC.. R&D SUPPORT FOR OPTICAL TECHNIQUES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, 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 $14.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-02-15. End: 2025-08-14.

What specific optical techniques are being researched, and what are the expected technological advancements?

The contract details do not specify the exact optical techniques. However, R&D in this area typically focuses on areas like advanced sensors, laser systems, optical communication, and imaging technologies. Expected advancements could include enhanced surveillance capabilities, improved targeting systems, or novel communication methods critical for modern defense operations.

What is the rationale for awarding this delivery order to Amentum Technology, Inc. under full and open competition?

While awarded under full and open competition, this specific delivery order went to Amentum Technology, Inc. This suggests Amentum was the most advantageous offer based on the evaluation criteria outlined in the parent IDIQ contract. The rationale likely involves their technical expertise, proposed approach, and overall value proposition meeting the government's requirements for this specific R&D effort.

How will the effectiveness of the R&D be measured and ensured throughout the contract period?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through milestones, deliverables, and technical performance metrics defined in the contract. Regular progress reviews, technical interchange meetings, and independent verification of research outcomes will be crucial. The fixed fee component incentivizes the contractor to achieve defined objectives efficiently, while the government's oversight team will monitor progress against the research plan.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesScientific Research and Development ServicesResearch and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENTGeneral Science and Technology R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Pae-Parsons Global Logistics Services, LLC

Address: 9861 BROKEN LAND PKWY STE 156, COLUMBIA, MD, 21046

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $17,193,300

Exercised Options: $17,193,300

Current Obligation: $14,580,554

Actual Outlays: $222,979

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017323D2003

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2023-02-15

Current End Date: 2025-08-14

Potential End Date: 2025-08-14 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-11-21

More Contracts from Amentum Technology, Inc.

View all Amentum Technology, Inc. federal contracts →

Other Department of Defense Contracts

View all Department of Defense contracts →

Explore Related Government Spending