DoD Awards $7.9M R&D Contract to Amentum Technology for Physical Sciences Research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $7,935,760 ($7.9M)
Contractor: Amentum Technology, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-11-10
End Date: 2026-11-09
Contract Duration: 1,095 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: R&D LABOR - LASAT REQUIREMENT
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20375
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $7.9 million to AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: R&D LABOR - LASAT REQUIREMENT Key points: 1. Contract value of $7.9M for R&D in physical sciences. 2. Amentum Technology, Inc. is the sole awardee. 3. Risk is moderate due to the nature of R&D and cost-plus contract type. 4. Spending falls within the R&D sector, specifically NAICS 541715.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking CPFF contracts in R&D is challenging due to inherent uncertainties.
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, the specific price discovery mechanisms for this R&D effort are not detailed.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced research, with the potential for significant technological advancements or limited return on investment depending on project success.
Public Impact
Investment in advanced physical sciences research. Potential for new technologies and scientific breakthroughs. Supports a specific defense requirement for the Department of the Navy.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-plus contract type can lead to cost uncertainty.
- R&D projects inherently carry risk of failure or limited practical application.
- Limited information on specific performance metrics and deliverables.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Supports critical defense research needs.
- Contract duration of 3 years allows for substantial project development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector (NAICS 541715). Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement but can be subject to high uncertainty and long development cycles.
Small Business Impact
The awardee is Amentum Technology, Inc., a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific contract award.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be critical for the Department of the Navy to manage costs and ensure progress on this R&D effort, given the CPFF contract type and inherent project risks.
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.
- Inherent risks of R&D project failure.
- Lack of detailed performance metrics in award notice.
- Potential for cost overruns without stringent oversight.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, dc, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $7.9 million to AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC.. R&D LABOR - LASAT REQUIREMENT
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 $7.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-11-10. End: 2026-11-09.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and milestones for this R&D contract to ensure value for taxpayer money?
Key performance indicators and milestones are crucial for R&D contracts to track progress and ensure value. These should include clearly defined technical objectives, achievable deliverables at various stages, and measurable outcomes related to the research goals. Regular reviews by the contracting officer and technical monitors are essential to assess performance against these KPIs and make necessary adjustments, ensuring alignment with the Department of the Navy's requirements and responsible use of funds.
How will the Department of the Navy mitigate the risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for R&D?
Mitigating CPFF risks involves robust oversight and clear contract management. The Department of the Navy should establish detailed cost accounting standards, conduct frequent audits, and closely monitor expenditures against the fixed fee. Defining specific technical objectives and performance metrics upfront is vital. Regular progress reviews with Amentum Technology, Inc. will help identify potential cost overruns or scope creep early, allowing for timely intervention and ensuring the research stays within budget and meets its intended goals.
What is the expected return on investment or strategic benefit for the Department of the Navy from this $7.9M R&D investment?
The strategic benefit lies in advancing critical physical science capabilities for national defense. While direct ROI is difficult to quantify for R&D, the investment aims to yield technological advantages, enhance operational effectiveness, or address future security challenges. The success will be measured by the development of new materials, processes, or systems that provide a strategic edge, contributing to the Navy's long-term mission readiness and technological superiority.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and 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: N0017323RWR01
Offers Received: 1
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: $41,257,654
Exercised Options: $24,101,720
Current Obligation: $7,935,760
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-11-10
Current End Date: 2026-11-09
Potential End Date: 2028-11-09 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-17
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