DoD Awards $5.35M Optics Task Order to Amentum Technology, Inc. for R&D Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $5,350,138 ($5.4M)
Contractor: Amentum Technology, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-08-08
End Date: 2026-08-14
Contract Duration: 371 days
Daily Burn Rate: $14.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: OPTICS TASK ORDER 2, 23-D-2003
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20375
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $5.4 million to AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: OPTICS TASK ORDER 2, 23-D-2003 Key points: 1. This contract focuses on Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, a critical area for defense innovation. 2. Amentum Technology, Inc. is the awardee, suggesting a competitive selection process for specialized R&D capabilities. 3. The contract's value of $5.35M is moderate for R&D, but its specific impact depends on the scope of the optics research. 4. The sector is R&D, which often involves high-risk, high-reward outcomes and requires careful monitoring of progress and deliverables.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), which can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. Benchmarking CPFF contracts in R&D is challenging due to variability in scope and risk.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust price discovery process. This method generally promotes competitive pricing, though the CPFF structure requires diligent oversight to ensure value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced research and development, aiming for technological advancements that could yield long-term benefits, but also carry inherent risks of research failure.
Public Impact
Advancement of optics technology for potential defense applications. Investment in scientific research and development capabilities within the US. Potential for new technologies to enhance national security or civilian applications. Job creation and economic activity in the R&D sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
- R&D projects inherently carry a risk of not achieving desired outcomes.
- Limited information on specific performance metrics and deliverables.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Focus on critical R&D for national security.
- Contract duration provides a reasonable timeframe for project completion.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation but often characterized by uncertainty and long lead times. Benchmarks are difficult due to the bespoke nature of R&D.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, Amentum Technology, Inc., is not listed as a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this data, which could be a missed opportunity for broader economic impact.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Navy is the contracting agency. Oversight will be critical to manage the CPFF structure, ensure progress aligns with R&D goals, and validate the effective use of taxpayer funds throughout the contract's duration.
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 specific performance metrics in provided data.
- Potential for cost overruns without stringent oversight.
- No explicit small business subcontracting goals mentioned.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, dc, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $5.4 million to AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC.. OPTICS TASK ORDER 2, 23-D-2003
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 $5.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-08-08. End: 2026-08-14.
What specific advancements in optics technology are expected from this $5.35M task order, and how will their success be measured?
The specific advancements are not detailed in the provided data. Success measurement will likely involve technical reviews, prototype demonstrations, and achievement of predefined research milestones. The CPFF structure necessitates clear performance metrics to ensure value for money and prevent scope creep or inefficient resource allocation during the research process.
Given the CPFF contract type, what measures are in place to mitigate the risk of cost overruns and ensure efficient use of funds?
Effective oversight by the Department of the Navy is paramount. This includes rigorous monitoring of costs, regular progress reviews, and potentially establishing cost ceilings or incentive structures within the fixed fee component. Clear communication channels and defined deliverables are essential to keep the project focused and prevent unnecessary expenditures.
How does this investment in optics R&D align with broader Department of Defense modernization goals and potential future applications?
This investment likely supports the DoD's strategic objectives for maintaining technological superiority. Advancements in optics can impact areas such as surveillance, targeting systems, communication, and directed energy weapons. The R&D nature suggests exploration of novel capabilities that could provide a future advantage, though the direct alignment and specific applications require further context.
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: N0017325RML03
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: $43,496,293
Exercised Options: $14,200,522
Current Obligation: $5,350,138
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: 2025-08-08
Current End Date: 2026-08-14
Potential End Date: 2028-08-14 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-09
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