DoD Awards $153.8M for Missile and Space Systems R&D to Mayflower Communications

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,067,588 ($18.1M)

Contractor: Mayflower Communications Company, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2002-06-27

End Date: 2009-06-30

Contract Duration: 2,560 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: 200210!023420!1700!BW10B !NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER, DA!N0017802C1053 !A!N! !N! !20020627!20030626!153869896!153869896!153869896!N!MAYFLOWER COMMUNICATIONS COMPA!23 FOURTH AVENUE !BURLINGTON !MA!01803!05770!017!25!BILLERICA !MIDDLESEX !MASS !+000000300000!N!N!000000300000!AC22!RDTE/MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS-APPLIED RESEARCH !S1 !SERVICES !2000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !N!Z!A!N!U!2!002!K! !Z!N!Z! ! !N!A!N!N!A! ! ! !B!A!000!C!B!N! ! ! ! ! !DAAH01!0001!

Place of Performance

Location: BURLINGTON, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01803

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $18.1 million to MAYFLOWER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY, INC. for work described as: 200210!023420!1700!BW10B !NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER, DA!N0017802C1053 !A!N! !N! !20020627!20030626!153869896!153869896!153869896!N!MAYFLOWER COMMUNICATIONS COMPA!23 FOURTH AVENUE !BURLINGTON !MA!01803!05770!017!25!BILLERICA !MIDDL… Key points: 1. Significant contract value for applied research in missile and space systems. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, suggesting a specific justification. 3. Risk associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type, which can lead to cost overruns. 4. Sector focus on R&D within Defense, aligning with national security priorities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $153.8M is substantial for R&D services. Benchmarking against similar applied research contracts in missile and space systems would provide a clearer picture of its value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' indicates a competitive process but with specific criteria for participation. This method aims for fair pricing while ensuring specialized capabilities are considered.

Taxpayer Impact: The substantial award suggests significant taxpayer investment in advanced defense technologies.

Public Impact

Advancement of critical missile and space systems technology. Potential for technological breakthroughs with national security implications. Investment in specialized research and development capabilities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 70 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize contractor to increase costs.
Long contract duration (2560 days) increases risk of scope creep and cost escalation.
Potential for classified or not discernible details impacting transparency.

Positive Signals

Awarded for applied research, indicating a focus on innovation.
Competition was held, suggesting an effort to obtain fair value.
Contract awarded to a single entity, potentially indicating specialized expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically applied research for missile and space systems. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority in defense.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Naval Surface Warfare Center, implying oversight from the Department of Defense. Further details on performance monitoring and accountability mechanisms would be beneficial.

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.
Potential for classified details impacting transparency.
Competition method requires further scrutiny for full understanding of price discovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $18.1 million to MAYFLOWER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY, INC.. 200210!023420!1700!BW10B !NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER, DA!N0017802C1053 !A!N! !N! !20020627!20030626!153869896!153869896!153869896!N!MAYFLOWER COMMUNICATIONS COMPA!23 FOURTH AVENUE !BURLINGTON !MA!01803!05770!017!25!BILLERICA !MIDDLESEX !MASS !+000000300000!N!N!000000300000!AC22!RDTE/MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS-APPLIED RESEARCH !S1 !SERVICES !2000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MAYFLOWER COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY, 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 $18.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2002-06-27. End: 2009-06-30.

What specific technological advancements are expected from this $153.8M investment in missile and space systems R&D?

The contract focuses on 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' with a specific NAICS code of 541710. While the exact deliverables are likely classified or not publicly detailed, the objective is to advance capabilities in missile and space systems, potentially leading to improved defense technologies, enhanced surveillance, or new strategic applications.

What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type for this applied research project?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure carries inherent risks. While the contractor is incentivized to control costs to maximize their fixed fee, there's less direct pressure to minimize them compared to fixed-price contracts. This can lead to cost overruns if the research proves more complex or expensive than initially estimated, potentially increasing the overall expenditure for the government.

How does the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' impact the effectiveness of price discovery for this contract?

This specific competition method suggests that while the process was open, certain sources were excluded, likely due to specialized requirements or existing relationships. This could potentially limit the breadth of price discovery compared to a truly unrestricted full and open competition. However, if the excluded sources were not capable or relevant, the remaining competition could still yield effective price discovery.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Contractor Details

Address: 11 OAK PARK DR STE 200, BEDFORD, MA, 01730

Business Categories: Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline