DoD's $6.8M contract for planning tools and analysis labor awarded to Teledyne Brown Engineering

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,793,396 ($6.8M)

Contractor: Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-08-26

End Date: 2026-07-25

Contract Duration: 333 days

Daily Burn Rate: $20.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: PLANNING TOOL AND ANALYSIS LABOR

Place of Performance

Location: SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92106

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $6.8 million to TELEDYNE BROWN ENGINEERING, INC. for work described as: PLANNING TOOL AND ANALYSIS LABOR Key points: 1. Contract focuses on R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences, excluding nano and biotech. 2. Awarded via full and open competition, indicating broad market engagement. 3. Delivery order type suggests it's part of a larger contract vehicle. 4. Performance period spans nearly two years, from August 2025 to July 2026. 5. Contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, common for R&D where scope may evolve. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541715 points to specialized research services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific delivery order is challenging without knowing the parent contract's scope and total value. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure means the government pays actual costs plus a negotiated fixed fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. However, CPFF is often used for R&D where precise cost estimation is difficult. Comparing the fixed fee to the total estimated cost would provide more insight into the contractor's profit margin and perceived value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition,' suggesting that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and innovative solutions. The number of bidders is not specified, which limits a deeper analysis of the actual competitive intensity. However, the open competition itself is a positive indicator for price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process is generally favorable for taxpayers as it maximizes the pool of potential offerors, increasing the likelihood of receiving competitive pricing and a wider range of technical approaches.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely Department of Defense research and development initiatives. Services delivered include planning tools and analysis labor within physical, engineering, and life sciences. The geographic impact is centered in California, where the contractor is located. Workforce implications may include specialized researchers, analysts, and project managers.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require diligent oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable and the fixed fee is justified.
The R&D nature of the contract implies potential for scope creep if not managed effectively.
Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes assessing the quality of analysis labor difficult.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process.
The contract duration of nearly two years allows for sustained effort on complex R&D tasks.
The contractor, Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc., likely possesses specialized expertise relevant to the R&D domain.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS code 541715. This sector is characterized by innovation and the pursuit of new knowledge and applications. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority and addressing future challenges. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other DoD contracts for similar R&D services, particularly those focused on advanced engineering and scientific analysis.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation (ss and sb flags) was not a specific set-aside for this contract. As it was awarded under full and open competition, there is no explicit requirement for subcontracting to small businesses mandated by a set-aside. However, the prime contractor may still engage small businesses as subcontractors based on their capabilities and the overall project needs.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the contract administration office within the Department of the Navy. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates close monitoring of incurred costs and the contractor's progress towards milestones to ensure value for money. Transparency is generally maintained through contract reporting requirements, though specific details of the oversight plan are not provided.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
Naval Research Laboratory Contracts
Engineering and Scientific Support Services
Advanced Technology Development Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost Overruns Risk (CPFF)
Scope Creep Risk (R&D)
Performance Measurement Difficulty (Analysis Labor)
Technological Obsolescence Risk (R&D)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $6.8 million to TELEDYNE BROWN ENGINEERING, INC.. PLANNING TOOL AND ANALYSIS LABOR

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TELEDYNE BROWN ENGINEERING, 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 $6.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-08-26. End: 2026-07-25.

What is the track record of Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc. with the Department of Defense, particularly in R&D contracts?

Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc. has a significant history of contracting with the Department of Defense across various R&D and engineering services. Their portfolio often includes complex projects related to space, missile defense, and advanced technology development. Analyzing their past performance on similar Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts would reveal their ability to manage costs, deliver on technical requirements, and adhere to schedules. A review of past performance evaluations and any contract disputes or awards would provide a clearer picture of their reliability and expertise within the DoD ecosystem. Their sustained engagement suggests a level of trust and capability recognized by the agency.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure compare to other contract types for R&D, and what are its implications for value?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is common for research and development efforts where the scope of work is not precisely defined at the outset, or where innovation is expected to lead to evolving requirements. In a CPFF contract, the government agrees to pay the contractor's actual allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. This contrasts with Fixed Price contracts, where the price is set upfront, and Cost Reimbursement contracts (like Cost Plus Incentive Fee), which adjust profit based on performance. For R&D, CPFF offers flexibility, allowing the contractor to explore different avenues without immediate cost constraints. However, it places a greater burden on the government to meticulously track costs and ensure they are reasonable and allocable to the contract. The 'value' is realized if the R&D yields significant advancements or solutions, but the cost control aspect requires vigilant oversight to prevent excessive spending.

What are the potential risks associated with a nearly two-year R&D contract for planning tools and analysis labor?

Several risks are associated with a two-year R&D contract for planning tools and analysis labor. Firstly, the evolving nature of R&D means that the initial requirements might become obsolete or require significant modification, leading to scope creep and potential cost increases. Secondly, the 'analysis labor' component, while critical, can be subjective; ensuring the quality and relevance of the analysis requires clear performance metrics and effective oversight. Thirdly, the CPFF structure itself carries risk if cost tracking and management are not rigorous, potentially leading to the government paying more than anticipated for the delivered value. Finally, technological advancements during the contract period could render the developed tools less effective or require substantial rework, impacting the overall return on investment.

What does the NAICS code 541715 specifically encompass, and how does this contract align with it?

NAICS code 541715 covers 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology).' This classification includes establishments primarily engaged in conducting research and experimental development in these fields. This contract's description, 'PLANNING TOOL AND ANALYSIS LABOR,' directly aligns with this code, suggesting the work involves scientific inquiry, experimentation, and the development of methodologies or tools to support physical, engineering, or life science research. The contract likely supports projects requiring advanced analytical capabilities and the creation of planning frameworks within these scientific domains, excluding the specific sub-fields of nanotechnology and biotechnology.

How might the geographic location of the award (California) impact the contract's execution and cost?

The contract's award to a California-based entity (Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc. is headquartered in Huntsville, AL, but may have operations or personnel in CA, or the delivery location could be CA) could have several implications. California has a high cost of living and labor, which may translate into higher salary expectations for specialized personnel required for R&D and analysis. This could influence the 'cost' component of the CPFF contract. Furthermore, proximity to other research institutions, universities, or defense facilities within California might offer collaborative opportunities or access to a specialized talent pool. However, it could also mean increased travel costs if personnel need to be deployed to other locations or if government personnel need to oversee work performed in California. The specific impact depends on where the actual work is performed and the contractor's operational footprint.

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 › N – Health R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: N0018925RZ001

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Teledyne Technologies Incorporated

Address: 300 SPARKMAN DR NW, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35805

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $88,041,013

Exercised Options: $13,805,804

Current Obligation: $6,793,396

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0018925DZ018

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline