DoD's $14.5M Navy Contract for R&D Services Awarded to American Electronic Warfare Associates

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,557,295 ($14.6M)

Contractor: American Electronic Warfare Associates, Incorporated

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-09-01

End Date: 2025-08-25

Contract Duration: 1,819 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE LEVEL OF EFFORT

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IBST STAFF SUPPORT MATERIAL

Place of Performance

Location: CALIFORNIA, SAINT MARYS County, MARYLAND, 20619

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $14.6 million to AMERICAN ELECTRONIC WARFARE ASSOCIATES, INCORPORATED for work described as: IBST STAFF SUPPORT MATERIAL Key points: 1. Contract focuses on Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, indicating a structured procurement process. 3. The contract value is substantial, suggesting significant investment in specialized R&D capabilities. 4. Fixed Price Level of Effort contract type aims to control costs while ensuring defined work is completed.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The $14.5M contract value for R&D services appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work and the fixed price level of effort structure. Benchmarking against similar complex R&D contracts would provide further validation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The procurement utilized 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' suggesting a competitive process where specific sources were initially considered but ultimately opened to broader competition. This method aims to ensure fair pricing and access to the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is intended to secure the best value for taxpayers, although the specific cost savings compared to other methods are not detailed.

Public Impact

Supports advanced research and development critical for national defense. Potential for technological advancements with broad applications beyond the initial scope. Investment in specialized scientific and engineering expertise within the defense sector. Ensures the Navy maintains a technological edge in electronic warfare capabilities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.
  • Reliance on a single contractor for specialized services.
  • Long contract duration may not adapt to rapidly evolving technology.

Positive Signals

  • Clear contract type (Fixed Price Level of Effort) for cost control.
  • Competitive award process for best value.
  • Focus on critical R&D for national security.

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 maintaining technological superiority and innovation within the defense industry, often involving significant investment in specialized expertise and facilities.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Larger prime contractors often utilize small business subcontractors for specialized support, but this information is not detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract's fixed price level of effort structure provides a degree of oversight by defining the scope and expected effort. Further oversight would involve monitoring progress, deliverables, and adherence to technical specifications by the Department of the Navy.

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

  • Contract duration of 1819 days (approx. 5 years).
  • Fixed Price Level of Effort contract type.
  • NAICS code 541715 - R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.
  • Awarded to American Electronic Warfare Associates, Inc.
  • Department of the Navy contract.
  • Total Obligated Amount: $14,557,294.88.

Tags

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $14.6 million to AMERICAN ELECTRONIC WARFARE ASSOCIATES, INCORPORATED. IBST STAFF SUPPORT MATERIAL

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AMERICAN ELECTRONIC WARFARE ASSOCIATES, INCORPORATED.

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: 2020-09-01. End: 2025-08-25.

What specific technological advancements are expected from this R&D contract, and how will they be measured?

The contract focuses on 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)'. Specific advancements are not detailed in the provided data, but would typically involve innovations in areas like advanced materials, sensor technology, or communication systems relevant to electronic warfare. Measurement would likely involve technical reviews, prototype demonstrations, and performance testing against defined requirements.

What are the primary risks associated with this fixed-price level-of-effort R&D contract, and how are they mitigated?

Key risks include potential scope creep, where research extends beyond the defined effort, and the possibility that the research may not yield the desired technological breakthroughs. Mitigation strategies often involve robust project management, regular technical reviews, clear definition of deliverables, and contingency planning for unforeseen research challenges.

How does the $14.5M investment compare to typical spending for similar R&D efforts in electronic warfare?

Without specific benchmarks for comparable electronic warfare R&D contracts, it's difficult to definitively assess if $14.5M is high or low. However, the value suggests a significant, multi-year investment in a specialized area. A thorough analysis would require comparing this contract's scope, duration, and specific technical objectives against a portfolio of similar DoD R&D awards.

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 DEVELOPMENTC – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: N0042119R0064

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE LEVEL OF EFFORT (B)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 44427 AIRPORT ROAD SUITE 200, CALIFORNIA, MD, 20619

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,681,650

Exercised Options: $14,631,650

Current Obligation: $14,557,295

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 34

Total Subaward Amount: $6,724,213

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0042120D0071

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2020-09-01

Current End Date: 2025-08-25

Potential End Date: 2025-08-25 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-09-24

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