NSWC PCD Awards $3.26M Lab Support Contract to Applied Technical Systems via Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,258,024 ($3.3M)

Contractor: Applied Technical Systems, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-02-22

End Date: 2026-02-21

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER PANAMA CITY DIVISION (NSWC PCD) SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT LABORATORY SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: SILVERDALE, KITSAP County, WASHINGTON, 98383

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $3.3 million to APPLIED TECHNICAL SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER PANAMA CITY DIVISION (NSWC PCD) SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT LABORATORY SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single vendor, Applied Technical Systems, Inc. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract is for laboratory support services, indicating a need for specialized technical expertise. 4. The award value of $3.26M over three years suggests a moderate investment in R&D support.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee. This structure can be effective for R&D where costs are less predictable, but requires careful oversight to manage expenses.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment for contract awards.

Public Impact

Supports critical research and development efforts at NSWC PCD. Ensures continuity of essential laboratory operations and technical services. Potential for innovation and advancement in naval science and technology. Impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of naval warfare capabilities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight to control costs.
Contract duration of three years may limit flexibility for future technology shifts.

Positive Signals

Awarded via full and open competition, promoting competitive pricing.
Supports critical science and technology functions for the Navy.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting laboratory operations for the Naval Surface Warfare Center. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority and innovation in defense.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business (ss: false, sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) necessitates robust oversight from the Department of Defense to ensure costs are reasonable and the fixed fee is justified. Performance monitoring will be key to accountability.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract requires diligent oversight.
Lack of small business participation noted.
Contract duration may not align with rapidly evolving technological needs.
Specific details of 'laboratory support' are not fully elaborated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $3.3 million to APPLIED TECHNICAL SYSTEMS, INC.. NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER PANAMA CITY DIVISION (NSWC PCD) SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT LABORATORY SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is APPLIED TECHNICAL SYSTEMS, 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 $3.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-02-22. End: 2026-02-21.

What specific engineering services are included in this laboratory support contract, and how do they align with NSWC PCD's strategic R&D objectives?

The contract likely encompasses a range of technical support, including but not limited to, equipment maintenance, calibration, testing, data analysis, and potentially specialized engineering consultation. These services are crucial for enabling NSWC PCD to conduct its research and development activities, which are vital for advancing naval technologies, improving existing systems, and ensuring the effectiveness of future naval warfare capabilities.

Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, what mechanisms are in place to mitigate cost overruns and ensure the government receives good value for its investment?

Effective oversight is paramount. This includes regular audits of incurred costs, rigorous review of the contractor's performance against the fixed fee milestones, and clear communication channels to address any deviations from the planned scope or budget. The government contracting officer must actively manage the contract, ensuring the contractor operates efficiently and transparently to achieve the defined objectives within the agreed-upon fee.

How does the competition level (full and open) for this contract compare to similar laboratory support contracts within the Department of Defense, and what does this suggest about market dynamics?

Awarding this contract through full and open competition suggests a healthy market with multiple capable providers for these specialized engineering services. This contrasts with sole-source or limited competition awards, indicating that the DoD was able to solicit bids from a broad range of companies. This competitive landscape generally leads to better pricing and service innovation, reflecting a dynamic market where various firms can meet the government's needs.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: N6133122R3009

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7566 E SITKA CT, PORT ORCHARD, WA, 98366

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $13,142,061

Exercised Options: $7,691,102

Current Obligation: $3,258,024

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017819D7145

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline