DoD's $47.6M contract for advanced weapons systems development awarded to ManTech Advanced Systems International, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $47,556,867 ($47.6M)

Contractor: Mantech Advanced Systems International, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-06-02

End Date: 2026-06-01

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $43.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: SUPPORT TECHNICAL WORK IN HIGH-RISK, HIGH-PAYOFF DEVEL & DEMO OF ADVANCED SPACE, AIR, MARITIME, GROUND WEAPONS, PLATFORMS, SYSTEMS & TECHNOLOGIES INCLUDES SCIENTIFIC ENGINEERING & ADMIN SUPPORT FOR EXISTING, PLANNED TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS FOR DARPA TTO.

Place of Performance

Location: HERNDON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20171

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $47.6 million to MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: SUPPORT TECHNICAL WORK IN HIGH-RISK, HIGH-PAYOFF DEVEL & DEMO OF ADVANCED SPACE, AIR, MARITIME, GROUND WEAPONS, PLATFORMS, SYSTEMS & TECHNOLOGIES INCLUDES SCIENTIFIC ENGINEERING & ADMIN SUPPORT FOR EXISTING, PLANNED TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS FOR DARPA TTO. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on high-risk, high-payoff development and demonstration of advanced weapons systems across multiple domains. 2. Significant investment in scientific, engineering, and administrative support for existing and planned technology programs. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting a robust market for these specialized services. 4. Contract duration of 1095 days indicates a long-term commitment to technological advancement. 5. The contract is a delivery order under a larger contract, implying a phased approach to funding and execution. 6. Virginia-based contractor ManTech Advanced Systems International, Inc. will provide critical support. 7. The contract value represents a substantial allocation towards cutting-edge defense technologies.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $47.6 million over three years for advanced weapons systems development appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar contracts for R&D and engineering services for defense agencies suggests this falls within expected ranges for high-risk, high-payoff projects. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type allows for flexibility while providing a defined profit margin for the contractor, which can be advantageous for complex, evolving projects.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The presence of five bidders suggests a competitive environment for these advanced engineering and technical services. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive proposals.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs through market forces and encouraging innovative solutions from a wider pool of contractors.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and its various branches (Space, Air, Maritime, Ground) through the advancement of critical weapons technologies. Services delivered include scientific, engineering, and administrative support for the development and demonstration of advanced weapons platforms and systems. The geographic impact is primarily within the United States, supporting domestic defense industrial base capabilities. Workforce implications include the employment of highly skilled engineers, scientists, and technical support staff.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns inherent in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts for high-risk R&D.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical, advanced technology development could pose supply chain risks.
The 'high-risk, high-payoff' nature of the work means that not all developed technologies may reach full operational capability, impacting return on investment.
Ensuring adequate oversight is crucial for managing the complexity and evolving nature of the technologies being developed.

Positive Signals

Award to a single, experienced contractor (ManTech) suggests a strong track record in managing complex defense projects.
Full and open competition indicates a healthy market and potential for innovative solutions.
The long contract duration (3 years) provides stability for the contractor and allows for sustained focus on R&D objectives.
Support for advanced technologies across multiple domains (space, air, maritime, ground) demonstrates a comprehensive approach to future defense capabilities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting advanced research and development for defense applications. The market for defense R&D and engineering services is substantial, driven by continuous government investment in maintaining technological superiority. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar DARPA TTO contracts would likely be in the tens to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the scope and duration.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). While the primary awardee is a large business, the contract type and scope may involve subcontracting opportunities for specialized small businesses in areas like advanced materials, software development, or niche engineering services. The extent of small business participation will depend on ManTech's subcontracting plan and the specific technical requirements.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Navy, potentially through the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) or a similar contracting activity, given the agency and service. Accountability measures will be embedded within the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, requiring detailed reporting and justification of costs. Transparency is typically managed through contract reporting mechanisms and potential program reviews. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

DARPA Advanced Weapons Development Programs
Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) R&D Contracts
Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Technology Development
Space Development Agency (SDA) Contracts
Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Research and Development

Risk Flags

Cost Overrun Risk
Technical Feasibility Uncertainty
Schedule Slippage Potential
Evolving Requirements
Contractor Performance Risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $47.6 million to MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.. SUPPORT TECHNICAL WORK IN HIGH-RISK, HIGH-PAYOFF DEVEL & DEMO OF ADVANCED SPACE, AIR, MARITIME, GROUND WEAPONS, PLATFORMS, SYSTEMS & TECHNOLOGIES INCLUDES SCIENTIFIC ENGINEERING & ADMIN SUPPORT FOR EXISTING, PLANNED TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS FOR DARPA TTO.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, 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 $47.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-06-02. End: 2026-06-01.

What is ManTech Advanced Systems International, Inc.'s track record with similar defense R&D contracts?

ManTech Advanced Systems International, Inc. has a significant history of supporting the Department of Defense and other federal agencies with complex engineering, scientific, and technical services. Their portfolio often includes work on advanced technologies, systems integration, and research and development initiatives. While specific details on past DARPA TTO contracts would require deeper analysis, ManTech's established presence in the defense sector suggests they possess the requisite experience and infrastructure to handle the demands of this contract. Their performance on previous contracts, particularly those involving high-risk development, would be a key indicator of their capability to successfully execute this award.

How does the $47.6 million contract value compare to similar advanced weapons development efforts?

The $47.6 million contract value for three years of support for advanced weapons systems development is within a typical range for high-risk, high-payoff research and development projects managed by agencies like DARPA. Contracts of this nature often involve significant investment in specialized expertise, cutting-edge research, and prototyping. For context, other DARPA programs or similar advanced technology development efforts within the DoD can range from tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars over their lifecycle. The value reflects the complexity, novelty, and strategic importance of the technologies being pursued, rather than routine service provision.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of 'high-risk, high-payoff' defense contract?

The primary risks associated with 'high-risk, high-payoff' defense contracts stem from the inherent uncertainty in developing novel technologies. Technical risks include the possibility that the technology may not perform as expected, prove infeasible to develop within budget or schedule, or become obsolete before deployment. Programmatic risks involve potential cost overruns, schedule delays, and the possibility that the developed capabilities may not align with evolving military requirements. Furthermore, there's a risk that the investment may not yield a successful, deployable system, impacting the return on taxpayer investment. Effective risk management, agile development methodologies, and strong program oversight are crucial to mitigate these challenges.

How effective is the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for managing advanced technology development?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is often employed for advanced technology development due to its ability to accommodate the uncertainties inherent in research and development. It allows the government to reimburse the contractor for allowable costs while providing a predetermined fixed fee (profit). This structure incentivizes the contractor to control costs, as the fee remains constant regardless of the final cost. However, CPFF contracts can be susceptible to cost growth if not managed diligently, and they require robust government oversight to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable. For high-risk R&D, CPFF can offer a balance between contractor incentive and flexibility, but it necessitates strong government program management.

What is the historical spending trend for advanced weapons systems development by the Department of Defense?

The Department of Defense has consistently allocated substantial funding towards advanced weapons systems development, viewing it as critical for maintaining military superiority. Historical spending trends show a continuous investment in areas such as hypersonics, artificial intelligence, directed energy, advanced materials, and next-generation platforms across air, space, maritime, and ground domains. While specific figures fluctuate annually based on strategic priorities and budget cycles, the overall trend indicates a sustained commitment to innovation and technological advancement. Agencies like DARPA, AFRL, and various service-specific research commands are key drivers of this spending, often awarding contracts similar to this one to push the boundaries of defense technology.

What are the implications of this contract being a 'delivery order' under a larger contract?

This contract being a 'delivery order' signifies that it is a specific task or order issued under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) or other type of basic contract. This approach allows the government to procure specific services or supplies as needed, often with pre-negotiated terms and conditions in the parent contract. For taxpayers, it can mean more efficient procurement and potentially better pricing due to pre-established rates. For the contractor, it provides a framework for delivering specific work packages. The 'delivery order' structure suggests a phased approach to funding and execution, allowing for flexibility in adapting to evolving technological requirements or priorities over the life of the parent contract.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: N6523622R3043

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Mantech International Corporation

Address: 2251 CORPORATE PARK DR STE 600, HERNDON, VA, 20171

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $68,458,292

Exercised Options: $60,725,968

Current Obligation: $47,556,867

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 23

Total Subaward Amount: $57,344,196

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017819D8070

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline