Amentum Services awarded $28.6M for DARPA SETA support, focusing on advanced defense concepts

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $28,637,517 ($28.6M)

Contractor: Amentum Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-06-05

End Date: 2026-06-04

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $26.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE A RANGE OF SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE (SETA) SUPPORT SERVICES TO NEW CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT, EXISTING PROGRAMS, AND FUTURE PROGRAMS IN THE DARPA TTO FOR FREEDOM OF ACCESS AND OPERATIONS.

Place of Performance

Location: CHANTILLY, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20151

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $28.6 million to AMENTUM SERVICES, INC. for work described as: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE A RANGE OF SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE (SETA) SUPPORT SERVICES TO NEW CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT, EXISTING PROGRAMS, AND FUTURE PROGRAMS IN THE DARPA TTO FOR FREEDOM OF ACCESS AND OPERATIONS. Key points: 1. Contract provides critical systems engineering and technical assistance for DARPA's advanced research initiatives. 2. Focus on freedom of access and operations suggests support for cutting-edge defense technologies. 3. The contract duration of three years allows for sustained support to evolving programs. 4. The award is a delivery order under a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. 5. The contractor, Amentum Services, Inc., has a significant presence in the defense sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $28.6 million over three years for specialized SETA support to DARPA appears reasonable given the critical nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar large-scale engineering and technical assistance contracts for advanced research and development programs suggests this pricing is competitive. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type allows for cost control while incentivizing efficient performance.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of two bids suggests a moderately competitive environment for this specialized service. While not a large number of bidders, full and open competition generally leads to better price discovery and value for the government compared to sole-source or limited competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down costs and improves service quality.

Public Impact

Benefits DARPA's research and development efforts in advanced defense technologies. Services delivered include systems engineering and technical assistance for new and existing programs. Geographic impact is primarily within DARPA's operational centers, likely in Virginia. Workforce implications include specialized engineering and technical roles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in R&D contracts if not managed tightly.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical SETA support could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Contractor has experience in providing SETA support to defense agencies.
Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.
Long-term contract allows for continuity of critical support.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting advanced research and development for the Department of Defense. The market for Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) is highly specialized, often dominated by firms with deep expertise in defense technologies and government contracting. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority and addressing emerging national security threats.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and there is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal, though larger prime contractors often engage small businesses for specialized support under their prime contracts.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is likely managed by the Department of the Navy, acting as the contracting agency for DARPA. Accountability measures would be embedded within the contract's performance work statement and delivery order terms. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific project details may be sensitive.

Related Government Programs

DARPA Research and Development Programs
Department of Defense Systems Engineering Support
Advanced Technology Development Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to R&D uncertainties.
Risk of contractor performance not meeting high technical standards.
Dependency on specialized personnel retention by the contractor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $28.6 million to AMENTUM SERVICES, INC.. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE A RANGE OF SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE (SETA) SUPPORT SERVICES TO NEW CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT, EXISTING PROGRAMS, AND FUTURE PROGRAMS IN THE DARPA TTO FOR FREEDOM OF ACCESS AND OPERATIONS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AMENTUM SERVICES, 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 $28.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-06-05. End: 2026-06-04.

What is Amentum Services, Inc.'s track record with DARPA and similar defense R&D contracts?

Amentum Services, Inc. has a substantial history of supporting defense and intelligence agencies, including significant work with the Department of Defense. Their experience often encompasses complex systems engineering, technical assistance, and program management for advanced technology development. While specific contract details with DARPA prior to this award are not detailed here, their broader portfolio suggests a capability to handle the technical and programmatic demands of SETA support. Benchmarking their past performance on similar large-scale R&D contracts would provide further insight into their reliability and effectiveness in delivering on complex defense initiatives.

How does the $28.6 million value compare to similar SETA contracts for advanced R&D?

The $28.6 million contract value over three years for SETA support to DARPA is within a typical range for specialized technical assistance on advanced research and development programs. Contracts of this nature often require highly skilled personnel and deep domain expertise, which command premium rates. Compared to broader engineering services, SETA contracts for agencies like DARPA, which focus on cutting-edge, often classified, technologies, tend to be higher in value due to the specialized knowledge and security clearances required. Without specific comparable contract data, it's difficult to provide an exact benchmark, but the value appears commensurate with the scope and criticality of supporting DARPA's mission.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of SETA contract for DARPA?

The primary risks associated with this SETA contract for DARPA include the potential for scope creep, as R&D projects are inherently uncertain and can evolve rapidly. Ensuring that the contractor's technical assistance remains aligned with evolving program objectives without uncontrolled cost increases is crucial. Another risk is the contractor's ability to retain highly specialized personnel, as the demand for SETA experts in cutting-edge fields is high. Performance risk also exists, where the quality of technical advice and support may not meet DARPA's rigorous standards. Finally, ensuring robust cybersecurity and data protection for sensitive R&D information is paramount.

How effective is the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for managing R&D support services?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is often utilized for R&D support services because it balances the government's need for cost control with the contractor's need for profit, while acknowledging the inherent uncertainties in research and development. The 'cost plus' portion allows the contractor to be reimbursed for allowable costs incurred, which is essential when the exact scope and effort are difficult to define upfront. The 'fixed fee' provides the contractor with a predetermined profit margin, incentivizing them to manage costs efficiently to maximize their fee. This structure is generally considered effective for services where the scope is not precisely defined at the outset, as is common in R&D, encouraging innovation and flexibility.

What is the historical spending trend for SETA support services within DARPA or the DoD?

Historical spending on Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) services within DARPA and the broader Department of Defense (DoD) has consistently been substantial. SETA support is fundamental to the DoD's ability to conceptualize, develop, and field advanced technologies. Agencies like DARPA rely heavily on external expertise to augment their internal capabilities, driving significant investment in these services. While specific year-over-year trends for SETA alone can fluctuate based on program priorities and budget allocations, the overall demand for such specialized support remains high, reflecting the continuous need for technological innovation and program oversight in national defense.

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: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Pae-Parsons Global Logistics Services, LLC

Address: 4800 WESTFIELDS BLVD STE 400, CHANTILLY, VA, 20151

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $68,220,541

Exercised Options: $40,130,703

Current Obligation: $28,637,517

Actual Outlays: $1,742,898

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 12

Total Subaward Amount: $9,107,885

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017819D8773

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline