DARPA BPL Program contract awarded to RTX BBN TECHNOLOGIES for $6.03M, focusing on R&D in physical sciences

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,032,959 ($6.0M)

Contractor: RTX BBN Technologies, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-02-16

End Date: 2027-02-28

Contract Duration: 1,108 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: DARPA BPL PROGRAM

Place of Performance

Location: CAMBRIDGE, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02138

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $6.0 million to RTX BBN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: DARPA BPL PROGRAM Key points: 1. Contract value of $6.03M for R&D in physical sciences indicates a significant investment in advanced research. 2. The award to RTX BBN TECHNOLOGIES suggests a focus on established players with proven capabilities in specialized R&D. 3. A definitive contract type with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure implies potential for cost overruns but also flexibility in research scope. 4. The contract duration of over 3 years suggests a long-term research objective. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541715 points to a specialized area of research and development. 6. The contract's focus on R&D in physical sciences positions it within a critical sector for technological advancement.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this $6.03M contract is challenging without specific deliverables or comparable projects. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing structure, while common in R&D, can lead to less predictable final costs compared to fixed-price contracts. The award amount appears reasonable for a multi-year R&D effort in specialized physical sciences, but a detailed cost breakdown and comparison to similar DARPA-funded projects would be necessary for a more definitive value assessment.

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 were likely considered. The presence of 10 bids suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this research opportunity. This broad competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive proposals.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down costs and encouraging innovation from a wider pool of contractors.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the Department of Defense and potentially other government agencies that will utilize the research outcomes. The contract aims to deliver advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences research, excluding nanotechnology and biotechnology. The geographic impact is primarily within Massachusetts, where RTX BBN TECHNOLOGIES is located, but the research findings could have national implications. Workforce implications may include specialized researchers, scientists, and engineers employed by RTX BBN TECHNOLOGIES and its potential subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can sometimes lead to higher overall costs if not managed diligently.
The specialized nature of R&D means outcomes are not guaranteed, posing a risk to the investment.
Reliance on a single contractor for a significant R&D program requires robust oversight to ensure progress.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process.
The contract is with RTX BBN TECHNOLOGIES, a known entity in technology and research.
The duration of the contract allows for in-depth research and development.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. This sector is crucial for national security and technological advancement, with significant government investment. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other DARPA or DoD R&D contracts in similar scientific domains, which often range from a few million to tens 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 this specific award may not directly benefit small businesses through a set-aside, RTX BBN TECHNOLOGIES may engage small businesses as subcontractors. Further analysis of subcontracting plans would be needed to assess the broader impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Navy, under the broader Department of Defense umbrella. Accountability measures will be tied to the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure and the defined research objectives. Transparency will depend on the reporting requirements stipulated in the contract and DARPA's policies regarding the dissemination of research findings, which can be limited for national security reasons.

Related Government Programs

DARPA Research Programs
Department of Defense R&D Contracts
Physical Sciences Research
Advanced Technology Development

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type may lead to cost uncertainty.
R&D outcomes are inherently uncertain and may not yield desired results.
Contract duration is substantial, requiring sustained oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $6.0 million to RTX BBN TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. DARPA BPL PROGRAM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RTX BBN TECHNOLOGIES, 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 $6.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-02-16. End: 2027-02-28.

What is the historical spending pattern for DARPA's BPL Program?

Information on the specific 'DARPA BPL Program' historical spending is not directly available in the provided data. However, DARPA as an agency consistently invests billions of dollars annually in high-risk, high-reward research and development across various scientific and engineering disciplines. Their funding cycles often involve multiple, distinct research projects, each with its own budget and timeline. To understand the historical spending for this specific program, one would need access to DARPA's program portfolio archives or budget justifications, which are typically detailed and can span several fiscal years. The current award of $6.03M suggests a moderately sized program or a specific phase within a larger initiative.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing structure compare to other contract types for R&D?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is common for research and development where the scope of work can be uncertain or evolve. In a CPFF contract, the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. This differs from Fixed-Price contracts, where the price is set upfront, and Cost-Plus-Incentive-Fee (CPIF) contracts, which include incentives for meeting cost, schedule, or performance targets. CPFF offers flexibility for the government to adapt research directions but carries a risk of cost growth if initial estimates are inaccurate. It contrasts with fixed-price contracts, which place more cost risk on the contractor but may deter participation in highly uncertain R&D.

What are the typical performance metrics for R&D contracts in physical sciences?

Performance metrics for R&D contracts in physical sciences are often qualitative and milestone-based, reflecting the exploratory nature of the work. Common metrics include the successful completion of research phases, achievement of specific scientific objectives (e.g., demonstrating a new principle, developing a prototype component), publication of findings in peer-reviewed journals, and presentations at scientific conferences. For CPFF contracts, adherence to the research plan and budget, timely reporting, and effective project management are also key performance indicators. The government contracting officer and technical monitors assess progress against these metrics, which inform decisions about continued funding and contract modifications.

What is RTX BBN TECHNOLOGIES' track record with government R&D contracts?

RTX BBN TECHNOLOGIES, as part of RTX Corporation (formerly Raytheon Technologies), has a substantial track record in government contracting, particularly in research and development. BBN Technologies, historically known for its pioneering work in areas like packet switching (leading to ARPANET) and artificial intelligence, has consistently secured contracts with agencies like DARPA, the Navy, and other defense and intelligence entities. Their expertise spans advanced computing, networking, sensing, and artificial intelligence. A review of federal procurement databases would reveal numerous awards to BBN and its parent company, indicating a strong capability and established relationship with government R&D initiatives. Their performance history would be a key factor in DARPA's decision to award this contract.

What is the significance of the NAICS code 541715 for this contract?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541715, 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology),' precisely categorizes the scientific domain of this contract. This code signifies that the work involves systematic study to gain new knowledge and understanding in fields like physics, chemistry, materials science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and various life sciences, but specifically excludes highly specialized areas like nanotechnology and biotechnology, which have their own distinct NAICS codes. This classification helps in benchmarking the contract against similar R&D efforts within the government and understanding the specific expertise required from the contractor.

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 › C – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: RTX Corp

Address: 10 MOULTON ST, CAMBRIDGE, MA, 02138

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $8,199,141

Exercised Options: $6,242,960

Current Obligation: $6,032,959

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 2

Total Subaward Amount: $213,313

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline