DoD's $29.8M R&D Contract for Supercavitation Research Awarded to Electric Boat Corp
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $29,851,026 ($29.9M)
Contractor: Electric Boat Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2006-08-11
End Date: 2013-10-31
Contract Duration: 2,638 days
Daily Burn Rate: $11.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: R&D SERVICES TO PURSUE THE CONCEPT OF SUPERCAVITATION
Place of Performance
Location: SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92152
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $29.9 million to ELECTRIC BOAT CORPORATION for work described as: R&D SERVICES TO PURSUE THE CONCEPT OF SUPERCAVITATION Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advanced R&D in physical sciences. 2. Electric Boat Corporation, a major defense contractor, is the awardee. 3. The contract spans over 7 years, indicating a long-term research effort. 4. Spending is concentrated in the R&D sector, specifically defense-related technology.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The award amount of $29.8M over 7 years suggests a significant investment in this research area.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the specific pricing discovery mechanisms are not detailed.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced defense research, with the potential for significant technological advancements but also the risk of research not yielding desired outcomes.
Public Impact
Advancement of naval technology through supercavitation research. Potential for enhanced submarine or underwater vehicle performance. Investment in cutting-edge scientific and engineering capabilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent cost overrun risks.
- Long duration of the contract (7 years) requires sustained oversight.
- Research and Development projects have uncertain outcomes.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Focus on potentially groundbreaking defense technology.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically for physical, engineering, and life sciences. Defense R&D spending is a significant portion of the federal budget, with benchmarks varying widely based on technological focus.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific involvement or benefit for small businesses in this contract. Large defense contractors typically dominate such R&D efforts.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's long duration and Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitate robust oversight from the Department of the Navy to ensure efficient use of funds and adherence to research objectives.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Long contract duration.
- Uncertainty inherent in R&D projects.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- Potential for cost overruns.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ca, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $29.9 million to ELECTRIC BOAT CORPORATION. R&D SERVICES TO PURSUE THE CONCEPT OF SUPERCAVITATION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ELECTRIC BOAT CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $29.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-08-11. End: 2013-10-31.
What are the specific performance metrics and milestones for this R&D project to assess its value?
The provided data does not detail specific performance metrics or milestones for the supercavitation research. Assessing the true value requires understanding the project's objectives, expected technological advancements, and how progress will be measured against the $29.8M investment over its 7-year duration.
What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type for this R&D effort?
The main risks with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for R&D are potential cost overruns if the contractor's actual costs exceed estimates, leading to higher final prices for the government. There's also a risk that the fixed fee might not adequately incentivize cost control if not structured carefully.
How will the effectiveness of the supercavitation research be evaluated post-contract completion?
Effectiveness will likely be evaluated based on the successful development and demonstration of supercavitation principles as outlined in the contract's statement of work. This could involve technical reports, prototypes, or performance data demonstrating the feasibility and potential applications of the technology for naval purposes.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Solicitation ID: N6600107R2002
Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp (UEI: 001381284)
Address: 75 EASTERN POINT RD, GROTON, CT, 02
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $30,142,748
Exercised Options: $30,142,748
Current Obligation: $29,851,026
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-08-11
Current End Date: 2013-10-31
Potential End Date: 2013-10-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2013-10-10
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