DoD's $18.16M CCAST R&D Contract with RTX BBN Raises Questions on Value and Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $18,159,129 ($18.2M)
Contractor: RTX BBN Technologies, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2017-09-28
End Date: 2023-01-30
Contract Duration: 1,950 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 14
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF RESEARCH IAW THE SOW "COMMAND AND CONTROL OF AGGREGATE SWARM TACTICS (CCAST)"
Place of Performance
Location: CAMBRIDGE, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02138
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $18.2 million to RTX BBN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF RESEARCH IAW THE SOW "COMMAND AND CONTROL OF AGGREGATE SWARM TACTICS (CCAST)" Key points: 1. The contract focuses on advanced research in swarm tactics, a critical area for defense. 2. RTX BBN Technologies, a large established contractor, secured this award. 3. The 'full and open competition' method was used, but the specific price discovery mechanisms are unclear. 4. The R&D sector is inherently high-risk, with outcomes often uncertain.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $18.16M for a 5-year R&D effort is substantial. Without detailed cost breakdowns or performance metrics, it's difficult to assess if this represents excellent value for the research outcomes achieved. Benchmarking against similar complex R&D contracts is challenging due to unique project scopes.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting multiple bidders were considered. However, the specific details of the bidding process and how price was evaluated against technical merit are not provided, leaving room for questions about optimal price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: The significant investment in R&D aims to enhance national security capabilities, potentially offering long-term benefits. However, the immediate taxpayer impact is the direct funding of this research effort.
Public Impact
Advancement in defense technology for command and control of aggregate swarms. Potential for improved military operational effectiveness in future conflicts. Investment in cutting-edge research and development capabilities within the US.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of detailed cost performance data.
- Uncertainty of R&D outcome realization.
- Contract duration and complexity.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Focus on critical defense technology area.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority but carries inherent risks of project failure or delayed outcomes. Benchmarks are difficult due to the bespoke nature of R&D.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to RTX BBN Technologies, Inc., a large business. There is no indication that small businesses were involved as subcontractors or partners in this specific award, suggesting limited direct benefit to the small business sector from this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense, through its contracting agencies, is responsible for oversight. The contract's definitive nature and duration suggest ongoing monitoring is required to ensure adherence to the Statement of Work and fiscal responsibility.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of detailed performance metrics.
- Uncertainty of R&D return on investment.
- Potential for cost overruns in complex research.
- Limited visibility into subcontractor utilization.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ma, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $18.2 million to RTX BBN TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF RESEARCH IAW THE SOW "COMMAND AND CONTROL OF AGGREGATE SWARM TACTICS (CCAST)"
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 (Defense Contract Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $18.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-09-28. End: 2023-01-30.
What specific technological advancements or capabilities were achieved through this $18.16M investment in CCAST research?
The provided data does not detail the specific technological advancements or capabilities achieved. The contract focused on research and development for 'Command and Control of Aggregate Swarm Tactics (CCAST)'. Further analysis of project reports and deliverables would be necessary to ascertain the concrete outcomes and their impact on defense capabilities.
How effectively did the 'full and open competition' process ensure competitive pricing for this complex R&D effort?
While 'full and open competition' suggests a broad solicitation, the effectiveness in ensuring competitive pricing for complex R&D is not evident from the data. The nature of R&D often involves unique technical challenges where price discovery is difficult. Without details on the number of bids received and the evaluation criteria, it's hard to confirm optimal price competition.
What is the assessed risk of this R&D contract yielding practical, deployable defense solutions given its $18.16M value?
Research and Development contracts inherently carry a high risk of not yielding practical, deployable solutions. The $18.16M investment signifies a significant commitment, but the success depends heavily on the execution, scientific breakthroughs, and alignment with evolving defense needs. The risk of failure or limited applicability remains substantial until tangible results are demonstrated.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Solicitation ID: N6600117R4067
Offers Received: 14
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Rockwell Collins Australia PTY Limited
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: $18,466,099
Exercised Options: $18,159,129
Current Obligation: $18,159,129
Actual Outlays: $1,186,706
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 17
Total Subaward Amount: $2,260,261
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2017-09-28
Current End Date: 2023-01-30
Potential End Date: 2023-01-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-05-06
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