DoD's $28.2M R&D Contract with Rockwell Collins: Full and Open Competition for Physical Sciences Research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $28,244,690 ($28.2M)
Contractor: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2020-12-07
End Date: 2024-12-31
Contract Duration: 1,485 days
Daily Burn Rate: $19.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 7
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: RESEARCH IAW THE SOW
Place of Performance
Location: CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN County, IOWA, 52498
State: Iowa Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $28.2 million to ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC. for work described as: RESEARCH IAW THE SOW Key points: 1. Significant investment in physical, engineering, and life sciences R&D. 2. Rockwell Collins, a major aerospace and defense contractor, is the awardee. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a robust price discovery process. 4. The contract spans nearly four years, indicating a substantial research scope.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which is common for R&D where scope can evolve. The award amount of $28.2M for a nearly 4-year duration suggests a reasonable investment for the specified research area.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically leads to competitive pricing. The use of this method implies multiple bidders likely participated, driving down costs and ensuring fair market value.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition aims to maximize taxpayer value by ensuring the government receives the best possible price and quality through a competitive bidding process.
Public Impact
Advancement in physical, engineering, and life sciences research. Potential for technological breakthroughs with defense applications. Economic impact through contract with Rockwell Collins, supporting jobs and innovation.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
- R&D projects inherently carry risk of not achieving desired outcomes.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition utilized.
- Long-term contract duration allows for in-depth research.
- Award to established contractor with relevant expertise.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement and national security, with significant government investment annually.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. As a large contract awarded to a major corporation, direct small business participation may be limited unless subcontracting opportunities arise.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Department of the Navy, indicating specific agency oversight. The duration and nature of R&D contracts necessitate ongoing monitoring of progress and expenditures to ensure accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- R&D projects have inherent uncertainty in outcomes.
- No specific small business participation noted.
- Potential for scope creep in long-term R&D.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ia, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $28.2 million to ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC.. RESEARCH IAW THE SOW
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ROCKWELL COLLINS, 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 $28.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-12-07. End: 2024-12-31.
What specific advancements are expected from this R&D contract, and how will they benefit the Department of the Navy?
The contract focuses on 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)'. Specific advancements are not detailed in the provided data, but typical outcomes include novel materials, improved engineering processes, or new scientific understanding applicable to naval platforms, systems, or operations. The benefit would be enhanced technological superiority and operational capabilities for the Navy.
What are the primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee R&D contract, and how are they mitigated?
The primary risks include potential cost overruns if research proves more complex or time-consuming than anticipated, and the risk that the research may not yield the desired technological breakthroughs. Mitigation strategies typically involve rigorous project management, regular progress reviews, clear performance metrics, and potentially incentive structures within the fixed fee component to encourage efficiency and success.
How does the full and open competition method ensure the effectiveness and value for money of this R&D investment?
Full and open competition ensures effectiveness and value by allowing any qualified vendor to bid, fostering a competitive environment. This process drives down prices, encourages innovation in proposals, and allows the government to select the offer that best meets technical requirements and provides the most advantageous price. It increases the likelihood of selecting the most capable contractor and achieving the research objectives efficiently.
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 › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Solicitation ID: HR001120S0029
Offers Received: 7
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Rockwell Collins Australia PTY Limited
Address: 400 COLLINS RD NE, CEDAR RAPIDS, IA, 52498
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $40,020,938
Exercised Options: $34,864,619
Current Obligation: $28,244,690
Actual Outlays: $354,358
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-12-07
Current End Date: 2024-12-31
Potential End Date: 2024-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-12-05
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