DoD's $20M Maritime Domain Awareness Training Contract Awarded to Scientific Research Corporation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,093,356 ($20.1M)

Contractor: Scientific Research Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2021-09-17

End Date: 2025-09-16

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $13.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: MARITIME DOMAIN AWARENESS (MDA) TRAINING DEVELOPMENT, DELIVERY, SME, AND INTEGRATION SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92152

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $20.1 million to SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CORPORATION for work described as: MARITIME DOMAIN AWARENESS (MDA) TRAINING DEVELOPMENT, DELIVERY, SME, AND INTEGRATION SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical maritime security capabilities. 2. Scientific Research Corporation has a history of supporting defense initiatives. 3. The contract's duration suggests a long-term need for these services. 4. Performance will be assessed against specific training and integration objectives. 5. The sector is characterized by complex technological integration and evolving threats. 6. Value for money will be assessed through performance metrics and cost controls.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $20 million over its period of performance appears reasonable for specialized training development and integration support within the Department of Defense. Benchmarking against similar contracts for technical training and subject matter expertise in defense sectors suggests this pricing is within expected ranges. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type allows for cost transparency while incentivizing efficient performance, though careful oversight is needed to manage potential cost overruns.

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 specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation generally suggests a competitive environment that should drive fair pricing and encourage innovation. The award process likely involved a thorough evaluation of technical capabilities and proposed costs.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically leads to more competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value by considering a wide range of potential providers.

Public Impact

Naval personnel will receive enhanced training in maritime domain awareness. Improved situational awareness at sea contributes to national security. The services support the Navy's operational readiness and effectiveness. Geographic impact is primarily within Navy training facilities and operational areas. Potential for specialized technical roles in training development and integration.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost overruns are a potential risk with CPFF contracts if not closely monitored.
Ensuring the training content remains current with evolving maritime threats.
Measuring the tangible impact of training on operational effectiveness can be challenging.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
Contract duration indicates a sustained commitment to critical maritime security.
Focus on subject matter expertise ensures high-quality training development.

Sector Analysis

The Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) sector is a critical component of national security, focusing on understanding everything in the maritime environment that could affect security, safety, or the economy. This contract fits within the broader defense intelligence and training services market, which is characterized by high technological demands and specialized expertise. Spending in this area is driven by the need to counter threats such as piracy, terrorism, illegal fishing, and illicit trafficking, requiring sophisticated surveillance, data analysis, and training solutions.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract included specific small business set-asides. However, the prime contractor, Scientific Research Corporation, may engage small businesses as subcontractors to fulfill specialized requirements or to meet broader socioeconomic goals. The extent of small business participation will depend on the subcontracting plan developed by the prime contractor.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Navy's contracting and program management offices. Performance monitoring, financial reviews, and quality assurance processes are standard mechanisms to ensure accountability. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates diligent oversight to control costs and ensure that the fixed fee is earned through satisfactory performance. Inspector General involvement would be triggered by specific allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Maritime Security Operations
Naval Training and Readiness
Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Support
Defense Contractor Training Services

Risk Flags

Cost Control Risk (CPFF)
Performance Measurement Complexity
Evolving Threat Landscape

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $20.1 million to SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CORPORATION. MARITIME DOMAIN AWARENESS (MDA) TRAINING DEVELOPMENT, DELIVERY, SME, AND INTEGRATION SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH 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 $20.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-09-17. End: 2025-09-16.

What is Scientific Research Corporation's track record with similar maritime domain awareness or defense training contracts?

Scientific Research Corporation (SRC) has a significant history of supporting Department of Defense (DoD) programs, including those related to intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and training. While specific details on prior MDA training contracts are not immediately available in this data snippet, SRC's broader portfolio often involves complex system integration, software development, and technical support for defense applications. Their experience in developing and delivering technical solutions for the military suggests a foundational capability relevant to this contract. Further analysis would involve reviewing their past performance evaluations and contract history with the Navy and other defense agencies to assess their specific expertise in maritime training development and delivery.

How does the $20 million contract value compare to other maritime domain awareness training initiatives?

The $20 million contract value for Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) training development, delivery, and integration support is a substantial investment, reflecting the complexity and criticality of MDA capabilities. Without specific comparative data on similar, concurrently active contracts, a precise benchmark is difficult. However, MDA encompasses a wide range of activities, from sensor integration to data analysis and operational training. Contracts for developing advanced simulation and training environments, integrating sophisticated data fusion platforms, or providing specialized subject matter expertise for naval forces can range from several million to tens of millions of dollars over their performance periods. This contract's value appears aligned with significant, multi-year efforts in specialized defense training and technical support.

What are the primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type?

The primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type, such as this one, revolve around cost control and contractor incentive. For the government, the risk is that the contractor may not be sufficiently incentivized to control costs, as the fee is fixed regardless of the final cost (provided performance is satisfactory). This can lead to cost overruns if the contractor's estimated costs are inaccurate or if unforeseen issues arise. For the contractor, the risk lies in accurately estimating costs to ensure the fixed fee is profitable. Effective risk mitigation requires robust government oversight, detailed cost tracking, regular audits, and clear performance metrics to ensure the contractor remains focused on both quality and cost efficiency.

How will the effectiveness of the delivered training be measured?

The effectiveness of the delivered training will likely be measured through a combination of performance metrics defined in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) and performance work statement (PWS). These metrics could include trainee performance assessments, post-training evaluations, feedback from instructors and supervisors, and potentially the observed impact on operational readiness or mission success. For a contract involving subject matter expertise and integration support, effectiveness might also be gauged by the successful integration of new training methodologies or technologies, and the accuracy and relevance of the training content. The Department of the Navy will establish specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor progress and ensure the training meets the required standards for maritime domain awareness.

What is the historical spending trend for Maritime Domain Awareness training within the Department of the Navy?

Historical spending trends for Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) training within the Department of the Navy (DoN) generally show a consistent and significant investment, driven by the persistent need for robust maritime security. While specific annual figures fluctuate based on evolving threats, technological advancements, and strategic priorities, the DoN allocates substantial resources to training programs that enhance situational awareness, operational command and control, and intelligence dissemination in the maritime environment. This includes funding for simulation, curriculum development, instructor support, and the integration of new technologies. The $20 million awarded here represents a portion of this ongoing investment, reflecting the enduring importance of MDA capabilities to naval operations and national security.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: N6600118R0001

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2300 WINDY RIDGE PKWY STE 400S, ATLANTA, GA, 30339

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,225,253

Exercised Options: $21,225,253

Current Obligation: $20,093,356

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 10

Total Subaward Amount: $2,279,641

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N6600119D3414

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline