DoD Awards $7.5M Engineering Contract for Space Command Facility in Colorado

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,520,254 ($7.5M)

Contractor: Scientific Research Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-12-23

End Date: 2026-12-22

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: TECHNICAL ENGINEERING AND INSTALLATION SERVICES TO SUPPORT NEW COMMAND AND CONTROL FACILITY(C2F) AT U.S. SPACE COMMAND, NATIONAL SPACE TEST & TRAINING CENTER(NSTTC) INTEGRATED PROGRAM OFFICE(IPO), 1ST SPACE BRIGADE, IN THE COLORADO SPRINGS, CO AREA.

Place of Performance

Location: COLORADO SPRINGS, EL PASO County, COLORADO, 80916

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $7.5 million to SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CORPORATION for work described as: TECHNICAL ENGINEERING AND INSTALLATION SERVICES TO SUPPORT NEW COMMAND AND CONTROL FACILITY(C2F) AT U.S. SPACE COMMAND, NATIONAL SPACE TEST & TRAINING CENTER(NSTTC) INTEGRATED PROGRAM OFFICE(IPO), 1ST SPACE BRIGADE, IN THE COLORADO SPRINGS, CO AREA. Key points: 1. Contract supports critical U.S. Space Command C2F and NSTTC facilities. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 4. This award falls under Engineering Services, a broad category with varying cost benchmarks.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The $7.5M award for engineering services appears reasonable given the scope of supporting a new command and control facility. Benchmarking against similar complex facility engineering projects would provide further validation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders likely participated. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests taxpayer funds are being used efficiently, though the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure warrants close monitoring to control final costs.

Public Impact

Enhances U.S. Space Command's operational capabilities. Supports national security infrastructure in space operations. Contributes to technological advancement in space command and control. Creates specialized engineering jobs in the Colorado Springs area.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize contractor to increase costs.
Potential for scope creep in complex facility projects.
Long duration of contract (729 days) requires sustained oversight.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Supports critical national security infrastructure.
Clear objective for facility enhancement.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Engineering Services (NAICS 541330), a sector that supports various government and private infrastructure projects. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on project complexity and scale.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and the prime contractor is not a small business. There is no information on subcontracting opportunities for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Navy awarded this contract, implying oversight from a major defense agency. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates robust financial oversight to manage costs effectively and prevent overruns.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
Potential for cost overruns.
Complexity of integrating new command and control facilities.
Long contract duration requires sustained oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $7.5 million to SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CORPORATION. TECHNICAL ENGINEERING AND INSTALLATION SERVICES TO SUPPORT NEW COMMAND AND CONTROL FACILITY(C2F) AT U.S. SPACE COMMAND, NATIONAL SPACE TEST & TRAINING CENTER(NSTTC) INTEGRATED PROGRAM OFFICE(IPO), 1ST SPACE BRIGADE, IN THE COLORADO SPRINGS, CO AREA.

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 $7.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-12-23. End: 2026-12-22.

What is the estimated total cost if the contractor incurs significant additional expenses under the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure?

Under a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract, the government pays the contractor's actual allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee. If the contractor incurs significant additional expenses, the government will reimburse these costs, increasing the total contract value beyond the initial estimate. The fixed fee remains constant, but the total expenditure is directly tied to the actual costs incurred, making robust cost tracking and control essential.

How will the government ensure the fixed fee remains appropriate given potential scope changes or unforeseen challenges in facility construction?

The government will ensure the fixed fee remains appropriate through rigorous contract management, including detailed review of all incurred costs and change order proposals. Any significant scope changes or unforeseen challenges would likely trigger contract modifications, which would be negotiated to adjust the fee if warranted by the change in effort or risk. Clear baseline requirements and proactive risk mitigation are key to preventing unwarranted fee adjustments.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) being used to measure the success of this engineering service contract?

Key performance indicators for this contract would likely include adherence to project timelines, quality of engineering designs and installations, cost control within the estimated budget, and successful integration of the C2F and NSTTC systems. Performance metrics would also assess the contractor's responsiveness to government feedback and their ability to resolve technical challenges effectively throughout the project lifecycle.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - NETWORK

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: N6600124R3522

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2300 WINDY RIDGE PKWY, 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: $44,067,735

Exercised Options: $17,149,236

Current Obligation: $7,520,254

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017819D8474

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline