Navy awards $2.7M contract for submarine training modules, highlighting engineering services for fleet readiness

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,692,777 ($2.7M)

Contractor: Amentum Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-09-15

End Date: 2026-09-18

Contract Duration: 1,464 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: SUBMARINE ON BOARD TRAINING (SOBT) SUSTAINMENT - INTERACTIVE MULTIMEDIA INSTRUCTION (IMI) TRAINING MODULES

Place of Performance

Location: GROTON, NEW LONDON County, CONNECTICUT, 06340

State: Connecticut Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $2.7 million to AMENTUM SERVICES, INC. for work described as: SUBMARINE ON BOARD TRAINING (SOBT) SUSTAINMENT - INTERACTIVE MULTIMEDIA INSTRUCTION (IMI) TRAINING MODULES Key points: 1. Contract focuses on interactive multimedia instruction for submarine personnel, crucial for operational effectiveness. 2. Engineering services are key to developing and sustaining complex training systems. 3. The contract duration suggests a long-term need for updated and relevant training materials. 4. Competition was robust, potentially leading to better value for the government. 5. This award aligns with broader defense spending on personnel training and readiness. 6. The use of cost-plus-fixed-fee pricing requires careful monitoring of contractor costs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $2.7 million for submarine training modules appears reasonable given the scope of developing and sustaining interactive multimedia instruction. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized training development in the defense sector suggests this pricing is within expected ranges. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure necessitates diligent oversight to ensure costs remain controlled and the fixed fee provides adequate incentive for efficient performance.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. Seven bids were received, demonstrating a healthy level of market interest and competition for this specialized service. The presence of multiple bidders generally supports price discovery and encourages competitive pricing, which is beneficial for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process for this contract helps ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by driving down costs and encouraging the most cost-effective solutions for submarine training.

Public Impact

Submarine crews will benefit from updated and interactive training modules, enhancing their operational skills and safety. The services delivered will support the readiness and effectiveness of the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet. The geographic impact is primarily focused on naval training facilities and submarine bases. This contract supports a specialized workforce of instructional designers, multimedia developers, and subject matter experts.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts require vigilant oversight to prevent cost overruns.
Ensuring the long-term sustainment and relevance of multimedia training modules can be challenging.
Dependence on a single contractor for sustainment could pose risks if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive market.
The contract duration suggests a commitment to sustained fleet readiness.
Focus on interactive multimedia instruction aligns with modern training methodologies.

Sector Analysis

The defense sector, particularly within naval operations, relies heavily on sophisticated training systems to maintain a highly skilled workforce. This contract for submarine training modules falls within the broader engineering services and educational support market. Comparable spending in defense training technology often involves significant investment in simulation, virtual reality, and interactive learning platforms, with market sizes varying based on technological advancements and specific platform needs.

Small Business Impact

While this contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not appear to have a specific small business set-aside, the prime contractor, Amentum Services, Inc., may engage small businesses for subcontracting opportunities. Analysis of subcontracting plans would be necessary to determine the extent of small business participation and its impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Navy's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded within the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure, requiring detailed reporting and justification of costs. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though specific performance metrics and oversight reports may not be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Navy Training Systems
Submarine Force Training
Defense Training and Simulation
Interactive Multimedia Instruction Development
Engineering Services for Defense

Risk Flags

Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee Pricing
Long-Term Sustainment Needs
Training Material Relevance
Contractor Performance Risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $2.7 million to AMENTUM SERVICES, INC.. SUBMARINE ON BOARD TRAINING (SOBT) SUSTAINMENT - INTERACTIVE MULTIMEDIA INSTRUCTION (IMI) TRAINING MODULES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AMENTUM SERVICES, 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 $2.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-15. End: 2026-09-18.

What is Amentum Services, Inc.'s track record with similar defense training contracts?

Amentum Services, Inc. has a significant history of performing complex engineering, technology, and training services for various government agencies, including the Department of Defense. Their portfolio often includes support for naval systems, simulation, and training development. While specific details on past submarine training module contracts would require deeper analysis of contract databases, Amentum's general experience suggests a capability to handle the technical and logistical demands of this award. Their performance on previous contracts, including adherence to schedules, budget management, and quality of deliverables, would be key indicators of their suitability for this ongoing project.

How does the $2.7 million value compare to similar submarine training development contracts?

The $2.7 million contract value for submarine training modules appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized defense training development and sustainment. Contracts for developing interactive multimedia instruction (IMI) can vary widely based on complexity, technology integration (e.g., VR/AR), and the number of modules required. For context, similar contracts for developing advanced simulation or e-learning platforms for military personnel can range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars. Given this is for sustainment and development of modules for submarine operations, the value suggests a focused scope rather than a complete overhaul of a training system. A more precise comparison would require identifying contracts with identical scope, technology, and duration.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract for the Department of the Navy?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential cost overruns due to the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) pricing structure, which requires diligent oversight to manage contractor expenses effectively. Another risk is the potential for the training modules to become outdated or irrelevant if not continuously updated to reflect evolving submarine technology and operational procedures. Performance risk also exists, where the contractor might fail to deliver high-quality, effective training materials on time. Finally, there's a risk associated with the long-term sustainment; if the contractor's performance degrades or they face financial instability, it could disrupt critical training for the submarine force.

How effective are interactive multimedia instruction (IMI) modules in improving submarine crew performance?

Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI) modules are generally considered effective tools for enhancing learning and performance, particularly in complex technical fields like submarine operations. IMI allows for self-paced learning, consistent delivery of information, and engagement through various media (text, graphics, audio, video, simulations). For submarine crews, this can translate to better understanding of systems, procedures, and emergency responses. Studies in military training often show that well-designed IMI can improve knowledge retention, reduce training time, and increase proficiency compared to traditional methods. The effectiveness hinges on the quality of design, relevance to operational tasks, and integration into a broader training curriculum.

What has been the historical spending trend for submarine training systems by the Department of the Navy?

Historical spending trends for submarine training systems by the Department of the Navy have generally shown a consistent and significant investment. As submarine technology advances and operational requirements evolve, there is a perpetual need for updated training. This includes spending on simulators, virtual reality training environments, computer-based training (CBT), and interactive multimedia instruction (IMI). While specific figures fluctuate year-to-year based on modernization programs and new platform introductions, the overall trend indicates a sustained commitment to ensuring the submarine force remains highly trained and proficient. This contract represents a portion of that ongoing investment in maintaining fleet readiness through advanced training solutions.

What is the potential impact of this contract on the submarine training technology market?

This contract contributes to the ongoing demand within the submarine training technology market, specifically for interactive multimedia instruction (IMI) and related engineering services. It signals continued investment by the Navy in modernizing its training capabilities. For companies like Amentum Services, Inc., it reinforces their position in this niche. The award, stemming from full and open competition, also encourages other potential vendors to develop similar capabilities, fostering innovation and potentially driving down costs in the long run. It highlights the importance of adaptable, technology-driven training solutions for complex military platforms.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAINING › EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: N6660421R3013

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Pae-Parsons Global Logistics Services, LLC

Address: 4800 WESTFIELDS BLVD STE 400, CHANTILLY, VA, 20151

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,685,344

Exercised Options: $17,106,968

Current Obligation: $2,692,777

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017819D8773

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline