DoD's $18.4M MMSS Tech Demo by Raytheon: R&D for Advanced Sensors
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $18,444,496 ($18.4M)
Contractor: Raytheon Company
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2008-03-25
End Date: 2013-07-31
Contract Duration: 1,954 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: MULTI MODE SENSOR SUITE (MMSS) TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION
Place of Performance
Location: TUCSON, PIMA County, ARIZONA, 85756
State: Arizona Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $18.4 million to RAYTHEON COMPANY for work described as: MULTI MODE SENSOR SUITE (MMSS) TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced sensor technology development. 2. Raytheon Company, a major defense contractor, holds the award. 3. Research and Development sector, indicating innovation focus. 4. Full and open competition suggests a robust procurement process.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $18.4M for a technology demonstration is moderate. Without specific performance metrics or comparable projects, assessing value is difficult. The 'Cost No Fee' pricing structure implies the government bears the cost risk.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing. However, the specific price discovery mechanisms and the final negotiated price are not detailed here.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting advanced R&D, aiming for technological superiority. The success of the demonstration will determine the long-term return on investment.
Public Impact
Enhances national security through advanced sensor capabilities. Drives innovation in the defense technology sector. Potential for future applications beyond the initial demonstration.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Technology demonstration risk: success is not guaranteed.
- Long development timeline (2008-2013) may indicate complexity or delays.
Positive Signals
- Investment in critical R&D area.
- Competition likely ensured a reasonable price for the effort.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for maintaining technological advantage, with benchmarks varying widely based on project scope and complexity.
Small Business Impact
The awardee is Raytheon Company, a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific contract award.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency, responsible for ensuring contractor performance and compliance. The 'Cost No Fee' structure requires careful oversight to manage costs.
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
- Cost risk borne by government due to 'Cost No Fee' structure.
- Technology demonstration inherently carries a risk of failure.
- Long contract duration may indicate potential for scope creep or delays.
- Lack of small business participation.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, az, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $18.4 million to RAYTHEON COMPANY. MULTI MODE SENSOR SUITE (MMSS) TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is RAYTHEON COMPANY.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $18.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-03-25. End: 2013-07-31.
What were the key performance metrics for the MMSS technology demonstration, and how were they measured to assess success?
The specific performance metrics for the MMSS technology demonstration are not detailed in the provided data. Typically, such metrics would include sensor accuracy, range, detection capabilities, processing speed, and environmental resilience. Assessment would involve rigorous testing against predefined benchmarks and operational scenarios to validate the technology's effectiveness and readiness for potential future integration.
Given the 'Cost No Fee' structure, what mechanisms were in place to control cost overruns and ensure efficient use of funds?
The 'Cost No Fee' (CNF) structure places the cost risk on the contractor. While the government reimburses allowable costs, the contractor does not earn a fee. Oversight mechanisms would likely include detailed cost tracking, regular progress reviews, and potentially performance-based milestones to ensure the contractor manages resources efficiently and stays within the projected budget to avoid financial losses.
How does the successful development of the MMSS technology align with current or future Department of Defense operational requirements?
The alignment depends on the specific capabilities demonstrated by the MMSS. If the technology enhances multi-domain sensing, situational awareness, or target identification, it would likely align with evolving DoD requirements for integrated C5ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) capabilities. Successful R&D in this area supports modernization efforts and maintaining a technological edge against adversaries.
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 › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1151 E HERMANS RD, TUCSON, AZ, 85706
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $18,522,002
Exercised Options: $18,522,002
Current Obligation: $18,444,496
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-03-25
Current End Date: 2013-07-31
Potential End Date: 2013-07-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2018-06-15
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