DoD's $2.3M Electronic Warfare System Replacement Contract Awarded to HII Mission Technologies Corp

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,331,089 ($2.3M)

Contractor: HII Mission Technologies Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-12-06

End Date: 2028-12-05

Contract Duration: 1,826 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: ELECTRONIC WARFARE THREAT PRESENTATION SYSTEMS SYSTEM REPLACEMENT AND MODERNIZATION (SRAM 1)

Place of Performance

Location: MCLEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22102

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $2.3 million to HII MISSION TECHNOLOGIES CORP for work described as: ELECTRONIC WARFARE THREAT PRESENTATION SYSTEMS SYSTEM REPLACEMENT AND MODERNIZATION (SRAM 1) Key points: 1. Contract aims to modernize critical electronic warfare capabilities for the U.S. Navy. 2. HII Mission Technologies Corp. secured the award through full and open competition. 3. The contract duration spans five years, indicating a long-term need for these systems. 4. Focus on system replacement and modernization suggests addressing obsolescence and enhancing performance. 5. The award value of $2.33 million is a starting point; total spending could increase with task orders. 6. This contract falls under the 'Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing' NAICS code.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The initial award value of $2.33 million for a five-year contract appears reasonable for a specialized system replacement and modernization effort. Benchmarking against similar complex defense system upgrades is challenging without more detailed scope information. However, given the critical nature of electronic warfare and the competitive award process, the pricing is likely within an acceptable range for the initial phase. Further analysis would require understanding the specific technological advancements and the cost breakdown of the modernization components.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this approach generally fosters a competitive environment, which should lead to better pricing and innovation. The open competition suggests the Department of the Navy sought the best value solution from the widest possible pool of capable contractors.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for cost savings through competitive bidding and encourages contractors to offer their most competitive pricing and innovative solutions.

Public Impact

The U.S. Navy's operational readiness and effectiveness in electronic warfare environments will be enhanced. Personnel operating these modernized systems will benefit from improved performance and potentially user-friendly interfaces. The contract supports the defense industrial base, particularly companies involved in advanced electronic systems manufacturing. Geographic impact is primarily within naval operational theaters and potentially at HII Mission Technologies Corp. facilities in Virginia.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if modernization scope expands beyond initial estimates.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical system upgrades could pose supply chain risks.
Ensuring timely delivery of modernized systems to meet operational deadlines is crucial.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing and vendor selection.
Long-term contract duration allows for sustained modernization and support.
Focus on replacement and modernization indicates proactive efforts to maintain technological superiority.

Sector Analysis

The electronic warfare market is a highly specialized segment within the broader aerospace and defense industry. It involves the development and production of systems designed to detect, analyze, and counter enemy electronic signals. This contract fits within the defense sector's ongoing efforts to maintain a technological edge in contested electromagnetic spectrums. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to ascertain without specific system details, but significant investments are consistently made in EW capabilities due to their critical role in modern warfare.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the prime contractor, HII Mission Technologies Corp., is a large business. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses within this award. The impact on the small business ecosystem will depend on whether HII Mission Technologies Corp. actively seeks small business subcontractors for specialized components or services related to this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Navy's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures will be tied to the contract's performance metrics, delivery schedules, and cost controls. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Electronic Warfare Systems
Naval Aviation Systems
Defense Modernization Programs
Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep in modernization efforts.
Dependence on contractor's ability to keep pace with evolving EW threats.
Ensuring seamless integration with existing naval platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $2.3 million to HII MISSION TECHNOLOGIES CORP. ELECTRONIC WARFARE THREAT PRESENTATION SYSTEMS SYSTEM REPLACEMENT AND MODERNIZATION (SRAM 1)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HII MISSION TECHNOLOGIES CORP.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-12-06. End: 2028-12-05.

What is the specific nature of the 'electronic warfare threat presentation systems' being replaced or modernized?

The specific nature of the 'Electronic Warfare Threat Presentation Systems (SRAM 1)' being replaced or modernized is not detailed in the provided data. However, these systems are generally designed to detect, identify, and display threats in the electromagnetic spectrum to aircrews or ground personnel. Modernization efforts typically involve upgrading hardware and software to counter new and evolving threats, improve situational awareness, enhance processing capabilities, and ensure compatibility with newer platforms and communication systems. The 'SRAM 1' designation likely refers to a specific program or system iteration within the Navy's electronic warfare portfolio.

How does the $2.33 million initial award compare to previous investments in similar electronic warfare system upgrades by the Navy?

The initial award of $2.33 million for the Electronic Warfare Threat Presentation Systems (SRAM 1) replacement and modernization is a relatively modest figure for a five-year defense contract, especially considering the complexity of electronic warfare systems. Without access to historical contract data for similar Navy EW system upgrades, a direct comparison is difficult. However, major EW system development and fielding programs can often run into hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars over their lifecycle. This $2.33 million likely represents an initial phase, task order, or a specific component upgrade, rather than the total program cost. Future task orders could significantly increase the total contract value.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or metrics used to assess the success of this contract?

The provided data does not explicitly list the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or metrics for this contract. However, for a system replacement and modernization contract in electronic warfare, typical KPIs would likely include: on-time delivery of modernized systems, adherence to technical specifications and performance requirements (e.g., threat detection range, accuracy, processing speed), system reliability and maintainability, successful integration with existing platforms, and cost control within allocated budgets for specific task orders. The Department of the Navy would establish these metrics to ensure the contractor meets the program's objectives and delivers effective electronic warfare capabilities.

What is HII Mission Technologies Corp.'s track record in delivering electronic warfare systems or similar complex defense technology?

HII Mission Technologies Corp., a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries, has a significant track record in delivering a wide range of complex defense technologies and services, including those related to electronic warfare, C5ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), and advanced manufacturing. They are known for supporting naval platforms and systems. While specific details on their past performance on 'SRAM 1' or directly comparable EW system modernization contracts are not in the provided data, their established presence and broad capabilities in the defense sector suggest a strong foundation for undertaking such a program. Their experience likely encompasses system integration, hardware/software development, and lifecycle support for critical defense systems.

Are there any identified risks associated with the technological obsolescence or future threat landscape for these electronic warfare systems?

The very nature of this contract, focusing on 'replacement and modernization,' inherently addresses the risk of technological obsolescence. Electronic warfare threats evolve rapidly, making older systems outdated and ineffective. The contract aims to mitigate this by upgrading systems to counter current and emerging threats. However, a key risk remains the pace of future threat evolution. The systems being modernized must be designed with sufficient flexibility and modularity to allow for future upgrades, as the threat landscape will continue to change. Failure to anticipate future threats or build adaptable systems could lead to rapid obsolescence again, necessitating further costly upgrades.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: N6893620R0081

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc

Address: 8350 BROAD ST STE 1400, MC LEAN, VA, 22102

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,442,045

Exercised Options: $2,331,089

Current Obligation: $2,331,089

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 8

Total Subaward Amount: $1,244,904

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N6893622D0019

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline