DoD Awards $8M Engineering Services Contract to SAIC for Jammer Technique Optimization

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,998,037 ($8.0M)

Contractor: Science Applications International Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-04-07

End Date: 2027-01-26

Contract Duration: 1,024 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: THIS EFFORT CONSISTS OF PROVIDING TECHNICAL EXPERTISE TO THE NAWCWD JAMMER TECHNIQUE OPTIMIZATION (JATO) AND SYSTEMS ENGINEERING SUPPORT.

Place of Performance

Location: POINT MUGU NAWC, VENTURA County, CALIFORNIA, 93042

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $8.0 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION for work described as: THIS EFFORT CONSISTS OF PROVIDING TECHNICAL EXPERTISE TO THE NAWCWD JAMMER TECHNIQUE OPTIMIZATION (JATO) AND SYSTEMS ENGINEERING SUPPORT. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) for technical expertise in JATO and systems engineering. 2. The contract value is $7,998,037.17, with a duration of 1024 days. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The sector is Engineering Services, a critical area for defense technology development.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's cost-plus-fixed-fee structure allows for flexibility while managing costs. The awarded amount appears reasonable for specialized engineering support over the contract duration.

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: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure specialized technical expertise at a fair price for critical defense systems.

Public Impact

Enhances critical defense capabilities through advanced engineering and optimization. Supports the Navy's technological advancement in electronic warfare systems. Ensures continued development and maintenance of specialized defense equipment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns in cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts if not closely monitored.
Reliance on a single contractor for specialized expertise could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating strong market interest.
Contract supports a critical defense mission (JATO and systems engineering).
Experienced contractor (SAIC) likely to deliver high-quality services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting defense applications. Benchmarks for similar specialized engineering support contracts vary widely based on complexity and duration, but this award appears within a typical range for such services.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Science Applications International Corporation, a large business. There is no explicit indication of small business subcontracting in the provided data, which could be an area for future oversight.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a delivery order under a larger award, suggesting it has undergone initial review. Ongoing oversight will be crucial to manage costs and ensure performance objectives are met, especially given the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure requires diligent oversight to manage potential cost escalations.
Contract duration is substantial, necessitating sustained performance monitoring.
No explicit mention of small business participation in this specific delivery order.
Reliance on a single contractor for specialized technical expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $8.0 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION. THIS EFFORT CONSISTS OF PROVIDING TECHNICAL EXPERTISE TO THE NAWCWD JAMMER TECHNIQUE OPTIMIZATION (JATO) AND SYSTEMS ENGINEERING SUPPORT.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL 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 $8.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-04-07. End: 2027-01-26.

What specific technical advancements are expected from the JATO and systems engineering support provided by SAIC?

The contract aims to provide technical expertise for the Jammer Technique Optimization (JATO) and Systems Engineering Support. This likely involves enhancing the performance, efficiency, and capabilities of existing or new electronic warfare systems. Specific advancements could include improved signal jamming techniques, better system integration, refined operational parameters, and potentially the development of new methodologies for electronic countermeasures, all contributing to the Navy's technological edge.

What are the primary risks associated with the cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type for this specialized engineering effort?

The primary risk with a cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) contract is the potential for cost overruns. While the fixed fee provides the contractor with an incentive to control costs, the government bears the risk of actual costs exceeding estimates. In specialized engineering, unforeseen technical challenges can arise, leading to increased labor hours and material expenses. Effective oversight and clear definition of work are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure the project stays within budget.

How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of the NAWCWD's mission in electronic warfare?

This contract directly enhances the effectiveness of the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) by providing critical technical expertise for optimizing jammer techniques and systems engineering. Effective electronic warfare capabilities are vital for modern military operations, enabling superiority in contested environments. By ensuring these systems are optimized and well-engineered, the contract supports the warfighter's ability to conduct missions safely and successfully, maintaining a technological advantage over adversaries.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: MODIFICATION OF EQUIPMENT › MODIFICATION OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: N6893624R3001

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 12010 SUNSET HILLS RD, RESTON, VA, 20190

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $26,192,696

Exercised Options: $12,591,267

Current Obligation: $7,998,037

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 3

Total Subaward Amount: $242,087

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017819D8470

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline