DoD's $27M Cyber Initiative Contract Awarded to Northrop Grumman for R&D

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,005,582 ($27.0M)

Contractor: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2009-03-11

End Date: 2012-09-12

Contract Duration: 1,281 days

Daily Burn Rate: $21.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: CYBER-INITIATIVE/DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL BASE SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: FORT GEORGE G MEADE, ANNE ARUNDEL County, MARYLAND, 20755, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $27.0 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION for work described as: CYBER-INITIATIVE/DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL BASE SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract value of $27M for R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Awarded to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation under full and open competition. 3. Potential risk associated with R&D contracts due to inherent uncertainty. 4. Spending falls within the Research and Development sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $27M for R&D services is within a typical range for complex research projects. Benchmarking is difficult without specific project details, but the award suggests a competitive price discovery process.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a broad solicitation and a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and ensures fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds were used for a competitive R&D contract, aiming to advance cybersecurity and defense industrial base support.

Public Impact

Enhances cybersecurity capabilities for the Defense Industrial Base. Supports critical research and development in advanced technologies. Potential for technological advancements benefiting national security.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • R&D contracts carry inherent uncertainty in outcomes and cost overruns.
  • Specific performance metrics and deliverables are not detailed.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded through full and open competition.
  • Supports a critical national security area (cybersecurity).

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences (excluding biotechnology). Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement but can be subject to high variability and risk.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the prime contractor is Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, a large business. There is no information provided on subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Defense, through the Defense Information Systems Agency, is the awarding agency. Oversight would typically involve monitoring research progress, adherence to contract terms, and financial expenditures.

Related Government Programs

  • Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Defense Information Systems Agency Programs

Risk Flags

  • R&D inherent uncertainty
  • Lack of specific performance metrics
  • Potential for cost overruns
  • Limited visibility into specific outcomes

Tags

research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, md, do, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $27.0 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION. CYBER-INITIATIVE/DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL BASE SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Information Systems Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $27.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-03-11. End: 2012-09-12.

What specific technological advancements or research outcomes were achieved under this contract?

The provided data does not detail the specific research outcomes or technological advancements resulting from this contract. Further analysis would require access to project reports, milestone achievements, and final deliverables to assess the tangible impact of the R&D investment.

How did the competitive bidding process ensure cost-effectiveness for this R&D initiative?

The 'full and open competition' method suggests multiple bids were considered, allowing the agency to select the most cost-effective proposal that met technical requirements. However, the inherent risks in R&D mean that initial cost estimates may differ from final expenditures.

What is the long-term strategic value of this cybersecurity R&D investment for the Defense Industrial Base?

The long-term value lies in strengthening the cybersecurity posture of the Defense Industrial Base against evolving threats. Successful R&D could lead to new defensive technologies, improved threat detection, and more resilient systems, ultimately enhancing national security.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesScientific Research and Development ServicesResearch and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT)PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Northrop Grumman Corporation (UEI: 967356127)

Address: 4807 STONECROFT BLVD, CHANTILLY, VA, 20151

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $27,005,582

Exercised Options: $27,005,582

Current Obligation: $27,005,582

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HC102808D2023

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2009-03-11

Current End Date: 2012-09-12

Potential End Date: 2012-09-12 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2016-03-01

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