DoD awards $17.9M R&D contract to RTX BBN Technologies under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,958,280 ($18.0M)

Contractor: RTX BBN Technologies, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2006-07-24

End Date: 2010-07-31

Contract Duration: 1,468 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Place of Performance

Location: CAMBRIDGE, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02138

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $18.0 million to RTX BBN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: Key points: 1. Contract value of $17.9M for R&D services. 2. Awarded via full and open competition, indicating market availability. 3. Risk appears moderate given the R&D nature and contract type. 4. Spending falls within the Research and Development sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $17.9M for R&D services appears reasonable for a definitive contract awarded through full and open competition. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded using full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives fair value.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is taxpayer-favorable as it aims to secure the best possible price through market forces.

Public Impact

Supports technological advancement through research and development. Contracting with a major defense contractor like RTX BBN Technologies. Potential for innovation with implications for national security.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.
  • R&D projects inherently carry a risk of not achieving desired outcomes.
  • Contract duration of over 4 years requires ongoing monitoring.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded through full and open competition.
  • Contracting with an established entity in the sector.
  • Clear period of performance defined.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS code 541710. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation and maintaining technological superiority, with typical contract values varying widely based on project scope.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was sought or achieved through subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

Standard oversight mechanisms for definitive contracts would apply. The Defense Contract Management Agency's involvement suggests a level of oversight is in place.

Related Government Programs

  • Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Defense Contract Management Agency Programs

Risk Flags

  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent cost escalation risks.
  • R&D projects are subject to technical uncertainty and potential failure.
  • Long contract duration requires sustained oversight.
  • Lack of small business prime awardee.

Tags

research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ma, definitive-contract, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $18.0 million to RTX BBN TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. See the official description on USAspending.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RTX BBN TECHNOLOGIES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $18.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2006-07-24. End: 2010-07-31.

What specific R&D objectives were pursued under this contract, and how do they align with current defense priorities?

The contract's specific R&D objectives are not detailed in the provided data. However, given the award by the Department of Defense, it is likely focused on advancing technologies relevant to national security. Alignment with current defense priorities would require access to the contract's statement of work and strategic planning documents.

What were the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, and how was performance measured?

Key performance indicators for a Cost Plus Fixed Fee R&D contract typically focus on technical progress, adherence to schedule, and effective management of resources. Performance measurement would likely involve regular technical reviews, milestone achievements, and financial reporting to ensure the contractor is meeting the contract's objectives within the agreed-upon cost ceiling and fee structure.

What is the potential for follow-on work or technology transition resulting from this R&D effort?

The potential for follow-on work or technology transition is a critical aspect of R&D contracts. Successful outcomes from this $17.9M award could lead to further development contracts, procurement of the developed technology, or its integration into existing defense systems. The contract's R&D nature suggests an intent to explore new capabilities, which inherently carries potential for future application.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENTC – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Rockwell Collins Australia PTY Limited

Address: 10 MOULTON ST, CAMBRIDGE, MA, 02138

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

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline

Start Date: 2006-07-24

Current End Date: 2010-07-31

Potential End Date: 2010-07-31 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2024-10-21

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