Leidos awarded $13.17M for DARPA DEEP GREEN Program system design and development
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $13,174,968 ($13.2M)
Contractor: Leidos, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2008-04-21
End Date: 2009-09-06
Contract Duration: 503 days
Daily Burn Rate: $26.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 11
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: DARPA DEEP GREEN PROGRAM - SYSTEM DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
Place of Performance
Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20190
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $13.2 million to LEIDOS, INC. for work described as: DARPA DEEP GREEN PROGRAM - SYSTEM DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, indicating broad market engagement. 2. Research and Development focus aligns with DARPA's mission for technological advancement. 3. Definitive contract type suggests a clear scope of work for system development. 4. Contract duration of 503 days provides a defined timeline for project completion. 5. Small business participation was not a specific set-aside, but subcontracting opportunities may exist. 6. The contract's value is moderate within the context of large-scale R&D programs.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $13.17 million for system design and development appears reasonable for a DARPA initiative. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is challenging without more specific technical details, but the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure suggests a negotiated profit margin. The number of bidders (11) indicates a competitive process that likely contributed to a fair price.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, with 11 bids received. This level of competition is generally positive, suggesting that multiple capable contractors had the opportunity to bid, which can drive down costs and encourage innovation. The wide participation indicates a healthy market for the required R&D services.
Taxpayer Impact: The extensive competition for this contract is beneficial for taxpayers as it likely resulted in a more competitive price and a wider array of innovative solutions being considered.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and DARPA, who will receive advanced system designs and development. The services delivered include research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. The geographic impact is primarily within Virginia, where the contractor is located. Workforce implications include employment for researchers, engineers, and technical staff at Leidos.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep in R&D projects if not tightly managed.
- Reliance on a single contractor for system design and development could pose risks if performance falters.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting strong contractor capability.
- Definitive contract type provides a clear framework for deliverables.
- DARPA's involvement implies a focus on cutting-edge technology development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) is known for funding high-risk, high-reward research to maintain U.S. technological superiority. The market for such specialized R&D services is competitive, with a few large prime contractors and numerous specialized subcontractors.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses. While Leidos, Inc. is a large business, there may be opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors on this project, contributing to the overall small business ecosystem within the defense R&D sector.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), ensuring compliance with contract terms and performance standards. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific project details may be sensitive.
Related Government Programs
- DARPA Research and Development Programs
- Department of Defense System Development Contracts
- Advanced Technology Research Contracts
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
- Scope definition clarity for R&D projects.
- Contractor performance risk in complex system development.
Tags
research-and-development, department-of-defense, darpa, definitive-contract, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition, system-design, system-development, leidos-inc, virginia, moderate-value
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $13.2 million to LEIDOS, INC.. DARPA DEEP GREEN PROGRAM - SYSTEM DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LEIDOS, 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 $13.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-04-21. End: 2009-09-06.
What is the specific technological area or system being developed under the DARPA DEEP GREEN PROGRAM?
The provided data indicates the contract is for 'System Design and Development' under the DARPA DEEP GREEN PROGRAM, categorized under NAICS code 541712 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences). However, the specific technological area or system is not detailed in the provided summary. DARPA programs often focus on emerging technologies with potential military applications, which could range from advanced materials and robotics to artificial intelligence and cyber warfare capabilities. Further investigation into the DEEP GREEN PROGRAM's objectives would be necessary to ascertain the precise nature of the system being developed.
How does the $13.17 million contract value compare to other DARPA system development contracts?
The $13.17 million award for system design and development is a moderate sum for a DARPA project. DARPA funds a wide spectrum of research and development, from early-stage feasibility studies costing hundreds of thousands of dollars to large-scale system prototypes and demonstrations that can exceed hundreds of millions. This particular contract's value suggests it is likely focused on a specific phase of development, such as initial design, prototyping, or a component system, rather than a full-scale program rollout. Comparing it directly requires access to a database of similar DARPA system development contracts, but it is not an exceptionally large or small award in the context of DARPA's diverse portfolio.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or milestones for this contract?
The provided data does not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) or milestones for this contract. For a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) definitive contract focused on system design and development, typical milestones would likely include design reviews (e.g., Preliminary Design Review - PDR, Critical Design Review - CDR), prototype development, testing phases, and final system documentation. Performance would be assessed against the achievement of these milestones, adherence to technical specifications, and effective cost management within the fixed fee structure. The contract's duration of 503 days suggests a phased approach to achieving these objectives.
What is Leidos, Inc.'s track record with DARPA or similar R&D contracts?
Leidos, Inc. has a significant track record in providing advanced technology solutions and R&D services to government agencies, including the Department of Defense and DARPA. As a large, established government contractor, they possess extensive experience in complex system design, engineering, and integration across various domains. While specific details of their past DARPA contracts are not provided here, their general profile suggests they are well-equipped to handle R&D initiatives. Their history likely includes successful delivery on contracts requiring innovation, technical expertise, and program management, making them a plausible awardee for this type of work.
What is the potential risk associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this project?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type carries inherent risks for both the government and the contractor. For the government, the primary risk is that the contractor may have less incentive to control costs compared to fixed-price contracts, as their fee is fixed regardless of the final cost. This could lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently. However, the 'plus' aspect means the government reimburses allowable costs. For the contractor, the risk lies in underestimating the costs required to complete the project; if actual costs exceed projections, their profit margin (the fixed fee) is reduced. Effective oversight and clear definition of scope are crucial to mitigate these risks.
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: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 11
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Leidos Holdings, Inc. (UEI: 611641312)
Address: 10260 CAMPUS POINT DRIVE, SAN DIEGO, CA, 92121
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $42,087,949
Exercised Options: $13,174,968
Current Obligation: $13,174,968
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-04-21
Current End Date: 2009-09-06
Potential End Date: 2009-09-06 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2016-07-14
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