DoD's $21.1M contract for updated tech manuals supports critical operational test events
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $21,145,925 ($21.1M)
Contractor: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2020-04-08
End Date: 2026-06-13
Contract Duration: 2,257 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: UPDATED TECH MANUALS, PROGRAM REPORTS, AND OTHER CONTRACT DELIVERABLES IN SUPPORT OF MANPACK OPERATIONAL TEST EVENT.
Place of Performance
Location: CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN County, IOWA, 52498
State: Iowa Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $21.1 million to ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC. for work described as: UPDATED TECH MANUALS, PROGRAM REPORTS, AND OTHER CONTRACT DELIVERABLES IN SUPPORT OF MANPACK OPERATIONAL TEST EVENT. Key points: 1. Value for money assessed through benchmarking against similar technical documentation contracts. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators include the long duration of the contract and the specific nature of technical deliverables. 4. Performance context is tied to supporting a key operational test event for the Manpack program. 5. Sector positioning is within the defense industry's need for specialized technical support services.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $21.1 million over approximately six years appears reasonable for specialized technical documentation services supporting a major defense program. Benchmarking against similar contracts for technical manual development and support within the Department of Defense suggests that pricing is within expected ranges, especially considering the complexity and criticality of supporting an operational test event. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government.
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 vendors were likely solicited and allowed to bid. The presence of a competitive process generally fosters price discovery and encourages vendors to offer their best pricing and technical solutions. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the award type suggests a robust competitive environment.
Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is favorable for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining services at a competitive market price, preventing potential overpayment.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are the Department of the Army and the Manpack program, which receive essential technical documentation. Services delivered include updated technical manuals, program reports, and other contract deliverables crucial for operational testing. The geographic impact is primarily within the Department of Defense's operational and testing facilities. Workforce implications include the need for skilled technical writers and documentation specialists employed by the contractor.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration (over 6 years) could lead to scope creep or evolving requirements that may not be fully captured in initial pricing.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical operational test documentation may pose a risk if performance issues arise.
- The specialized nature of the technical deliverables requires a high degree of accuracy and adherence to military standards.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive market and potentially fair pricing.
- Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability for the government.
- Contract deliverables are directly tied to supporting a critical operational test event, indicating program importance.
Sector Analysis
The defense sector relies heavily on specialized technical support services to maintain complex weapon systems and operational readiness. This contract fits within the broader market for technical publications and documentation, which is essential for training, maintenance, and operational use of military equipment. Comparable spending in this area is significant across all branches of the military, reflecting the ongoing need for up-to-date technical information.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, and the prime contractor, Rockwell Collins, Inc., is a large business. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses. Without this data, it's difficult to assess the direct impact on the small business ecosystem, though large prime contracts often involve subcontracting opportunities.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program office within the Department of the Army. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms and the requirement for specific deliverables. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though detailed performance metrics may not be publicly available.
Related Government Programs
- Manpack Program
- Department of Defense Technical Data Packages
- Military Communications Equipment Support
- Defense Operational Test and Evaluation Support
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration
- Reliance on single contractor for critical deliverables
- Potential for evolving technical requirements
Tags
defense, department-of-the-army, rockwell-collins, technical-documentation, operational-test-support, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, communications-equipment, iowa, large-business
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $21.1 million to ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC.. UPDATED TECH MANUALS, PROGRAM REPORTS, AND OTHER CONTRACT DELIVERABLES IN SUPPORT OF MANPACK OPERATIONAL TEST EVENT.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $21.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-04-08. End: 2026-06-13.
What is Rockwell Collins, Inc.'s track record with similar Department of Defense technical documentation contracts?
Rockwell Collins, Inc. (now part of Collins Aerospace) has a long history of providing complex systems and support services to the Department of Defense. This includes extensive experience in developing and maintaining technical manuals, training materials, and other documentation for various military platforms, particularly in communications and avionics. Their track record generally indicates a capacity to meet stringent military requirements for accuracy, format, and delivery. However, specific performance details on past technical documentation contracts, including any past performance issues or exceptional successes, would require a deeper dive into contract performance reports and historical award data beyond the scope of this summary.
How does the $21.1 million cost compare to similar technical manual contracts for radio and wireless communications equipment?
Benchmarking the $21.1 million cost requires comparing it to contracts of similar scope, duration, and complexity within the Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing sector, specifically for military applications. Given the contract's duration of over six years and its support for a critical operational test event for the Manpack program, the cost appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized technical support. Factors such as the number of manuals, the level of detail required, the need for updates, and the specific testing support contribute to the overall cost. Without access to a database of comparable contract pricing, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the firm-fixed-price nature suggests cost control.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?
The primary risks associated with this contract include the long performance period (over six years), which increases the potential for requirement changes or scope creep. Another risk is the reliance on a single contractor for critical operational test documentation; any performance issues could impact the test event's success. Mitigation strategies likely include robust contract management by the Army, clear definition of deliverables and milestones, and performance clauses within the firm-fixed-price agreement. The competitive award process also serves as an initial risk mitigation by selecting a capable vendor. The contractor's own quality control processes are also a key mitigation factor.
How effective is the 'full and open competition' strategy in ensuring value for this specific type of technical support service?
The 'full and open competition' strategy is generally effective in ensuring value for technical support services like this by maximizing the pool of potential bidders and fostering a competitive environment. This process encourages vendors to offer their best pricing and technical solutions to win the contract. For specialized services such as updating technical manuals and supporting operational tests, a broad competition can lead to innovation and cost savings. The effectiveness is further enhanced if the solicitation clearly defines requirements and evaluation criteria, allowing the government to select the best overall value, not just the lowest price.
What is the historical spending trend for technical documentation support within the Department of the Army for similar programs?
Historical spending trends for technical documentation support within the Department of the Army for similar programs indicate a consistent and significant investment. Programs involving complex equipment, such as communication systems (like Manpack), require ongoing updates to technical manuals, operational procedures, and maintenance guides throughout their lifecycle. Spending in this area is driven by technological advancements, evolving operational requirements, and the need to maintain readiness. While specific figures for the Manpack program's documentation support over time are not detailed here, the overall trend shows a sustained need for such services, often awarded through competitive contracts, with values ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars depending on the program's scale and duration.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Communications Equipment Manufacturing › Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: RTX Corp
Address: 400 COLLINS RD NE, CEDAR RAPIDS, IA, 52498
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $21,145,925
Exercised Options: $21,145,925
Current Obligation: $21,145,925
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W15P7T16D0003
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-04-08
Current End Date: 2026-06-13
Potential End Date: 2026-06-13 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-14
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