Army Futures Command's $29.5M R&D support contract awarded to Bennett Aerospace Inc. under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $29,461,114 ($29.5M)

Contractor: Bennett Aerospace Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-09-30

End Date: 2026-02-28

Contract Duration: 1,977 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: THIS PERFORMANCE-BASED TASK ORDER (TO), W15P7T20F0301, UNDER CONTRACT W15P7T-19-D-0014, ENTITLED, "CROSS FUNCTIONAL TEAM (CFT) S-2 ON-SITE SUPPORT SERVICES" IS IN SUPPORT OF ARMY FUTURES COMMAND (AFC).

Place of Performance

Location: ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, HARFORD County, MARYLAND, 21005

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $29.5 million to BENNETT AEROSPACE INC for work described as: THIS PERFORMANCE-BASED TASK ORDER (TO), W15P7T20F0301, UNDER CONTRACT W15P7T-19-D-0014, ENTITLED, "CROSS FUNCTIONAL TEAM (CFT) S-2 ON-SITE SUPPORT SERVICES" IS IN SUPPORT OF ARMY FUTURES COMMAND (AFC). Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical R&D support for Army Futures Command, indicating a need for specialized expertise. 2. The contract's duration of nearly 2,000 days suggests a long-term requirement for these services. 3. Awarded under full and open competition, this contract likely benefited from a competitive bidding process. 4. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure may incentivize contractor efficiency while managing project scope. 5. The specific NAICS code (541715) points to a focus on physical, engineering, and life sciences research. 6. The contract is a delivery order under a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract, suggesting a framework for ongoing support.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $29.5 million over its period of performance appears reasonable for specialized R&D support services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for on-site technical and research support within the Department of Defense would provide a more precise value assessment. The cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) pricing structure is common for R&D efforts where scope may evolve, but it requires careful oversight to ensure cost control and value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The presence of 8 bidders suggests a healthy level of competition for this requirement, which typically leads to more favorable pricing and innovative solutions for the government. The competitive process allows for price discovery and ensures that the government receives the best value available in the market.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down costs and improves service quality.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Army Futures Command, which receives crucial on-site support for its research and development initiatives. Services delivered include cross-functional team support, essential for advancing Army modernization efforts. The contract's impact is concentrated within Maryland, where the contractor is located and likely where services are performed. The contract supports specialized technical and research roles, potentially impacting the workforce in the R&D sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns inherent in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts if not closely monitored.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical on-site support could pose a risk if performance falters.
The long contract duration may require adjustments for evolving technological needs within Army Futures Command.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
The contract is performance-based, aligning contractor incentives with government objectives.
The contractor, Bennett Aerospace Inc., has a track record with government contracts, suggesting familiarity with requirements.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for R&D support services for defense agencies is substantial, with numerous firms specializing in providing technical expertise, analysis, and project management. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining technological superiority and advancing military capabilities. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing other contracts for similar R&D support services awarded to prime contractors by agencies like the Department of Defense.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the data does not indicate any specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem appears limited for this particular award. However, the prime contractor may engage small businesses as subcontractors, which would be detailed in their subcontracting plan if applicable.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of the Army and Army Futures Command. As a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract, rigorous financial oversight is expected to monitor expenditures and ensure compliance with the fixed fee. Transparency is facilitated through contract reporting mechanisms. The Inspector General's office within the Department of Defense would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Army Futures Command Initiatives
Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
Cross-Functional Team Support Services
On-Site Technical Support Contracts
Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee contract requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
Long contract duration may necessitate adaptability to evolving requirements.
Reliance on a single prime contractor for critical support functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $29.5 million to BENNETT AEROSPACE INC. THIS PERFORMANCE-BASED TASK ORDER (TO), W15P7T20F0301, UNDER CONTRACT W15P7T-19-D-0014, ENTITLED, "CROSS FUNCTIONAL TEAM (CFT) S-2 ON-SITE SUPPORT SERVICES" IS IN SUPPORT OF ARMY FUTURES COMMAND (AFC).

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BENNETT AEROSPACE 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 $29.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-09-30. End: 2026-02-28.

What is Bennett Aerospace Inc.'s track record with the Department of Defense, particularly in R&D support?

Bennett Aerospace Inc. has a history of performing contracts with the Department of Defense. While specific details on their R&D support track record for Army Futures Command require deeper analysis of contract performance data, their presence as a prime contractor suggests experience navigating federal procurement processes and delivering services. Further investigation into past performance reviews and contract awards would illuminate their specific capabilities and reliability in similar R&D support roles. Their ability to secure this contract under full and open competition indicates they met the government's requirements and demonstrated competitive qualifications.

How does the $29.5 million contract value compare to similar R&D support contracts for the Army?

The $29.5 million contract value for on-site R&D support services over approximately 1,977 days (roughly 5.4 years) appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized technical support within the Department of Defense. However, a precise comparison requires benchmarking against contracts with similar scopes of work, duration, and required expertise, specifically for Army Futures Command or equivalent research entities. Factors such as the level of technical specialization, security requirements, and geographic location can significantly influence pricing. Without access to a comprehensive database of comparable contracts, it's challenging to definitively state if this represents exceptional value, but the full and open competition suggests a market-driven price.

What are the primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract structure for the government?

The primary risk for the government with a CPFF contract structure is the potential for cost overruns if the contractor's actual costs exceed initial estimates. While the fixed fee provides the contractor with an incentive to control costs, there is less direct financial incentive compared to fixed-price contracts to minimize expenses. Effective oversight, detailed cost tracking, and robust auditing are crucial to mitigate this risk. The government must ensure that all costs claimed are reasonable, allocable, and allowable according to the contract terms to prevent unnecessary expenditure of taxpayer funds.

How effective is the competition level (8 bidders) in ensuring optimal value for this R&D support requirement?

A competition level with 8 bidders is generally considered robust and indicative of a healthy market for the R&D support services required by Army Futures Command. This level of competition typically provides the government with a strong basis for price discovery and allows for the selection of the offer that represents the best overall value, considering both technical approach and cost. It reduces the likelihood of a contractor having excessive market power and encourages competitive pricing. The government's ability to select from multiple qualified proposals enhances the probability of securing high-quality services at a fair and reasonable price.

What are the implications of this contract for Army Futures Command's modernization goals?

This contract directly supports Army Futures Command's (AFC) mission by providing essential on-site cross-functional team (CFT) support services. AFC is tasked with identifying and developing future warfighting capabilities, a complex process requiring specialized expertise and dedicated personnel. The R&D support funded by this contract likely contributes to critical research, experimentation, and analysis necessary for AFC to achieve its modernization objectives. The continuity of support, indicated by the contract's duration, suggests a stable resource enabling sustained progress on AFC's strategic initiatives.

Are there any specific performance metrics or Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) associated with this contract that indicate success?

The provided data does not explicitly detail the specific performance metrics or Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract. However, as a performance-based task order, it is highly probable that such metrics are defined within the broader contract W15P7T-19-D-0014 or the task order itself. These would typically relate to the quality, timeliness, and effectiveness of the cross-functional team support provided to Army Futures Command. Without access to the full contract documentation, a definitive assessment of performance monitoring is not possible, but the performance-based nature implies a focus on measurable outcomes.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and 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: 8

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1100 CRESCENT GREEN STE 250, CARY, NC, 27518

Business Categories: Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Other Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $30,950,445

Exercised Options: $30,950,445

Current Obligation: $29,461,114

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W15P7T19D0014

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline