DoD Awards $40.2M for Radar Interface Units to Raytheon Company, Raising Competition Concerns

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $40,239,964 ($40.2M)

Contractor: Raytheon Company

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-03-15

End Date: 2024-09-26

Contract Duration: 561 days

Daily Burn Rate: $71.7K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE LEVEL OF EFFORT

Sector: IT

Official Description: AMDC RADAR INTERFACE UNIT (RIU) A-KITS

Place of Performance

Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35806

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $40.2 million to RAYTHEON COMPANY for work described as: AMDC RADAR INTERFACE UNIT (RIU) A-KITS Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $40.2M for specialized radar components. 2. Sole-source award to Raytheon Company limits competitive pricing. 3. Potential for higher costs due to lack of competition. 4. IT sector spending, specifically computer systems design services.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract's fixed-price level-of-effort structure with a significant value raises questions about cost efficiency without competitive bidding. Benchmarking against similar radar interface unit contracts is difficult due to the sole-source nature.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This method bypasses the price discovery benefits of a competitive process, potentially leading to less favorable pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in taxpayers paying a premium for these radar interface units.

Public Impact

Military readiness may be impacted by the availability of these critical radar components. Raytheon Company solidifies its position as a key supplier for defense systems. Taxpayer funds are allocated to a single vendor without competitive validation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Positive Signals

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under IT services, specifically computer systems design, for the Department of the Army. Spending in this sub-sector can vary widely based on technological advancements and defense needs.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates no specific set-aside for small businesses in this contract award. Larger prime contractors like Raytheon often manage subcontracts, but direct small business participation is not evident here.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is crucial for sole-source contracts to ensure fair pricing and prevent potential waste. The Department of Defense should scrutinize the necessity of the sole-source justification and monitor contract performance closely.

Related Government Programs

Risk Flags

Tags

computer-systems-design-services, department-of-defense, al, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $40.2 million to RAYTHEON COMPANY. AMDC RADAR INTERFACE UNIT (RIU) A-KITS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RAYTHEON COMPANY.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $40.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-03-15. End: 2024-09-26.

What is the justification for the sole-source award of the AMDC RADAR INTERFACE UNIT (RIU) A-KITS contract to Raytheon Company?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves factors such as unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent and compelling needs where only one source can reasonably fulfill the requirement. Without specific documentation, it's difficult to ascertain the precise reason, but it suggests a perceived lack of viable alternatives or a critical dependency on Raytheon's specific product.

How does the lack of competition potentially impact the long-term cost of ownership for these radar interface units?

A sole-source award removes the downward pressure on pricing that competition provides. Over the life of the system, this can lead to significantly higher costs for sustainment, upgrades, and future procurements. The government may be locked into paying Raytheon's set prices without opportunities for negotiation based on market alternatives.

What measures can the Department of the Army implement to ensure value for money despite this being a sole-source contract?

The Army can implement robust performance monitoring, conduct independent cost analyses, and negotiate favorable terms for future options or related procurements. Engaging in early market research for potential future needs and exploring technology insertion opportunities that might allow for future competition are also key strategies to mitigate the risks of sole-source awards.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesComputer Systems Design and Related ServicesComputer Systems Design Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE LEVEL OF EFFORT (B)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Rockwell Collins Australia PTY Limited

Address: 401 JAN DAVIS DR NW, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35806

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: $40,239,964

Exercised Options: $40,239,964

Current Obligation: $40,239,964

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W31P4Q20D0019

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2023-03-15

Current End Date: 2024-09-26

Potential End Date: 2024-09-26 12:09:00

Last Modified: 2024-09-13

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