DoD Awards $17.8M for Modeling & Analysis Support to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,825,026 ($17.8M)

Contractor: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-09-28

End Date: 2026-03-27

Contract Duration: 911 days

Daily Burn Rate: $19.6K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: UNDER THIS TASK ORDER, THE CONTRACTOR SHALL EMPLOY THEIR MODELING, SIMULATION, AND ANALYSIS (MS&A) FRAMEWORK, IN SUPPORT OF THE ANALYSIS CONDUCTED BY FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTERS (FFRDCS)

Place of Performance

Location: POWAY, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92064

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $17.8 million to GENERAL ATOMICS AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: UNDER THIS TASK ORDER, THE CONTRACTOR SHALL EMPLOY THEIR MODELING, SIMULATION, AND ANALYSIS (MS&A) FRAMEWORK, IN SUPPORT OF THE ANALYSIS CONDUCTED BY FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTERS (FFRDCS) Key points: 1. Contract focuses on Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A) framework. 2. Supports Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) in their analysis. 3. Awarded by the Department of the Army, a significant defense sector. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, indicating potential for cost overruns.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can lead to higher costs than fixed-price contracts if not managed carefully. Benchmarking CPFF contracts in R&D is difficult due to inherent variability.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, suggesting a sole-source award. Lack of competition limits price discovery and may result in a higher price than if multiple vendors had bid.

Taxpayer Impact: Without competition, taxpayers may be paying a premium for these MS&A services.

Public Impact

Supports critical research and development efforts within the Department of Defense. Enhances analytical capabilities for FFRDCs, potentially leading to better defense strategies. The use of MS&A frameworks is crucial for complex defense system development and evaluation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
Potential for cost overruns

Positive Signals

Supports critical R&D
Enhances FFRDC capabilities
Utilizes advanced MS&A frameworks

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is critical for technological advancement but requires careful oversight to ensure value for money.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific provisions or considerations for small businesses in this contract award.

Oversight & Accountability

The CPFF structure necessitates robust oversight to manage costs and ensure the contractor remains within the fixed fee parameters. The lack of competition also warrants scrutiny to ensure fair pricing.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competitive pricing.
CPFF contract type poses cost overrun risks.
Limited transparency on specific MS&A framework.
Potential for inflated costs due to lack of competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $17.8 million to GENERAL ATOMICS AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS, INC.. UNDER THIS TASK ORDER, THE CONTRACTOR SHALL EMPLOY THEIR MODELING, SIMULATION, AND ANALYSIS (MS&A) FRAMEWORK, IN SUPPORT OF THE ANALYSIS CONDUCTED BY FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTERS (FFRDCS)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GENERAL ATOMICS AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS, 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 $17.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-28. End: 2026-03-27.

What specific MS&A framework is being employed, and how does it compare to industry standards for similar R&D support contracts?

The specific MS&A framework is not detailed in the provided data. A thorough review would require access to the task order's statement of work. Comparing it to industry standards would involve analyzing the framework's capabilities, methodologies, and documented successes in similar research and development contexts to ensure it aligns with best practices and offers optimal value.

Given the sole-source nature, what steps were taken to ensure the fixed fee is reasonable and reflects fair market value for the services rendered?

Without competition, ensuring a reasonable fixed fee relies heavily on the agency's pre-award market research and cost analysis. This would typically involve comparing the proposed costs to historical data for similar services, consulting independent cost estimates, and potentially engaging with subject matter experts to validate the pricing structure and ensure it aligns with fair market value.

How will the effectiveness of the MS&A support be measured, particularly in relation to the FFRDCs' analytical outcomes and overall defense objectives?

Effectiveness measurement should be tied to specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals outlined in the task order. This could include metrics related to the accuracy and timeliness of analyses, the impact of the MS&A support on FFRDC decision-making, and the ultimate contribution to achieving key defense objectives. Regular performance reviews and milestone assessments are crucial.

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: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 14200 KIRKHAM WAY, POWAY, CA, 92064

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: $17,825,026

Exercised Options: $17,825,026

Current Obligation: $17,825,026

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 5

Total Subaward Amount: $1,234,968

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W31P4Q22D0025

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline