DoD's $15.4M Ground Soldier Ensemble Program: 70 Prototypes for Soldier Tech
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $15,421,865 ($15.4M)
Contractor: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2009-04-15
End Date: 2011-12-30
Contract Duration: 989 days
Daily Burn Rate: $15.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT PHASE FOR THE GROUND SOLDIER ENSEMBLE (GSE) PROGRAM. PROCUREMENT INCLUDES THE DELIVERY OF 10 GSE PROTOTYPE SYSTEMS AS PART OF THE PROTOTYPE PHASE AND DELIVERY OF 60 GSE REFINED SYSTEMS AS PART OF THE REFINEMENT PHASE.
Place of Performance
Location: CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN County, IOWA, 52498
State: Iowa Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $15.4 million to ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC. for work described as: TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT PHASE FOR THE GROUND SOLDIER ENSEMBLE (GSE) PROGRAM. PROCUREMENT INCLUDES THE DELIVERY OF 10 GSE PROTOTYPE SYSTEMS AS PART OF THE PROTOTYPE PHASE AND DELIVERY OF 60 GSE REFINED SYSTEMS AS PART OF THE REFINEMENT PHASE. Key points: 1. The Ground Soldier Ensemble (GSE) program aims to develop advanced technology for soldiers. 2. Rockwell Collins, Inc. is the sole contractor for this phase, raising questions about competition. 3. The contract's cost-plus-fixed-fee structure may incentivize cost overruns. 4. This program falls under the Defense sector, specifically focusing on soldier modernization.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The total award of $15.4M for 70 prototype and refined systems appears high given the early development stage. Benchmarking against similar technology development contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, Rockwell Collins, Inc. is the only listed contractor for this specific award, which warrants further investigation into the bidding landscape.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in advanced soldier technology, with the ultimate goal of improving soldier effectiveness and safety. The cost-effectiveness of this investment will depend on the program's success and future procurement.
Public Impact
Enhances soldier capabilities through integrated technology. Potential for improved battlefield situational awareness and survivability. Represents a significant investment in military modernization. Future phases could lead to widespread soldier equipment upgrades.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type
- Sole contractor listed for this award
- Long contract duration for development phase
Positive Signals
- Focus on critical soldier technology
- Awarded under full and open competition
- Prototype development for refinement
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically focusing on technology development for individual soldiers. Spending benchmarks for similar soldier modernization programs are highly variable, depending on the specific technologies and quantities involved.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses (sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was sought or achieved through subcontracting.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense, through the Defense Contract Management Agency, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Accountability will be measured by the successful delivery of prototype and refined systems within budget and schedule.
Related Government Programs
- Other Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited visibility into competition details beyond initial award
- Long contract duration for development phase
Tags
other-computer-peripheral-equipment-manu, department-of-defense, ia, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $15.4 million to ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC.. TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT PHASE FOR THE GROUND SOLDIER ENSEMBLE (GSE) PROGRAM. PROCUREMENT INCLUDES THE DELIVERY OF 10 GSE PROTOTYPE SYSTEMS AS PART OF THE PROTOTYPE PHASE AND DELIVERY OF 60 GSE REFINED SYSTEMS AS PART OF THE REFINEMENT PHASE.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ROCKWELL COLLINS, 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 $15.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2009-04-15. End: 2011-12-30.
What is the projected long-term cost savings or operational advantage expected from the Ground Soldier Ensemble program?
The long-term cost savings or operational advantages are not explicitly detailed in this award data. However, the program's objective is to enhance soldier effectiveness, potentially reducing casualties and improving mission success rates. Quantifying these benefits requires further analysis of the program's lifecycle costs and demonstrated performance improvements in operational environments.
What specific risks are associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this technology development phase?
The primary risk with a CPFF contract is that the contractor may have less incentive to control costs compared to fixed-price contracts, as the government agrees to pay all allowable costs plus a fixed fee. This can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently. For technology development, where requirements can evolve, CPFF can offer flexibility but requires robust government oversight to ensure cost efficiency.
How will the effectiveness of the 70 GSE systems be measured and validated before broader procurement?
The effectiveness of the GSE systems will likely be measured through rigorous testing and evaluation protocols during the prototype and refinement phases. This would involve field trials, user feedback from soldiers, and performance assessments against defined requirements. Validation ensures that the technology meets operational needs and provides the intended benefits before committing to larger-scale procurement.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing › Other Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: W56HZV09R0020
Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 400 COLLINS ROAD NE, CEDAR RAPIDS, IA, 52406
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $15,421,865
Exercised Options: $15,421,865
Current Obligation: $15,421,865
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2009-04-15
Current End Date: 2011-12-30
Potential End Date: 2011-12-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2018-10-24
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