DoD awards $16M contract for robot maintenance, with Amentum Services Inc. as the primary contractor

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,080,283 ($16.1M)

Contractor: Amentum Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-07-17

End Date: 2030-09-30

Contract Duration: 2,632 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Defense

Official Description: RLSC - ROBOT MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: CHANTILLY, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20151

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $16.1 million to AMENTUM SERVICES, INC. for work described as: RLSC - ROBOT MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the duration and scope of robot maintenance and operations support. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration of over 7 years indicates a long-term need for these services. 4. The primary contractor, Amentum Services, Inc., has a significant presence in government contracting. 5. The contract is categorized under General Automotive Repair, aligning with the stated services. 6. The use of 'Delivery Order' suggests this is part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a similar framework.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $16 million over a period of more than 7 years suggests a moderate annual spend for robot maintenance and operations support. Benchmarking this against similar contracts is challenging without more specific details on the types of robots and the scope of 'maintenance and operations.' However, the pricing structure, likely based on labor hours and potentially parts, will be critical in determining true value for money. The fact that it was awarded under full and open competition may indicate competitive pricing was achieved.

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 bids. The presence of two bids suggests a degree of competition, though the exact number of potential bidders in this specialized field is unknown. A competitive process is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages multiple companies to bid, potentially driving down costs and improving service quality through competitive pressures.

Public Impact

The Department of the Army benefits from sustained operational readiness of its robotic assets. Services include maintenance and operations support for various robotic systems. The contract is geographically focused on Virginia, where the Army has significant installations. Workforce implications include potential employment opportunities for skilled technicians and support staff in Virginia.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if maintenance needs are underestimated or unforeseen issues arise.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical robot maintenance could lead to supply chain vulnerabilities.
Scope creep could increase the overall cost beyond the initial $16 million estimate.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process and potential for competitive pricing.
Amentum Services, Inc. is an established government contractor with experience in similar support services.
The long contract duration provides stability and predictability for essential robotic system upkeep.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader defense services sector, specifically focusing on the maintenance and operational support of specialized equipment, including robotics. The market for defense logistics and maintenance is substantial, with numerous companies vying for contracts. This specific award contributes to the overall spending on readiness and modernization within the Department of Defense, ensuring that advanced robotic assets remain functional and effective.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting goals for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem appears limited unless Amentum Services, Inc. voluntarily engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are indirectly benefiting through the supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Army's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are usually embedded within the contract terms, including performance standards, delivery schedules, and payment clauses. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific operational details may remain sensitive.

Related Government Programs

Robotics and Autonomous Systems Support
Department of Defense Maintenance Contracts
General Automotive Repair Services
Logistics and Support Services
Army Readiness and Sustainment Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may outpace technological advancements.
Potential for scope creep impacting final cost.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $16.1 million to AMENTUM SERVICES, INC.. RLSC - ROBOT MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AMENTUM SERVICES, 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 $16.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-07-17. End: 2030-09-30.

What specific types of robots are covered under this maintenance contract?

The provided data does not specify the exact types of robots covered under this contract. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 811111, 'General Automotive Repair,' suggests a focus on mechanical and operational aspects that might be common across various robotic platforms, potentially including those with vehicular or mobile components. However, without further details, it's difficult to ascertain if this includes highly specialized or advanced robotic systems requiring unique maintenance protocols. Understanding the specific robotic platforms would allow for a more precise assessment of the contract's scope and the contractor's capabilities.

How does the annual cost of this contract compare to similar robot maintenance contracts within the DoD?

The annual value of this contract, approximately $16 million spread over more than 7 years, averages to roughly $2.2 million per year. Direct comparison to similar robot maintenance contracts is challenging without more granular data on the types and quantities of robots, the complexity of their systems, and the specific services required (e.g., preventative maintenance, repair, software updates, operational support). Contracts for maintaining complex military hardware can vary significantly. However, given the duration and the nature of 'maintenance and operations support,' this annual figure appears within a plausible range for supporting a fleet of robotic assets, assuming they are not exceptionally high-cost or numerous.

What is Amentum Services, Inc.'s track record with similar DoD maintenance contracts?

Amentum Services, Inc. is a significant government contractor with a substantial history of performing logistics, maintenance, and support services for the Department of Defense across various domains. While the specific data provided here doesn't detail their past performance on robot maintenance, their broader portfolio often includes complex systems support, vehicle maintenance, and base operations. Their experience suggests they possess the organizational capacity and technical expertise to manage such contracts. A deeper dive into their contract history, past performance reviews, and any relevant awards or penalties would provide a more definitive assessment of their suitability for this specific robot maintenance role.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of this contract?

The provided data does not explicitly list the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract. However, typical KPIs for maintenance and operations support contracts include metrics such as response time for service requests, Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) for the robots, Mean Time To Repair (MTTR), availability rates of the robotic systems, and adherence to preventative maintenance schedules. The contract likely includes specific Service Level Agreements (SLAs) that define these performance expectations and the consequences for failing to meet them. These KPIs are crucial for ensuring the operational readiness of the robotic assets.

What is the historical spending trend for robot maintenance within the Department of the Army?

The provided data focuses on a single contract award and does not offer historical spending trends for robot maintenance within the Department of the Army. To analyze such trends, one would need access to historical contract databases, examining spending patterns over multiple fiscal years, identifying key contractors, and tracking the evolution of robotic technology adoption and associated support costs. This single award suggests a continued investment in robotic capabilities and their sustainment, but it does not provide a comprehensive view of the Army's overall budget allocation for this specific area over time.

Are there any identified risks associated with the long duration of this contract (over 7 years)?

Yes, there are potential risks associated with a contract of this duration. Technological obsolescence is a primary concern; robotic technology evolves rapidly, and a 7+ year contract might lock the DoD into maintaining older systems. Furthermore, long-term contracts can sometimes lead to complacency or reduced incentive for innovation from the contractor. Economic fluctuations and changes in defense priorities could also impact the contract's relevance or funding. To mitigate these risks, contracts often include clauses for review, modification, or termination for convenience, and performance-based metrics are essential to ensure continued value.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Other Services (except Public Administration) › Automotive Repair and Maintenance › General Automotive Repair

Product/Service Code: TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVE SVCS. › TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVE SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: PAE Government Services Inc.

Address: 4800 WESTFIELDS BLVD STE 400, CHANTILLY, VA, 20151

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,080,283

Exercised Options: $16,080,283

Current Obligation: $16,080,283

Actual Outlays: $381,893

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NOT OBTAINED - WAIVED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W56HZV22DER04

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline