DoD's $31.6M JIADS Support Task Order Awarded to Scientific Research Corporation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,648,672 ($31.6M)

Contractor: Scientific Research Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-07-02

End Date: 2024-04-10

Contract Duration: 1,378 days

Daily Burn Rate: $23.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: FIFTH TASK ORDER FOR JOINT PACIFIC ALASKA RANGE COMPLEX INTEGRATED AIR DEFENSE SYSTEMS (JIADS) SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: ATLANTA, COBB County, GEORGIA, 30339

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $31.6 million to SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CORPORATION for work described as: FIFTH TASK ORDER FOR JOINT PACIFIC ALASKA RANGE COMPLEX INTEGRATED AIR DEFENSE SYSTEMS (JIADS) SUPPORT Key points: 1. Value for money assessed through comparison to similar engineering services contracts. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, potentially driving competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators include the cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type, which may allow for cost overruns. 4. Performance context is within the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex Integrated Air Defense Systems (JIADS) support. 5. Sector positioning is within Engineering Services, supporting critical defense infrastructure.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $31.6 million for engineering services appears reasonable when benchmarked against similar support contracts for complex defense systems. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure, while offering flexibility, warrants close monitoring to ensure costs remain within projected bounds. The duration of the contract (1378 days) suggests a substantial scope of work, and the pricing should be evaluated against industry standards for specialized engineering support.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, suggesting that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The presence of a competitive bidding process is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive offers. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation implies a robust competition.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition typically leads to better pricing for taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment among contractors, driving down costs through market forces.

Public Impact

Benefits the Department of Defense by ensuring the continued operational readiness of the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex Integrated Air Defense Systems. Delivers essential engineering services for the maintenance, sustainment, and potential upgrades of critical air defense infrastructure. Geographic impact is focused on Alaska, supporting national defense capabilities in a strategic region. Workforce implications include the potential for highly skilled engineering and technical jobs, both within the contractor's organization and potentially supporting roles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type can incentivize higher costs if not managed diligently.
Long contract duration may present challenges in adapting to evolving technological requirements.
Reliance on a single task order for a significant portion of JIADS support could pose a risk if the contractor underperforms.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive selection process.
Contractor has experience in supporting complex defense systems, suggesting relevant expertise.
Task order supports critical national defense infrastructure, aligning with strategic priorities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, a vital component of the defense industrial base. The market for specialized engineering support for complex defense systems like integrated air defense is highly competitive and requires significant technical expertise. Spending in this area is driven by the need to maintain and modernize aging military infrastructure and systems, with comparable contracts often involving long-term sustainment and upgrade services.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting goals for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are participating in the supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of the Army, with specific program managers responsible for monitoring performance, costs, and adherence to contract terms. The cost-plus-fixed-fee nature necessitates robust financial oversight to prevent cost overruns. Transparency is generally maintained through contract reporting mechanisms, and the Inspector General's office would have jurisdiction over any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex (JPARC) Operations
Air Defense Systems Sustainment
Integrated Air Defense Systems (IADS) Modernization
Department of Defense Engineering Services Contracts
North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Support

Risk Flags

Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
Long contract duration may present challenges in adapting to technological advancements.
Potential for cost overruns inherent in CPFF contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $31.6 million to SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CORPORATION. FIFTH TASK ORDER FOR JOINT PACIFIC ALASKA RANGE COMPLEX INTEGRATED AIR DEFENSE SYSTEMS (JIADS) SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $31.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-07-02. End: 2024-04-10.

What is the track record of Scientific Research Corporation in supporting Department of Defense contracts, particularly those involving air defense systems?

Scientific Research Corporation (SRC) has a notable history of supporting Department of Defense (DoD) contracts, often focusing on complex systems integration, command and control, and electronic warfare. While specific details on their involvement with the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex Integrated Air Defense Systems (JIADS) prior to this task order are not provided in the summary data, SRC's general profile suggests they possess the technical capabilities required for such work. Their past performance on similar defense contracts would be a key factor in their selection for this task order. A deeper dive into their contract history, including past performance reviews and any reported issues on similar projects, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their suitability and reliability for this specific JIADS support role.

How does the awarded amount of $31.6 million compare to historical spending on JIADS support or similar engineering services for air defense systems?

The $31.6 million awarded for this fifth task order represents a significant investment in the sustainment and support of the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex Integrated Air Defense Systems (JIADS). To benchmark this value effectively, it would be necessary to compare it against previous task orders for JIADS support, if available, and against similar engineering services contracts awarded by the Department of Defense for other air defense systems. Factors such as the scope of work, duration, complexity of the systems supported, and the specific services rendered (e.g., maintenance, upgrades, integration) would influence these comparisons. Without direct comparative data on historical JIADS spending or analogous contracts, it is challenging to definitively state whether this amount represents exceptional value, is in line with market rates, or is potentially inflated. However, the 'full and open competition' award mechanism suggests an effort to achieve competitive pricing.

What are the primary risks associated with the 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' (CPFF) contract type for this JIADS support task order?

The primary risk associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this JIADS support task order is the potential for cost overruns. Under a CPFF structure, the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing their profit. While the fixed fee provides some incentive for the contractor to control costs (as their profit is capped), it does not directly link their profit to cost savings. If the contractor's actual costs exceed initial estimates, the government bears the burden of these increased expenses, up to the point where the contract's ceiling is reached. Effective oversight, rigorous cost tracking, and clear definition of allowable costs are crucial to mitigate this risk and ensure the government receives value for its expenditure. The long duration of the contract (1378 days) can exacerbate this risk if cost estimation is not robust.

What is the expected impact of this contract on the operational effectiveness and readiness of the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex?

This contract is expected to have a direct and positive impact on the operational effectiveness and readiness of the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex (JPARC) by ensuring the continued functionality and support of its Integrated Air Defense Systems (JIADS). These systems are critical for maintaining situational awareness, controlling airspace, and defending against aerial threats within a strategically important region. The engineering services provided under this task order likely encompass maintenance, sustainment, troubleshooting, and potentially minor upgrades or modifications necessary to keep the air defense systems operating optimally. By addressing technical issues and ensuring system availability, this contract contributes to the overall mission readiness of military forces operating in and around Alaska, bolstering national security.

How has federal spending on engineering services for air defense systems evolved over the past five years, and where does this contract fit within that trend?

Federal spending on engineering services for air defense systems has generally remained robust, driven by ongoing modernization efforts, sustainment of existing platforms, and the evolving threat landscape. While specific aggregate data for 'air defense systems engineering services' is not readily available in the summary, broader trends in defense spending indicate consistent investment in maintaining and upgrading critical capabilities. This $31.6 million task order for JIADS support fits within this trend as a specific instance of investment in a key component of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) infrastructure. The duration and value suggest a significant, multi-year commitment to ensuring the operational readiness of these systems, reflecting the government's ongoing prioritization of airspace security and defense capabilities in strategic locations like Alaska.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: W900KK15R0005

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2300 WINDY RGE PWY STE 400S, ATLANTA, GA, 30339

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: $31,648,672

Exercised Options: $31,648,672

Current Obligation: $31,648,672

Actual Outlays: $4,345,813

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 33

Total Subaward Amount: $22,985,762

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W900KK15D0005

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline