DoD awards $30.7M R&D contract for Missile and Space Systems to Westar Aerospace & Defense Group
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $30,750,484 ($30.8M)
Contractor: Westar Aerospace & Defense GRO
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2004-03-11
End Date: 2009-12-04
Contract Duration: 2,094 days
Daily Burn Rate: $14.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: 200407!001087!2100!W9113M!USA SPACE AND STRATEGIC DEF CDR !W9113M04C0017 !A!N! !N! ! !20040311!20050310!132013959!132013959!132013959!N!WESTAR AEROSPACE & DEFENSE GRO!6803 C3 ACADEMY PKWY NE !ALBUQUERQUE !NM!87109!37000!089!01!HUNTSVILLE !MADISON !ALABAMA !+000003030599!N!N!000031929566!AC23!RDTE/MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS-ADV TECH DEV !A2 !MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS !000 !* !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !A!U!U!2!002!E! !Z!Y!Z! ! !N!B!N!N! ! !Z! !A!A!00 !A!B!N! ! ! ! ! ! !0001! !
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35806
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $30.8 million to WESTAR AEROSPACE & DEFENSE GRO for work described as: 200407!001087!2100!W9113M!USA SPACE AND STRATEGIC DEF CDR !W9113M04C0017 !A!N! !N! ! !20040311!20050310!132013959!132013959!132013959!N!WESTAR AEROSPACE & DEFENSE GRO!6803 C3 ACADEMY PKWY NE !ALBUQUERQUE !NM!87109!37000!089!01!HUNTSVILLE !MADI… Key points: 1. Contract awarded for advanced technology development in missile and space systems. 2. Westar Aerospace & Defense Group is the sole contractor. 3. Significant duration of contract (2094 days) suggests a complex, long-term project. 4. Research and Development sector, indicating investment in future capabilities.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $30.7M over approximately 5.7 years is difficult to benchmark without specific project details. However, for R&D in advanced technologies, this value could be reasonable depending on the scope and innovation required.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating a limited competition. This method can sometimes lead to higher prices if the excluded sources were capable of providing competitive bids.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced R&D, which has the potential for future national security benefits, but the limited competition raises concerns about cost-effectiveness.
Public Impact
Investment in advanced missile and space systems technology. Potential for technological advancements benefiting national defense. Contract awarded to a single entity, limiting broader economic impact. Long-term commitment of funds for research and development.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition raises cost concerns.
- Lack of transparency in source exclusion.
- Long contract duration may not reflect current needs.
Positive Signals
- Focus on critical defense R&D.
- Potential for significant technological breakthroughs.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced technology development for missile and space systems. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining a technological edge in defense.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific provisions or awards made to small businesses under this contract. The primary contractor is Westar Aerospace & Defense Group.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), suggesting a level of oversight. However, the limited competition and 'cost plus fixed fee' structure warrant scrutiny to ensure efficient use of taxpayer funds.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition may inflate costs.
- Contract type (CPFF) can lead to cost overruns.
- Long contract duration (2094 days) poses risk of obsolescence or changing requirements.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
- Specific R&D outcomes and their impact are not detailed.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, al, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $30.8 million to WESTAR AEROSPACE & DEFENSE GRO. 200407!001087!2100!W9113M!USA SPACE AND STRATEGIC DEF CDR !W9113M04C0017 !A!N! !N! ! !20040311!20050310!132013959!132013959!132013959!N!WESTAR AEROSPACE & DEFENSE GRO!6803 C3 ACADEMY PKWY NE !ALBUQUERQUE !NM!87109!37000!089!01!HUNTSVILLE !MADISON !ALABAMA !+000003030599!N!N!000031929566!AC23!RDTE/MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS-ADV TECH DEV !A2 !MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS !000 !* !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !999
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is WESTAR AEROSPACE & DEFENSE GRO.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $30.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2004-03-11. End: 2009-12-04.
What specific technological advancements are expected from this R&D contract, and how do they align with current and future defense strategies?
The contract specifies 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' with a focus on 'Missile and Space Systems-Advanced Tech Dev.' Expected advancements likely include improvements in missile guidance, propulsion, space-based sensor technology, or strategic defense capabilities. These align with the DoD's ongoing need to maintain a technological advantage in contested domains and deter potential adversaries.
What were the specific reasons for excluding other potential sources, and was the exclusion process justified to ensure fair pricing?
The contract's 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' suggests that initial solicitations may have occurred, but only one source was deemed capable or suitable. Justification for exclusion typically involves proprietary technology, unique capabilities, or specific security requirements. Without detailed documentation, it's difficult to assess if this process truly ensured fair pricing or if alternative, more competitive avenues were overlooked.
How does the 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' (CPFF) contract type impact the government's ability to control costs and ensure value for money in this long-term R&D project?
The CPFF structure means the government reimburses the contractor's allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. While it incentivizes the contractor to control costs to maximize their fee, it can lead to cost overruns if initial estimates are inaccurate. For long-term R&D, the fixed fee might not adequately adjust for unforeseen complexities, potentially impacting the overall value for money compared to other contract types.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Contractor Details
Address: 6803 C3 ACADEMY PKWY NE, ALBUQUERQUE, NM, 87109
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2004-03-11
Current End Date: 2009-12-04
Potential End Date: 2009-12-04 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-06-15
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