DoD's $17M R&D Contract for Soldier Situational Awareness Awarded to Leidos, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,081,343 ($17.1M)

Contractor: Leidos, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2016-01-04

End Date: 2020-01-03

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF NETT NETSERVICE DEMONSTRATION FOR IMPROVED INTEGRATION OF SOLDIER SITUATIONAL AWARENESS COMPONENTS BASE PERIOD (12 MONTHS)

Place of Performance

Location: LITTLETON, ARAPAHOE County, COLORADO, 80120

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $17.1 million to LEIDOS, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF NETT NETSERVICE DEMONSTRATION FOR IMPROVED INTEGRATION OF SOLDIER SITUATIONAL AWARENESS COMPONENTS BASE PERIOD (12 MONTHS) Key points: 1. The contract focuses on integrating soldier situational awareness components, a critical area for defense. 2. Leidos, Inc., a major defense contractor, secured this award. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 4. The sector is Research and Development, specifically in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee. While common in R&D, it carries inherent risk of cost escalation if the scope is not tightly controlled or if unforeseen technical challenges arise.

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, the specific pricing discovery mechanisms within the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure warrant scrutiny to ensure value for money.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced R&D in defense technology. The effectiveness of the spending will depend on the successful integration and deployment of the situational awareness components.

Public Impact

Enhances soldier capabilities through improved situational awareness technology. Supports innovation in defense R&D, potentially leading to future technological advancements. Invests in technologies that could improve soldier safety and mission effectiveness.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns.
  • Long performance period (4 years) increases risk of scope creep or obsolescence.
  • No explicit mention of small business participation.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded under full and open competition.
  • Focuses on a critical defense capability (situational awareness).
  • Contractor has a strong track record in defense systems.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced physical and engineering sciences. Defense R&D spending benchmarks vary widely, but this amount is moderate for a specific technology integration project.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small businesses were not directly involved in this prime contract award, as the 'sb' field is false. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be crucial for the Department of Defense to manage the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure effectively, ensuring that the fixed fee remains appropriate and that costs are controlled throughout the contract's duration.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

  • Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
  • Risk of technology obsolescence over the contract duration.
  • Lack of transparency on small business subcontracting.
  • Unclear performance metrics and ROI.
  • Dependency on a single large contractor for critical technology integration.

Tags

research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, co, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $17.1 million to LEIDOS, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF NETT NETSERVICE DEMONSTRATION FOR IMPROVED INTEGRATION OF SOLDIER SITUATIONAL AWARENESS COMPONENTS BASE PERIOD (12 MONTHS)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LEIDOS, 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 $17.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-01-04. End: 2020-01-03.

What is the projected return on investment for this situational awareness technology?

The projected return on investment is not explicitly detailed in the provided data. However, the investment aims to improve soldier effectiveness and safety, which are key strategic objectives for the Department of Defense. Quantifying ROI in R&D is challenging, but successful integration could lead to reduced mission failures and enhanced operational capabilities, indirectly justifying the expenditure.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract to ensure successful integration?

Key performance indicators are not specified in the provided data. Typically, for such R&D contracts, KPIs would focus on technical milestones, successful demonstration of integrated functionalities, adherence to interoperability standards, and performance metrics of the developed situational awareness components under simulated or real-world conditions.

How will the government ensure the fixed fee remains fair given potential R&D uncertainties?

Ensuring the fixed fee remains fair involves robust initial negotiation based on realistic cost estimates and a well-defined scope. Continuous oversight by the contracting officer is essential to monitor progress, manage any scope changes through formal modification processes, and assess the contractor's performance against agreed-upon milestones. Any adjustments to the fee would typically require justification and formal modification.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesScientific Research and Development ServicesResearch and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENTOTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1750 PRESIDENTS ST FL 4, RESTON, VA, 20190

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $23,835,830

Exercised Options: $23,835,830

Current Obligation: $17,081,343

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 54

Total Subaward Amount: $10,792,148

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADU420

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2016-01-04

Current End Date: 2020-01-03

Potential End Date: 2020-01-03 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-08-18

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