DoD's $38M GAS I Contract Awarded to Leidos, Inc. for R&D Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $38,169,691 ($38.2M)

Contractor: Leidos, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2018-03-26

End Date: 2019-09-25

Contract Duration: 548 days

Daily Burn Rate: $69.7K/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 -- GLOBAL AVIATION SUPPORT I (GAS I)

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $38.2 million to LEIDOS, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF -- GLOBAL AVIATION SUPPORT I (GAS I) Key points: 1. Leidos, Inc. secured a $38.17M contract for aviation support R&D. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition. 3. The R&D focus is on physical, engineering, and life sciences. 4. This award represents a significant investment in aviation technology. 5. The contract duration was 548 days.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult due to the specialized nature of the work.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure may limit the incentive for the contractor to aggressively control costs.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced aviation research and development, aiming for technological improvements that could have long-term benefits.

Public Impact

Enhances U.S. military aviation capabilities through research. Supports technological advancements in the aerospace sector. Potential for spin-off technologies benefiting civilian aviation. Invests in specialized R&D expertise within the defense industry.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize cost overruns.
  • Limited visibility into specific R&D deliverables and outcomes.
  • Potential for scope creep in research and development projects.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded under full and open competition.
  • Focus on critical aviation R&D for national security.
  • Contract awarded to a known industry leader.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority but requires careful oversight to ensure value for money.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific involvement or benefit to small businesses in this particular contract award. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were made available.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of the Army, a component of the Department of Defense. Oversight would typically involve program managers ensuring R&D milestones are met and costs are controlled within the fixed fee.

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

  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
  • Potential for R&D scope creep.
  • Limited public information on specific R&D deliverables.
  • No explicit mention of small business participation.

Tags

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $38.2 million to LEIDOS, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF -- GLOBAL AVIATION SUPPORT I (GAS I)

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 $38.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-03-26. End: 2019-09-25.

What specific aviation technologies or capabilities were the primary focus of this R&D contract, and how do they align with current DoD strategic priorities?

The contract focused on Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology) under the GLOBAL AVIATION SUPPORT I (GAS I) program. While the specific technological advancements are not detailed, such R&D typically aims to enhance aircraft performance, survivability, operational efficiency, or introduce novel capabilities. Alignment with DoD priorities would depend on whether the research directly supports ongoing modernization efforts, addresses emerging threats, or explores next-generation aviation concepts.

Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type, what mechanisms were in place to mitigate the risk of cost overruns and ensure efficient use of taxpayer funds?

CPFF contracts, while allowing for flexibility in R&D, inherently carry a risk of cost overruns. Mitigation mechanisms would typically include stringent oversight by the contracting officer and technical representatives, detailed review of incurred costs against the fixed fee, performance metrics tied to deliverables, and potentially incentive clauses for exceeding performance targets or achieving cost savings. Regular progress reports and audits are also crucial for monitoring.

How will the outcomes of this $38M R&D investment be measured to determine its effectiveness and long-term value to the Department of Defense?

Effectiveness is typically measured against predefined research objectives and performance metrics outlined in the contract Statement of Work. This could include successful prototype development, validation of new technologies, achievement of specific performance benchmarks, or the generation of intellectual property. Long-term value is assessed by how well the R&D outcomes contribute to improved military capabilities, reduced operational costs, or enhanced national security posture over time.

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

Solicitation ID: W911NF17R0006

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Leidos Holdings, Inc. (UEI: 611641312)

Address: 11951 FREEDOM DR, 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: $38,218,067

Exercised Options: $38,218,067

Current Obligation: $38,169,691

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 16

Total Subaward Amount: $43,034,044

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W911NF17D0018

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2018-03-26

Current End Date: 2019-09-25

Potential End Date: 2019-09-25 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2021-05-19

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