DARPA contract for interior reconnaissance systems awarded to RTX BBN Technologies for $16.46 million

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,457,619 ($16.5M)

Contractor: RTX BBN Technologies, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2009-12-31

End Date: 2012-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,096 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 13

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: U435CFM BAA DARPA COMPREHENSIVE INTERIOR RECONNAISSANCE

Place of Performance

Location: CAMBRIDGE, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02138

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $16.5 million to RTX BBN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: U435CFM BAA DARPA COMPREHENSIVE INTERIOR RECONNAISSANCE Key points: 1. Contract awarded for research and development in physical sciences, focusing on interior reconnaissance. 2. RTX BBN Technologies, a known entity in defense contracting, secured this definitive contract. 3. The contract duration of 1096 days suggests a substantial R&D effort. 4. Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a broad search for qualified contractors. 5. The cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure incentivizes cost control while allowing for flexibility in R&D. 6. This contract falls under the broad category of defense research and development.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific R&D contract is challenging due to its specialized nature and the lack of directly comparable public data. The $16.46 million award over approximately three years for comprehensive interior reconnaissance systems suggests a significant investment in advanced technology development. Without more detailed performance metrics or cost breakdowns, it's difficult to definitively assess value for money. However, the CPFF contract type implies that costs will be scrutinized, and the fixed fee provides a ceiling for contractor profit.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that the Department of Defense sought proposals from all responsible sources. This approach typically fosters a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and innovative solutions. The presence of 13 bids indicates a healthy level of interest and competition for this R&D opportunity.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging a wider range of solutions and potentially driving down costs through market forces.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and its various branches, which will receive advanced interior reconnaissance capabilities. The services delivered include research and development of novel technologies for detecting and mapping interior environments. The geographic impact is likely focused on defense installations and operational theaters where such reconnaissance is needed. Workforce implications may include specialized engineers, researchers, and technicians employed by RTX BBN Technologies and its subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The CPFF contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.
The specialized nature of R&D makes it difficult to predict outcomes and final costs precisely.
Reliance on a single contractor for a specific R&D project can create knowledge silos.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
The contract duration of nearly three years allows for thorough research and development.
RTX BBN Technologies has a significant track record in defense and technology sectors.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader defense sector, specifically focusing on research and development of advanced sensor and reconnaissance technologies. The market for such specialized R&D is driven by government funding and the need for technological superiority. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without knowing the specific technological advancements sought, but R&D contracts of this magnitude are common within major defense initiatives.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). While RTX BBN Technologies is a large prime contractor, there may be opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors. The extent of small business subcontracting would depend on RTX BBN's procurement strategy and the specific needs of the R&D project.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), which is responsible for ensuring contractor performance and compliance. The CPFF structure necessitates close monitoring of costs and progress. Transparency is generally maintained through contract reporting requirements, though specific R&D details may be sensitive.

Related Government Programs

DARPA Research Programs
Advanced Reconnaissance Systems
Sensor Technology Development
Department of Defense R&D Contracts

Risk Flags

Contract type (CPFF) requires diligent cost oversight.
R&D projects inherently carry technical and schedule risks.
Specific technological details are not publicly disclosed, limiting performance assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $16.5 million to RTX BBN TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. U435CFM BAA DARPA COMPREHENSIVE INTERIOR RECONNAISSANCE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RTX BBN TECHNOLOGIES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $16.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-12-31. End: 2012-12-31.

What is the specific technological focus of the 'Comprehensive Interior Reconnaissance' R&D?

The term 'Comprehensive Interior Reconnaissance' suggests the development of systems capable of detecting, mapping, and potentially identifying objects or individuals within enclosed structures. This could involve a range of technologies such as advanced imaging (e.g., thermal, low-light, through-wall), acoustic sensing, lidar, or other sensor fusion techniques. The goal is likely to provide warfighters with enhanced situational awareness in complex indoor environments, potentially for applications like urban warfare, special operations, or base security. The specific technological advancements pursued under this DARPA BAA (Broad Agency Announcement) would have been detailed in the solicitation documents, which are not publicly available in this data extract.

How does the $16.46 million award compare to other DARPA R&D contracts in similar fields?

Comparing this $16.46 million award to other DARPA R&D contracts requires access to a broader dataset of DARPA's contract history. DARPA funds a wide spectrum of research, from fundamental science to applied technology development, with contract values varying significantly based on the scope, duration, and technological risk. Contracts for advanced sensor development or robotics, which could be related to interior reconnaissance, often range from a few million to tens of millions of dollars. Given the 1096-day duration (approximately three years), this award appears to be a substantial investment for a specific R&D objective within DARPA's portfolio, suggesting a project of significant technical ambition and potential impact.

What are the key risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for R&D?

The primary risks associated with a CPFF contract for R&D involve potential cost overruns and the contractor's incentive to manage costs efficiently. While the 'cost plus' portion covers allowable expenses incurred by the contractor, the 'fixed fee' represents the contractor's profit, which is agreed upon upfront. If costs escalate significantly beyond initial projections, the government bears the burden of these increased expenses up to the contract ceiling. The risk for the contractor lies in accurately estimating the effort required to achieve the R&D objectives within the scope of the fixed fee. Effective government oversight is crucial to monitor expenditures, ensure the allowability of costs, and prevent scope creep that could inflate the total contract value.

What is RTX BBN Technologies' track record in R&D and defense contracting?

RTX BBN Technologies, formerly BBN Technologies, has a long and distinguished history in research and development, particularly in areas relevant to defense and advanced technologies. They were instrumental in the development of ARPANET, the precursor to the internet, and have consistently been involved in cutting-edge research in areas like artificial intelligence, signal processing, networking, and advanced sensors. Their parent company, RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies), is one of the largest defense contractors globally, with extensive experience in developing and producing complex defense systems. This background suggests RTX BBN Technologies possesses the technical expertise, infrastructure, and project management capabilities necessary to undertake challenging R&D efforts like the interior reconnaissance contract.

How might the 'full and open competition' impact the final technology developed?

Awarding the contract through 'full and open competition' means that the Department of Defense solicited proposals from all responsible sources, encouraging a wide range of innovative approaches to the problem of interior reconnaissance. This broad competition likely led to the selection of the proposal that offered the most promising technical solution, potentially at a competitive price. The diversity of proposals considered could mean that the final technology incorporates novel concepts or integrates different technological elements than might have emerged from a more restricted competition. This process aims to maximize the chances of achieving a breakthrough or highly effective solution by tapping into the broadest possible pool of technological expertise available in the industry.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: W9132T10R0008

Offers Received: 13

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Rockwell Collins Australia PTY Limited

Address: 10 MOULTON ST, CAMBRIDGE, MA, 02138

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,457,619

Exercised Options: $16,457,619

Current Obligation: $16,457,619

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline