DoD's Army awards $95.9M R&D contract to Astrion Group, LLC under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $95,921,546 ($95.9M)

Contractor: Astrion Group, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2021-06-19

End Date: 2022-06-20

Contract Duration: 366 days

Daily Burn Rate: $262.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: ORDERING PERIOD 5 - TASK ORDER

Place of Performance

Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35898

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $95.9 million to ASTRION GROUP, LLC for work described as: ORDERING PERIOD 5 - TASK ORDER Key points: 1. The contract value of $95.9M is significant for R&D services. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract is for Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 4. The award was made by the Department of the Army, a major DoD component.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is necessary to assess pricing effectiveness.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating a competitive process that aimed to solicit offers from all responsible sources, but specific exclusions were made. This method can lead to better price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down costs and improve value.

Public Impact

Supports critical research and development initiatives for the Department of the Army. The contract's focus on physical, engineering, and life sciences could lead to advancements in various technological fields. Awarding to Astrion Group, LLC contributes to the growth of companies within the defense R&D sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Potential for cost overruns with Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
  • The 'exclusion of sources' clause warrants further investigation into its justification and impact on competition.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded under full and open competition.
  • Contract supports vital R&D for the Department of the Army.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement and national security, with significant government investment annually.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of the Army, implying oversight from this agency. The specific task order structure suggests ongoing monitoring of performance and costs.

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 can incentivize higher spending.
  • Potential for limited competition due to 'exclusion of sources'.
  • Lack of detail on specific R&D projects and their strategic alignment.
  • No information on small business subcontracting.

Tags

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $95.9 million to ASTRION GROUP, LLC. ORDERING PERIOD 5 - TASK ORDER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ASTRION GROUP, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $95.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-06-19. End: 2022-06-20.

What specific R&D projects are being undertaken under this contract, and how do they align with current Army priorities?

The contract is for 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)'. Specific projects are not detailed in the provided data. Alignment with Army priorities would require reviewing the Statement of Work and any associated strategic documents to understand how the R&D contributes to the Army's technological modernization and operational needs.

What is the justification for excluding certain sources in the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' award?

The justification for excluding sources is not provided in the data. Typically, such exclusions require a documented rationale, such as specific technical capabilities, prior performance, or unique requirements that only a limited number of sources can meet. Understanding this justification is key to assessing the true level of competition and potential impact on pricing.

How will the effectiveness of the R&D outcomes be measured and evaluated by the Department of the Army?

Effectiveness measurement would likely involve predefined milestones, deliverables, and performance metrics outlined in the contract's Statement of Work. The Army would evaluate the R&D based on its ability to meet technical objectives, achieve desired innovations, and ultimately contribute to the intended military applications or advancements.

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 DEVELOPMENTC – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: W91CRB16R0024

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 308 VOYAGER WAY, SUITE 200, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35806

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $110,431,182

Exercised Options: $110,431,182

Current Obligation: $95,921,546

Actual Outlays: $35,444,498

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 144

Total Subaward Amount: $46,837,743

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NOT OBTAINED - WAIVED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W91CRB17D0009

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2021-06-19

Current End Date: 2022-06-20

Potential End Date: 2022-06-20 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2022-09-07

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