DoD's $19.3M Missile & Space Systems R&D Contract Awarded to Swales and Associates, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $19,357,505 ($19.4M)
Contractor: ATK Space Systems LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2006-05-30
End Date: 2010-08-18
Contract Duration: 1,541 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 12
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: 200608!000632!5700!FA9453!DET 8 AFRL/PKV8 !FA945305D0248 !A!N! !Y!0002 ! !20060530!20090227!032516361!032516361!032516361!N!SWALES AND ASSOCIATES, INC !5050 POWDER MILL RD !BELTSVILLE !MD!20705!06400!033!24!BELTSVILLE !PRINCE GEORGE S !MARYLAND !+000008300000!N!N!000000000000!AC23!RDTE/MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS-ADV TECH DEV !A2 !MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS !000 !NOT DISCERNABLE !541710!E! !3!B!M! !A!D!20100830!B! ! !A! !A!N!U!2!012!E! !Z!N!Z! ! !N!B!N!N! ! !Z! !A!A!000!A!B!N! ! ! ! ! ! !0001! !
Place of Performance
Location: BELTSVILLE, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20705
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $19.4 million to ATK SPACE SYSTEMS LLC for work described as: 200608!000632!5700!FA9453!DET 8 AFRL/PKV8 !FA945305D0248 !A!N! !Y!0002 ! !20060530!20090227!032516361!032516361!032516361!N!SWALES AND ASSOCIATES, INC !5050 POWDER MILL RD !BELTSVILLE !MD!20705!06400!033!24!BELTSVILLE !PRIN… Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advanced technology development for missile and space systems. 2. Awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 3. Potential for significant taxpayer impact due to the contract's value and duration. 4. Sector is Research and Development, specifically advanced technology in physical sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $19.3M over 1541 days (approx. 4.2 years) suggests a moderate annual spend. Without specific deliverables or comparable contracts for similar advanced R&D, a precise pricing assessment is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES'. This suggests that while competition was sought, certain sources were excluded, potentially limiting the breadth of price discovery and innovation.
Taxpayer Impact: The $19.3M awarded represents a significant investment of taxpayer funds for advanced research and development in a critical defense sector.
Public Impact
Advancement in missile and space technology could have long-term national security implications. Investment in R&D signals a commitment to maintaining technological superiority. The specific nature of the R&D may lead to breakthroughs with dual-use applications. Contract duration of over 4 years allows for sustained research efforts.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may have impacted overall value for money.
- Lack of detailed public information on specific R&D outcomes.
- Potential for cost overruns in complex R&D projects.
Positive Signals
- Focus on advanced technology development.
- Awarded to a single entity, potentially allowing for specialized expertise.
- Contract duration supports in-depth research.
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 national defense and technological advancement, often involving high costs due to the cutting-edge nature of the work.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business subcontracting opportunities were pursued or mandated.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Department of the Air Force, part of the Department of Defense. Oversight would typically involve program managers and contracting officers ensuring adherence to contract terms and performance standards.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition.
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type can incentivize cost growth.
- Long contract duration increases risk exposure.
- Nature of R&D involves inherent uncertainty and potential for failure.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, md, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $19.4 million to ATK SPACE SYSTEMS LLC. 200608!000632!5700!FA9453!DET 8 AFRL/PKV8 !FA945305D0248 !A!N! !Y!0002 ! !20060530!20090227!032516361!032516361!032516361!N!SWALES AND ASSOCIATES, INC !5050 POWDER MILL RD !BELTSVILLE !MD!20705!06400!033!24!BELTSVILLE !PRINCE GEORGE S !MARYLAND !+000008300000!N!N!000000000000!AC23!RDTE/MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS-ADV TECH DEV !A2 !MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS !000 !NOT DISCERNABLE !541710!E! !3!B!M! !A!D!201
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ATK SPACE SYSTEMS LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $19.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-05-30. End: 2010-08-18.
What specific technological advancements are expected from this contract, and how do they align with current defense priorities?
The contract focuses on 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' with a specific emphasis on 'MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS-ADV TECH DEV'. Expected advancements likely pertain to enhancing capabilities in areas such as propulsion, guidance, materials science, or space-based technologies critical for national security. Alignment with defense priorities would involve contributing to strategic deterrence, space domain awareness, or advanced weapon system development.
What was the rationale for excluding certain sources during the competition, and did this exclusion impact the final price?
The rationale for excluding sources under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' is not detailed in the provided data. Typically, such exclusions might be based on specific technical requirements, past performance, or unique capabilities. While competition was present, the exclusion of potential bidders could have limited price negotiation leverage, potentially leading to a higher final price than if a broader competition had occurred.
How will the effectiveness of the R&D be measured, and what are the key performance indicators for Swales and Associates, Inc.?
Effectiveness measurement for R&D contracts is often tied to milestones, deliverables, and the successful demonstration of new technologies or capabilities. Key performance indicators for Swales and Associates, Inc. would likely include meeting technical objectives, adhering to project timelines, managing costs within the contract's fixed-fee structure, and producing documented research findings or prototypes. Specific KPIs are usually detailed in the contract's statement of work.
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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 12
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems LLC (UEI: 618705925)
Address: 5050 POWDER MILL RD, BELTSVILLE, MD, 20705
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $37,254,226
Exercised Options: $37,462,408
Current Obligation: $19,357,505
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA945305D0248
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-05-30
Current End Date: 2010-08-18
Potential End Date: 2010-08-18 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2018-10-17
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