DoD's $10.15M contract for missile defense systems awarded to Dynetics, CAS & Davidson, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,152,160 ($10.2M)

Contractor: Dynetics Technical Solutions Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2002-05-01

End Date: 2014-11-17

Contract Duration: 4,583 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Defense

Official Description: 200208!001092!2100!SG60 !USA SPACE AND STRATEGIC DEF CDR !DASG6002D0014 !A!N! !N!0011 !20020501!20050423!039921718!039921718!039921718!N!DYNETICS, CAS & DAVIDSON, LLC !990 EXPLORER BLVD !HUNTSVILLE !AL!35806!37000!089!01!HUNTSVILLE !MADISON !ALABAMA !+000000881790!N!N!000000000000!AC23!RDTE/MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS-ADV TECH DEV !A2 !MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS !1CAA!BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE SYS !541710!E! !5!B!M! !A! !99990909!B! ! !A! !A!U!Y!2!007!K! !Z!N!Z! ! !N!B!N!N! ! !Z! !B!A!000!A!B!N! ! ! ! ! ! !0001!

Place of Performance

Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35806, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $10.2 million to DYNETICS TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS INC for work described as: 200208!001092!2100!SG60 !USA SPACE AND STRATEGIC DEF CDR !DASG6002D0014 !A!N! !N!0011 !20020501!20050423!039921718!039921718!039921718!N!DYNETICS, CAS & DAVIDSON, LLC !990 EXPLORER BLVD !HUNTSVILLE !AL!35806!37000!089!01!HUNTSVILLE !MADIS… Key points: 1. Contract value of $10.15 million for missile and space systems R&D. 2. Awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 3. Performance period spans from May 2002 to November 2014. 4. Contract type is Time and Materials. 5. Primarily focused on Ballistic Missile Defense Systems. 6. The contractor is Dynetics Technical Solutions Inc.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $10.15 million for research and development in missile and space systems appears moderate for a defense contract of this nature. Without specific benchmarks for similar advanced technology development projects, it's difficult to definitively assess value for money. However, the duration of the contract (over 12 years) suggests a sustained effort, and the Time and Materials pricing structure can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The number of offers received (7) indicates some level of interest, but the specific pricing details and comparison to other bids would be needed for a more robust evaluation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' which implies that while the competition was open, certain sources may have been excluded prior to the solicitation. Seven offers were received, indicating a reasonable level of competition. The specific reasons for excluding certain sources would be crucial to understanding the full competitive landscape and its potential impact on price discovery. However, the fact that multiple offers were considered suggests that the government sought a competitive bid.

Taxpayer Impact: The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' approach, with seven offers, suggests that taxpayers likely benefited from a competitive bidding process, potentially leading to a more favorable price than a sole-source award. However, the exclusion of specific sources could have limited the ultimate price competition.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and potentially U.S. military personnel who rely on advanced missile defense capabilities. The contract delivers research and development services for advanced technology in missile and space systems. The geographic impact is primarily within the United States, with potential applications for national security. Workforce implications include employment for scientists, engineers, and technical staff involved in R&D.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Positive Signals

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on missile and space systems. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541710 covers Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. This is a highly specialized area within the broader defense industrial base, characterized by significant investment in innovation and advanced technologies. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other R&D contracts for advanced defense systems, where costs can vary widely based on complexity and technological maturity.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have been set aside for small businesses, as indicated by 'ss: false' and 'sb: false'. The prime contractor is Dynetics Technical Solutions Inc., which is a mid-sized to large defense contractor. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses within the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless significant subcontracting opportunities were pursued by the prime contractor.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Defense's contracting and program management offices. Specific oversight mechanisms would include contract performance reviews, financial audits, and potentially Inspector General investigations if any irregularities were suspected. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS, which provide basic award information. However, detailed project progress and specific spending oversight are internal to the agency.

Related Government Programs

Risk Flags

Tags

defense, department-of-defense, department-of-the-army, research-and-development, missile-defense, space-systems, advanced-technology, time-and-materials, full-and-open-competition, alabama, dynetics-technical-solutions-inc

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $10.2 million to DYNETICS TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS INC. 200208!001092!2100!SG60 !USA SPACE AND STRATEGIC DEF CDR !DASG6002D0014 !A!N! !N!0011 !20020501!20050423!039921718!039921718!039921718!N!DYNETICS, CAS & DAVIDSON, LLC !990 EXPLORER BLVD !HUNTSVILLE !AL!35806!37000!089!01!HUNTSVILLE !MADISON !ALABAMA !+000000881790!N!N!000000000000!AC23!RDTE/MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS-ADV TECH DEV !A2 !MISSILE AND SPACE SYSTEMS !1CAA!BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE SYS !541710!E! !5!B!M! !A! !99990909!B

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DYNETICS TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS 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 $10.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2002-05-01. End: 2014-11-17.

What is the track record of Dynetics Technical Solutions Inc. in fulfilling similar defense R&D contracts?

Dynetics Technical Solutions Inc. has a notable track record in the defense sector, particularly in areas related to advanced technologies, aerospace, and missile defense. While specific details of past performance on contracts of this exact scope and value are not provided in this data snippet, the company is known for its work on complex engineering and research projects for various government agencies, including the Department of Defense. Their involvement in programs like the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system and other strategic defense initiatives suggests a capability to handle large-scale R&D efforts. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their performance history on specific contracts, including any past performance evaluations, awards, or disputes.

How does the $10.15 million contract value compare to other R&D contracts for missile defense systems?

The $10.15 million contract value for this specific R&D effort in missile and space systems is relatively modest when compared to the overall spending on major defense acquisition programs, particularly those involving hardware development and large-scale testing. However, for a focused R&D project concentrating on advanced technology development, it represents a significant investment. Comparable contracts can range from a few million dollars for specialized research tasks to hundreds of millions or even billions for the development and production of major weapon systems. The value here suggests a project focused on a specific technological advancement or a component of a larger system, rather than the full development of a new missile defense platform.

What are the primary risks associated with a 'Time and Materials' contract for advanced R&D?

Time and Materials (T&M) contracts, while offering flexibility for R&D projects where the scope may evolve, carry inherent risks. For the government, the primary risk is cost escalation, as the contractor is reimbursed for direct labor hours at specified rates and for the actual cost of materials. If project timelines extend beyond initial estimates or if labor hours are not efficiently utilized, costs can significantly exceed initial projections. This is particularly concerning in advanced R&D where unforeseen technical challenges can lead to extended effort. Effective oversight, detailed tracking of labor hours, and robust management of material procurement are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure value for taxpayer money. The long duration of this contract (over 12 years) amplifies these T&M risks.

What does the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' designation imply for program effectiveness?

The designation 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' suggests a nuanced approach to competition. While the competition was intended to be open, the exclusion of specific sources prior to the solicitation means that not all potential offerors were considered. The effectiveness of the program in terms of achieving the best possible outcome (technical solution and price) depends heavily on the justification for these exclusions. If the exclusions were based on legitimate technical capabilities or security requirements, and the remaining pool of competitors was sufficient to drive a competitive price, then program effectiveness might not be significantly compromised. However, if the exclusions were arbitrary or limited the competitive field unnecessarily, it could potentially lead to suboptimal technical solutions or higher costs, thereby impacting overall program effectiveness.

How has federal spending on missile defense R&D evolved over the contract's performance period (2002-2014)?

During the contract's performance period (2002-2014), federal spending on missile defense R&D generally saw significant increases, driven by evolving geopolitical threats and advancements in missile technology. The early 2000s marked a period of heightened focus on missile defense following the withdrawal from the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty. Funding for programs like the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD), Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), and Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) systems saw substantial investment. While specific year-over-year figures fluctuate based on program priorities and budget cycles, the overall trend was towards robust funding for developing and enhancing missile defense capabilities. This contract's value aligns with the broader trend of investing in advanced R&D within this critical national security domain during that era.

Industry Classification

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

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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Dynetics, Inc. (UEI: 075458455)

Address: 1002 EXPLORER BLVD, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35806

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: DASG6002D0014

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2002-05-01

Current End Date: 2014-11-17

Potential End Date: 2014-11-17 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2015-08-18

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