Alion Science and Technology Corp. awarded $45.3M for Navy training environment R&D, with a significant portion for advanced software

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $45,268,873 ($45.3M)

Contractor: Alion Science and Technology Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2015-09-28

End Date: 2017-11-30

Contract Duration: 794 days

Daily Burn Rate: $57.0K/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 SN 15-1101, TRAVEL/ODCS, R&D ADVANCED SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT, INTEGRATION, AND NETWORKS SUPPORT FOR NAVY CONTINUOUS TRAINING ENVIRONMENT (NCTE)

Place of Performance

Location: VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA BEACH CITY County, VIRGINIA, 23461

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $45.3 million to ALION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF SN 15-1101, TRAVEL/ODCS, R&D ADVANCED SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT, INTEGRATION, AND NETWORKS SUPPORT FOR NAVY CONTINUOUS TRAINING ENVIRONMENT (NCTE) Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advanced software development and integration for naval training. 2. Value-for-money assessment is pending further analysis of deliverables against cost. 3. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, potentially driving competitive pricing. 4. Risk indicators include the complexity of advanced software and network integration. 5. Performance context is within the Department of Defense's R&D sector, specifically for naval training. 6. Sector positioning is in advanced technology solutions for defense applications.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $45.3 million for advanced software development and integration for the Navy Continuous Training Environment (NCTE) appears within a reasonable range for complex R&D projects. However, a definitive value-for-money assessment requires detailed analysis of the specific deliverables, milestones achieved, and comparison to similar R&D contracts for advanced simulation and training systems. Benchmarking against industry standards for software development and integration services in the defense sector would provide further context.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, suggesting that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The number of bidders is not specified, but a full and open competition generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to more favorable pricing and innovative solutions for the government. This approach allows the government to select the offeror that provides the best overall value.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for competitive pricing and ensures that the government is not limited to a single source, thereby avoiding potential price inflation.

Public Impact

Naval personnel will benefit from enhanced training capabilities through the advanced software and network integration. Services delivered include R&D for advanced software development, integration, and network support. Geographic impact is primarily within naval training facilities, potentially worldwide. Workforce implications include specialized R&D and software engineering roles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Complexity of integrating advanced software and networks can lead to cost overruns if not managed effectively.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical R&D may pose risks if performance falters.
The duration of the contract (794 days) requires sustained oversight to ensure progress and adherence to scope.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
Focus on advanced technology development aligns with modernizing naval training capabilities.
Contracting for R&D indicates investment in future capabilities for the Navy.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically focusing on advanced software and network solutions for defense applications. The market for defense R&D, particularly in simulation and training technologies, is substantial, driven by the need for realistic and effective training environments. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other contracts for simulation software, network infrastructure development, and advanced training systems within the Department of Defense and allied nations.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that this was not a small business set-aside. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether Alion Science and Technology Corporation engages small businesses as subcontractors for specialized services or components.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program office within the Department of the Air Force, which is the servicing agency. Accountability measures would be tied to the contract's performance metrics, milestones, and deliverables. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific project details may be sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Navy Continuous Training Environment (NCTE)
Naval Simulation and Training Systems
Defense R&D Contracts
Advanced Software Development
Network Integration Services

Risk Flags

Technical Complexity
Integration Risk
Software Development Challenges
Network Security
Performance Monitoring

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $45.3 million to ALION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION. IGF::OT::IGF SN 15-1101, TRAVEL/ODCS, R&D ADVANCED SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT, INTEGRATION, AND NETWORKS SUPPORT FOR NAVY CONTINUOUS TRAINING ENVIRONMENT (NCTE)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ALION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION.

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 $45.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2015-09-28. End: 2017-11-30.

What is the specific nature of the 'advanced software development, integration, and networks support' being provided for the Navy Continuous Training Environment (NCTE)?

The contract details are broad, but 'advanced software development, integration, and networks support' for the NCTE likely involves creating and enhancing sophisticated software systems that simulate real-world combat scenarios, integrate various training platforms (e.g., simulators, virtual reality, live exercises), and ensure seamless network connectivity between these elements. This could include developing AI-driven adversaries, realistic environmental modeling, data analytics for performance feedback, and secure communication protocols. The goal is to provide naval personnel with a highly realistic and adaptive training environment that prepares them for complex operational challenges.

How does the $45.3 million contract value compare to other R&D contracts for similar naval training systems?

Benchmarking this $45.3 million contract requires access to detailed data on comparable contracts, which is often not publicly available in granular form. However, R&D for advanced simulation and training systems for major defense platforms can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the scope, complexity, and duration. Given that this contract is for advanced software and network integration over approximately two years, the value appears to be within a plausible range for a significant R&D effort. A more precise comparison would necessitate analyzing contracts with similar technical requirements, contractor experience, and program objectives within the naval or broader defense R&D sector.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks include the inherent technical complexity of integrating advanced software and networks, potential for scope creep, and the possibility of performance issues impacting the development timeline and budget. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust project management, clearly defined milestones and deliverables, rigorous testing and validation processes, and strong government oversight. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) also implies that the contractor has an incentive to control costs while the government bears some of the cost risk, necessitating careful monitoring of expenditures and progress against the fixed fee.

What is Alion Science and Technology Corporation's track record in delivering similar R&D and integration services for defense clients?

Alion Science and Technology Corporation (now part of Huntington Ingalls Industries) has a history of providing a wide range of technical services to the Department of Defense, including R&D, systems engineering, simulation and training, and C4ISR solutions. Their experience often involves complex integration projects and advanced technology development. While specific performance details for individual contracts are not always public, their sustained presence and numerous awards suggest a generally capable track record in supporting defense modernization efforts. A deeper dive would involve reviewing past performance evaluations and contract histories.

What are the potential long-term implications of this contract for the Navy's training capabilities?

This contract has the potential to significantly enhance the Navy's training capabilities by providing more realistic, adaptive, and comprehensive training environments. Advanced software and network integration can enable more sophisticated simulations, better data collection for performance analysis, and greater flexibility in tailoring training scenarios to evolving operational needs. Ultimately, this investment in R&D aims to improve warfighter readiness and effectiveness by ensuring that naval personnel are trained using the most advanced and relevant technologies available.

How has spending on naval training R&D evolved over the past five years, and where does this contract fit in?

Spending on naval training R&D has generally seen consistent investment, driven by the need to maintain a technological edge and adapt to new threats and operational doctrines. Contracts for simulation, virtual training, and advanced networking solutions are common. This $45.3 million contract for advanced software and network support for the NCTE represents a specific, significant investment within this broader category. Its placement within historical spending patterns would depend on whether it's a new development initiative, an upgrade to an existing system, or a continuation of prior R&D efforts. Analyzing trends in simulation technology and network-centric warfare development would provide further context.

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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: FA460008R0025

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 10 WEST 35TH ST, CHICAGO, IL, 60616

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $45,306,144

Exercised Options: $45,306,144

Current Obligation: $45,268,873

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 72

Total Subaward Amount: $18,287,796

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA150010D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline