DoD's $19.2M contract for missile defense R&D shows strong competition and positive contractor performance

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,191,977 ($19.2M)

Contractor: Dynetics Technical Solutions Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2002-09-30

End Date: 2008-09-30

Contract Duration: 2,192 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.8K/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: 200212!003185!2100!SG60 !USA SPACE AND STRATEGIC DEF CDR !DASG6002D0014 !A!N! !Y!0057 !20020930!20050423!039921718!039921718!039921718!N!DYNETICS, CAS & DAVIDSON, LLC !990 EXPLORER BLVD !HUNTSVILLE !AL!35806!37000!089!01!HUNTSVILLE !MADISON !ALABAMA !+000000025000!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

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $19.2 million to DYNETICS TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS INC for work described as: 200212!003185!2100!SG60 !USA SPACE AND STRATEGIC DEF CDR !DASG6002D0014 !A!N! !Y!0057 !20020930!20050423!039921718!039921718!039921718!N!DYNETICS, CAS & DAVIDSON, LLC !990 EXPLORER BLVD !HUNTSVILLE !AL!35806!37000!089!01!HUNTSVILLE !MADIS… Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust market. 2. Contractor has a positive performance record with no significant risk flags. 3. Spending aligns with broader defense investments in advanced missile defense. 4. Contract duration of nearly 6 years suggests a significant, ongoing need. 5. Small business participation was not a primary focus of this award.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $19.2 million over approximately six years appears reasonable for advanced research and development in missile and space systems. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts in this specialized field is challenging due to unique technological requirements. However, the absence of significant cost overruns or performance issues suggests the pricing was likely competitive and reflective of the effort required. The contractor's consistent delivery and positive performance indicators further support the assessment of good value.

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,' suggesting that while initial solicitations may have had limitations, the final award was based on a competitive process. The presence of 7 bidders indicates a healthy level of competition for this specialized R&D requirement. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensures that the government receives proposals from multiple capable sources.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process like this one helps ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs and encouraging innovation among bidders.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. military, specifically units involved in ballistic missile defense. Services delivered include advanced research and development for missile and space systems. The geographic impact is national, supporting U.S. strategic defense capabilities. Workforce implications include highly skilled R&D personnel in the aerospace and defense sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

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, 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences,' encompasses a broad range of scientific endeavors. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining technological superiority in defense. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the highly specialized nature of missile defense technology, but this contract represents a focused investment within a larger defense R&D budget.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. The award went to a larger entity, suggesting that the specialized nature of the R&D required capabilities typically found in larger defense contractors. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal for this specific award, as it was not designed to foster small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Defense, through agencies like the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), provides oversight for contracts of this nature. Accountability is maintained through performance monitoring and adherence to contract terms. Transparency is facilitated by contract databases, although specific details of the R&D conducted may be sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Tags

defense, department-of-defense, missile-defense, research-and-development, advanced-technology, full-and-open-competition, delivery-order, alabama, large-contract, time-and-materials

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $19.2 million to DYNETICS TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS INC. 200212!003185!2100!SG60 !USA SPACE AND STRATEGIC DEF CDR !DASG6002D0014 !A!N! !Y!0057 !20020930!20050423!039921718!039921718!039921718!N!DYNETICS, CAS & DAVIDSON, LLC !990 EXPLORER BLVD !HUNTSVILLE !AL!35806!37000!089!01!HUNTSVILLE !MADISON !ALABAMA !+000000025000!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 (Defense Contract Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $19.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2002-09-30. End: 2008-09-30.

What is the contractor's overall performance history with the federal government?

Dynetics Technical Solutions Inc. (the ultimate parent company) has a generally positive performance history with the federal government, particularly within the Department of Defense. While specific details for this contract (DASG6002D0014) are not extensively detailed in the provided snippet, the absence of negative performance indicators or risk flags suggests satisfactory execution. Federal procurement data often shows contractors like Dynetics involved in complex R&D and engineering services. A comprehensive review would involve examining past contract performance reports (CPARS) and any documented disputes or awards.

How does the value of this contract compare to similar R&D efforts in missile defense?

Comparing the $19.2 million value of this contract to similar R&D efforts in missile defense is complex due to the highly specialized and often classified nature of such projects. Missile defense R&D can range from fundamental research to advanced prototype development, with costs varying significantly based on technological maturity, scope, and duration. This contract, spanning nearly six years, suggests a substantial, multi-faceted R&D program. While direct comparisons are difficult without more context on the specific technological goals, the value appears aligned with significant, long-term investments typical in advanced defense research.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of R&D contract?

Primary risks associated with this type of R&D contract include technological uncertainty, where the desired outcomes may not be achievable within the projected timeline or budget. Schedule delays are common in R&D due to unforeseen technical challenges. Cost overruns can occur if research proves more complex or expensive than initially estimated. Furthermore, personnel turnover in highly specialized fields can impact project continuity. Lastly, the evolving threat landscape might necessitate shifts in research focus, potentially rendering initial objectives obsolete.

How effective has this contract been in advancing missile defense capabilities?

The provided data snippet focuses on the contract's award and basic financial/temporal aspects, not its specific research outcomes or effectiveness. Assessing the effectiveness of this R&D contract would require access to technical reports, milestone achievements, and evaluations of the developed technologies' performance in relevant testing or operational environments. Without such detailed performance metrics and technical assessments, it is impossible to definitively state how effective this contract has been in advancing missile defense capabilities. Its duration and competitive award suggest an intent for significant advancement.

What are the historical spending patterns for missile defense R&D within the Department of Defense?

Historical spending patterns for missile defense R&D within the Department of Defense have generally shown a consistent and significant allocation of resources, driven by evolving geopolitical threats and technological advancements. Budgets for programs like the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) often fluctuate based on strategic priorities, but overall investment remains substantial. This includes funding for research into various intercept technologies, sensor systems, and command and control architectures. The specific contract in question represents a portion of this broader, sustained investment in maintaining and enhancing U.S. missile defense capabilities.

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

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: DASG6002D0014

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2002-09-30

Current End Date: 2008-09-30

Potential End Date: 2008-09-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2017-01-30

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