DoD awards $23.4M R&D contract to Alion Science and Technology for Tactical Airlift Engineering
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $23,456,085 ($23.5M)
Contractor: Alion Science and Technology Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2013-09-23
End Date: 2016-09-22
Contract Duration: 1,095 days
Daily Burn Rate: $21.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF TECHNICAL AREA TASKS, 13-0688-TACTICAL AIRLIFT MATERIALS, MANUFACTURING,&TESTING ENGINEERING REQUIREMENTS REVIEW IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM, AWARD.
Place of Performance
Location: BURR RIDGE, COOK County, ILLINOIS, 60527
State: Illinois Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $23.5 million to ALION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF TECHNICAL AREA TASKS, 13-0688-TACTICAL AIRLIFT MATERIALS, MANUFACTURING,&TESTING ENGINEERING REQUIREMENTS REVIEW IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM, AWARD. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on R&D for tactical airlift materials, manufacturing, and testing. 2. Alion Science and Technology Corporation is the sole awardee. 3. The contract was awarded under full and open competition. 4. This award represents a significant investment in improving engineering requirements for airlift capabilities.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee. This can be effective for R&D where costs are uncertain, but requires careful oversight to manage expenses.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. The delivery order structure indicates it's part of a larger contract vehicle.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for research and development to enhance military airlift capabilities, aiming for long-term efficiency and effectiveness.
Public Impact
Enhances U.S. Air Force's tactical airlift capabilities. Supports advancements in materials, manufacturing, and testing for critical defense assets. Potential for technological spin-offs benefiting civilian aviation and manufacturing sectors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent cost monitoring.
- Long-term contract duration may lead to scope creep if not managed tightly.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Focus on R&D for critical defense infrastructure.
- Potential for innovation and technological advancement.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on engineering for physical and engineering sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, as indicated by 'sb': false. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business subcontracting opportunities exist.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Department of the Air Force, a component of the Department of Defense, which typically has established oversight mechanisms for R&D contracts.
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
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Long contract duration (1095 days).
- Potential for R&D uncertainties impacting cost and schedule.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, il, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $23.5 million to ALION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION. IGF::CL::IGF TECHNICAL AREA TASKS, 13-0688-TACTICAL AIRLIFT MATERIALS, MANUFACTURING,&TESTING ENGINEERING REQUIREMENTS REVIEW IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM, AWARD.
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 $23.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2013-09-23. End: 2016-09-22.
What specific engineering improvements are expected from this R&D effort, and how will they be measured?
The specific engineering improvements are not detailed in this summary but are expected to focus on enhancing the reliability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of tactical airlift materials and manufacturing processes. Success will likely be measured through technical performance metrics, prototype testing, and documented improvements in operational readiness and lifecycle cost reduction for airlift assets.
What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for R&D in this domain?
The primary risks include potential cost overruns if R&D proves more complex than anticipated, and the contractor may lack sufficient incentive to control costs beyond achieving the fixed fee. There's also a risk that the final product may not meet all desired specifications due to the inherent uncertainties in research and development, requiring robust government oversight and clear performance milestones.
How will the effectiveness of this investment in tactical airlift engineering be evaluated post-award?
Effectiveness will be evaluated through a combination of technical performance reviews, operational testing of improved components or processes, and analysis of lifecycle cost savings or performance gains in tactical airlift operations. Key performance indicators related to material durability, manufacturing efficiency, and overall system reliability will be tracked against baseline data.
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 › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: FA460005R0010
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 10 W 35TH ST, CHICAGO, IL, 60616
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $24,267,677
Exercised Options: $24,267,677
Current Obligation: $23,456,085
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 11
Total Subaward Amount: $10,870,312
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA460006D0003
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2013-09-23
Current End Date: 2016-09-22
Potential End Date: 2016-09-22 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-03-31
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