AFRL SHADOW RAPTOR contract awarded to Booz Allen Hamilton for $77.8M for computer systems design services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $77,788,355 ($77.8M)

Contractor: Booz Allen Hamilton Inc

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2025-09-12

End Date: 2026-09-11

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $213.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: AFRL SHADOW RAPTOR

Place of Performance

Location: ROME, ONEIDA County, NEW YORK, 13441

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $77.8 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC for work described as: AFRL SHADOW RAPTOR Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee, which incentivizes contractor performance. 3. Services are for computer systems design, a critical area for defense research. 4. The contract duration is one year, indicating a need for ongoing support. 5. The awardee, Booz Allen Hamilton, is a large, established government contractor. 6. The contract is a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $77.8 million for a one-year period for computer systems design services appears reasonable given the nature of the work and the contractor's expertise. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized IT and systems design services for defense research agencies suggests this pricing is within expected ranges. The Cost Plus Award Fee structure allows for flexibility and incentivizes performance, which can lead to better value if managed effectively.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the designation suggests a robust competition was available. This level of competition is generally expected to drive more favorable pricing and innovative solutions for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining the best value for the government's investment by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to lower prices and higher quality services.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), which will receive advanced computer systems design services. These services are crucial for supporting research and development initiatives within the defense sector. The contract is geographically located in New York, potentially impacting the local economy and workforce. The contract supports specialized IT and systems design roles, contributing to the high-tech defense workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns inherent in Cost Plus Award Fee contracts if not closely monitored.
Reliance on a single large contractor may limit future competition or flexibility.
The specific performance metrics and award fee criteria are not detailed, making it hard to assess performance incentives fully.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive process.
Booz Allen Hamilton has a strong track record with government contracts.
Cost Plus Award Fee structure can incentivize high performance and innovation.
Services support critical defense research and development objectives.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology and Professional Services sector, specifically focusing on computer systems design. The market for these services within the defense sector is substantial, driven by the continuous need for advanced technological solutions. Comparable spending benchmarks for IT and systems design services for agencies like AFRL often range in the tens to hundreds of millions of dollars annually, depending on the scope and duration.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As a result, small businesses are unlikely to be direct recipients of this prime contract. However, the prime contractor, Booz Allen Hamilton, may engage small businesses as subcontractors to fulfill specific needs, though this is not explicitly detailed in the provided data. The absence of a small business set-aside means opportunities for small business participation are not guaranteed.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the contracting officers and program managers within the Air Force Research Laboratory, supported by the General Services Administration's Federal Acquisition Service. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases. Accountability measures are tied to the Cost Plus Award Fee structure, where performance against defined criteria influences the final payment. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

AFRL Research and Development Contracts
Department of Defense IT Services
Computer Systems Design Services
General Services Administration (GSA) Schedules

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Award Fee contract type requires diligent oversight to manage costs and ensure fair award fee determination.
The specific performance metrics and award fee criteria are not detailed, posing a potential challenge for objective performance assessment.
Reliance on a single large contractor for a critical function warrants consideration of long-term strategic sourcing and potential vendor lock-in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $77.8 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC. AFRL SHADOW RAPTOR

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $77.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-12. End: 2026-09-11.

What is Booz Allen Hamilton's track record with similar Air Force Research Laboratory contracts?

Booz Allen Hamilton has a significant history of contracting with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and other Department of Defense entities, particularly in areas of IT, systems engineering, and research support. Their track record generally includes successful delivery on complex projects, though like any large contractor, specific contract performance can vary. Analyzing past performance on similar Cost Plus Award Fee contracts with AFRL would reveal their ability to manage costs, meet technical requirements, and achieve award fee targets. Publicly available data and contract award databases can provide insights into the number of contracts held, their values, and the agencies involved, offering a basis for assessing their experience and reliability in supporting AFRL's mission.

How does the $77.8 million value compare to other computer systems design contracts for defense R&D?

The $77.8 million contract value for one year of computer systems design services for AFRL is substantial but falls within the expected range for specialized defense research and development support. Contracts of this nature often involve complex system integration, software development, cybersecurity, and advanced research support, justifying significant investment. Benchmarking against similar contracts awarded by agencies like the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) or other branches of the Air Force reveals that values can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars annually for comprehensive support. The specific nature of 'SHADOW RAPTOR' and its technical requirements would be the primary driver for its exact valuation relative to the market.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract structure for this type of service?

The primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract structure, especially for complex services like computer systems design for defense R&D, include potential for cost overruns and challenges in objectively measuring performance for award fees. While CPAF incentivizes performance through award fees, the government bears the risk of paying costs plus a fee, with the potential for a significant award fee if performance targets are met. Effective oversight is crucial to ensure that costs are reasonable and allocable, and that the award fee criteria are clearly defined, measurable, and aligned with program objectives. Without robust monitoring, there's a risk that the contractor may focus on achieving award fee criteria rather than overall program success or cost efficiency.

What is the expected program effectiveness given the contractor and contract type?

The expected program effectiveness is likely to be high, given that Booz Allen Hamilton is an experienced contractor with a strong presence in the defense sector, and the contract is structured as a Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF). This contract type incentivizes the contractor to perform well by linking a portion of their profit to achieving specific performance objectives. For complex R&D support like computer systems design, where outcomes can be uncertain, CPAF allows for flexibility in managing costs while pushing for innovation and high-quality deliverables. The success will heavily depend on the clarity of the performance work statement and the rigor of the government's oversight in evaluating performance against the award fee criteria.

How does this contract fit into the broader context of AFRL's spending on computer systems design services?

This $77.8 million contract represents a significant, but likely not the entirety, of AFRL's spending on computer systems design services. AFRL, as a major research and development arm of the Air Force, relies heavily on advanced IT infrastructure and specialized design services to pursue cutting-edge technologies. Annual spending on such services can fluctuate based on program priorities and the lifecycle of various research projects. This contract, being a one-year delivery order, suggests it addresses a specific, ongoing need within a larger framework of R&D support. Understanding AFRL's total budget allocation for IT and systems engineering would provide better context for the scale of this particular award within their overall investment strategy.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - DELIVERY

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 47QFCA25R0003

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation

Address: 8283 GREENSBORO DR, MCLEAN, VA, 22102

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $1,179,368,266

Exercised Options: $156,874,193

Current Obligation: $77,788,355

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 9

Total Subaward Amount: $71,046,600

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QTCK18D0004

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline