F-35 JPO Seeks Engineering Knowledge Services for $221M Contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $221,202,243 ($221.2M)

Contractor: Booz Allen Hamilton Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2016-04-05

End Date: 2024-06-08

Contract Duration: 2,986 days

Daily Burn Rate: $74.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF THE F-35 JOINT PROGRAM OFFICE (JPO) IS REQUESTING INFORMATION PERTAINING TO ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE BASED SERVICES SUPPORT REQUIREMENT FOR THE F-35 LIGHTNING II JPO AND ASSOCIATED AIR SYSTEMS FOR A TWELVE MONTH BASE PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE AND FOUR, ONE-YEAR OPTION PERIODS.

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22202

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $221.2 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF THE F-35 JOINT PROGRAM OFFICE (JPO) IS REQUESTING INFORMATION PERTAINING TO ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE BASED SERVICES SUPPORT REQUIREMENT FOR THE F-35 LIGHTNING II JPO AND ASSOCIATED AIR SYSTEMS FOR A TWELVE MONTH BASE PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE AND FOUR, ONE-YEAR OPTION PERIO… Key points: 1. Contract aims to secure engineering support for the F-35 program. 2. Booz Allen Hamilton is the incumbent contractor. 3. Potential for significant taxpayer investment over the contract's lifecycle. 4. Focus on specialized engineering knowledge services for complex aircraft systems.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure allows for flexibility but requires careful monitoring to ensure cost efficiency. Benchmarking against similar engineering support contracts for major defense programs is crucial.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract is being procured under full and open competition, which is expected to foster competitive pricing and ensure the government receives best value. The pricing discovery process will be driven by proposals submitted by qualified offerors.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this procurement should lead to a fair price, maximizing the value of taxpayer funds allocated to critical defense systems.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operational readiness and modernization of the F-35 fleet. Supports advanced engineering and technical expertise for a key national defense asset. Potential for job creation in specialized engineering fields. Impacts the long-term sustainment strategy of a major military aircraft program.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 74 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns with CPFF contracts.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical knowledge services.
Scope creep could increase total contract value.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition promotes market-driven pricing.
Long-term support ensures program stability.
Focus on specialized engineering expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting complex aerospace systems. Spending benchmarks for similar defense engineering support contracts are typically high due to the specialized nature and critical importance of the work.

Small Business Impact

While the incumbent is a large business, the contract structure may allow for subcontracting opportunities for small businesses providing specialized engineering or technical support services.

Oversight & Accountability

The F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) is responsible for the oversight of this contract. Robust oversight mechanisms will be necessary to manage costs, performance, and ensure adherence to contract requirements.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

Cost growth potential
Contractor performance risk
Technical complexity
Long-term sustainment dependency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $221.2 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC. IGF::OT::IGF THE F-35 JOINT PROGRAM OFFICE (JPO) IS REQUESTING INFORMATION PERTAINING TO ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE BASED SERVICES SUPPORT REQUIREMENT FOR THE F-35 LIGHTNING II JPO AND ASSOCIATED AIR SYSTEMS FOR A TWELVE MONTH BASE PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE AND FOUR, ONE-YEAR OPTION PERIODS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $221.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-04-05. End: 2024-06-08.

What specific metrics will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the engineering knowledge services provided under this contract?

Effectiveness will likely be evaluated through metrics such as on-time delivery of technical documentation, resolution rates for engineering issues, successful implementation of design changes, and feedback from F-35 program stakeholders on the quality and timeliness of support. Performance metrics should align with key program milestones and operational readiness goals.

How will the government mitigate the risk of cost overruns associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type?

Mitigation strategies include establishing realistic cost estimates, implementing stringent cost controls and monitoring mechanisms, requiring detailed justification for any cost increases, and performing regular audits. Clear performance standards and incentives tied to cost efficiency will also be crucial.

What is the long-term strategy for knowledge transfer and potential reduction in reliance on external engineering knowledge services?

The long-term strategy should involve knowledge transfer plans to build internal government expertise, potentially through training and documentation. The JPO might also explore opportunities to transition certain knowledge-based services to organic capabilities or more fixed-price arrangements as program maturity increases, reducing long-term reliance on external support.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: N0002414R3370

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation

Address: BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC, MC LEAN, VA, 22102

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $317,869,880

Exercised Options: $280,135,196

Current Obligation: $221,202,243

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 36

Total Subaward Amount: $18,058,884

Contract Characteristics

Consolidated Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017804D4024

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline