DoD's $112M Air Force Contract for MPAH Power Supply Awarded to Dynetics, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $111,986,526 ($112.0M)
Contractor: Dynetics, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2019-12-31
End Date: 2026-01-31
Contract Duration: 2,223 days
Daily Burn Rate: $50.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: TEST&EVALUATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR RANGES, ARMAMENTS AND SPECTRUM (TETRAS) MID-PRESSURE ARC HEATER (MPAH) POWER SUPPLY
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35806
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $112.0 million to DYNETICS, INC. for work described as: TEST&EVALUATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR RANGES, ARMAMENTS AND SPECTRUM (TETRAS) MID-PRESSURE ARC HEATER (MPAH) POWER SUPPLY Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Dynetics, Inc. for a Mid-Pressure Arc Heater (MPAH) Power Supply. 2. The contract is for Test & Evaluation Technologies for Ranges, Armaments and Spectrum (TETRAS). 3. The total value of the contract is $111,986,526.49. 4. The contract duration is 2223 days, ending January 31, 2026. 5. This falls under the Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized power supplies is difficult due to the unique nature of MPAH technology.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the specific nature of the technology might limit the number of capable bidders, potentially impacting price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced defense testing equipment, with the ultimate benefit being enhanced military capabilities and technological superiority.
Public Impact
Enhances critical testing capabilities for advanced weapon systems. Supports the development and evaluation of next-generation armaments. Contributes to maintaining technological advantage in defense. Potential for spin-off technologies benefiting other sectors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
- Limited public information on specific performance metrics.
- Long contract duration increases exposure to changing requirements or economic conditions.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Supports critical national defense research and development.
- Long-term commitment indicates strategic importance.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the 'Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing' sector, a niche area focused on specialized components for defense applications. Spending in this sector is driven by defense budgets and technological advancement priorities.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved as subcontractors. The prime contractor, Dynetics, Inc., is a significant defense contractor, and analysis of their small business utilization would be necessary for a complete picture.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force is responsible for oversight of this contract. Standard procurement regulations and contract management practices are expected to be in place to ensure accountability and proper use of funds.
Related Government Programs
- Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Overruns
- Scope Creep
- Technological Obsolescence
- Contractor Performance Issues
Tags
other-guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-p, department-of-defense, al, delivery-order, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $112.0 million to DYNETICS, INC.. TEST&EVALUATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR RANGES, ARMAMENTS AND SPECTRUM (TETRAS) MID-PRESSURE ARC HEATER (MPAH) POWER SUPPLY
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is DYNETICS, INC..
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 $112.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-12-31. End: 2026-01-31.
What is the specific technological advantage gained by procuring this MPAH power supply?
The MPAH power supply is crucial for generating the high-energy plasma required for advanced testing of weapon systems, particularly those involving high-speed projectiles and directed energy. This capability allows for more realistic simulations and evaluations of system performance under extreme conditions, directly contributing to the development of more effective and reliable defense technologies.
What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract structure for this acquisition?
The primary risk with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract is that the contractor may have less incentive to control costs compared to fixed-price contracts. While the fee is fixed, the total cost to the government can increase if the contractor's actual costs are higher than anticipated. This necessitates robust government oversight to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable.
How does this investment in specialized testing equipment align with broader DoD modernization goals?
This investment directly supports DoD modernization by providing essential infrastructure for testing and validating advanced weapon systems. The ability to accurately simulate and evaluate performance under demanding conditions is critical for fielding next-generation capabilities, ensuring technological superiority, and maintaining readiness in a rapidly evolving threat landscape. It underpins the development of innovative solutions.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1002 EXPLORER BLVD, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35806
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $111,986,526
Exercised Options: $111,986,526
Current Obligation: $111,986,526
Actual Outlays: $109,219
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 6
Total Subaward Amount: $32,004,207
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA248718D4900
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-12-31
Current End Date: 2026-01-31
Potential End Date: 2026-01-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-18
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