DoD's $32.9M Radio Frequency Monitoring Contract Awarded to HII Mission Technologies Corp. for Army Corps of Engineers

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,936,807 ($32.9M)

Contractor: HII Mission Technologies Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2018-09-13

End Date: 2023-06-21

Contract Duration: 1,742 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: RADIO FREQUENCY MONITORING AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS ANALYSIS SUPPORT TO MEET SPECTRUM-SHARING OBJECTIVES FOR THE UNITED STATES ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

Place of Performance

Location: ANNAPOLIS JUNCTION, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20701

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $32.9 million to HII MISSION TECHNOLOGIES CORP for work described as: RADIO FREQUENCY MONITORING AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS ANALYSIS SUPPORT TO MEET SPECTRUM-SHARING OBJECTIVES FOR THE UNITED STATES ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical spectrum-sharing objectives for the Army Corps of Engineers. 2. Awarded under a full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration of 1742 days indicates a long-term need for these services. 4. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology) is the primary NAICS code. 5. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 6. No small business set-aside was utilized, indicating the primary awardee is likely a large business.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific contract is challenging without more granular data on the scope of 'radio frequency monitoring and telecommunications analysis support.' However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type introduces inherent risk for cost control. While CPFF can be appropriate for R&D where costs are uncertain, it requires robust oversight to ensure value for money. Comparing the total award amount to similar R&D contracts in the defense sector for specialized technical support would provide a clearer picture of its relative cost-effectiveness. The duration suggests a significant investment, underscoring the need for diligent performance monitoring.

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 bids. The presence of two bidders suggests a moderate level of competition for this specialized R&D service. While two bidders are better than one, a higher number of bids typically leads to more competitive pricing and a wider range of technical solutions. The specific details of the bidding process and the evaluation criteria would further illuminate the effectiveness of the competition.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition, even with two bidders, generally provides a better opportunity for taxpayers to receive competitive pricing compared to sole-source or limited competitions. This process aims to ensure that the government is not overpaying for the required services.

Public Impact

The United States Army Corps of Engineers benefits from enhanced capabilities in managing and optimizing its use of the radio frequency spectrum. Services delivered include crucial telecommunications analysis and monitoring to support spectrum-sharing objectives. The geographic impact is primarily within the operational areas of the Army Corps of Engineers, potentially nationwide. Workforce implications may involve specialized engineers and technicians in radio frequency and telecommunications.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize cost overruns if not closely monitored.
Limited competition (2 bidders) may not have yielded the most cost-effective solution.
The specific deliverables and performance metrics are not detailed, making it hard to assess performance outcomes.
Long contract duration (1742 days) requires sustained oversight to ensure continued relevance and value.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, promoting a fair process.
HII Mission Technologies Corp. is a known entity in defense contracting, suggesting potential for reliable execution.
Focus on spectrum sharing addresses a critical and evolving need within military communications.
The contract supports a vital component of the Army Corps of Engineers' operational infrastructure.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences, excluding biotechnology. The market for specialized telecommunications and spectrum management support within the defense industry is significant, driven by the increasing demand for efficient and secure wireless communications. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other R&D contracts awarded by DoD agencies for similar technical analysis and engineering support services, particularly those related to electromagnetic spectrum operations.

Small Business Impact

The absence of small business set-aside flags (ss: false, sb: false) indicates that this contract was not specifically targeted towards small businesses. The prime contractor, HII Mission Technologies Corp., is a large defense contractor. This suggests that any subcontracting opportunities would likely be managed by the prime, and their subcontracting plan would determine the extent of small business involvement. Without specific subcontracting data, it's difficult to assess the direct impact on the small business ecosystem, though large prime contracts often create downstream opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract would primarily reside with the contracting agency, the Department of the Air Force (acting on behalf of the Army Corps of Engineers). Robust oversight would involve regular reviews of incurred costs, performance against milestones, and adherence to the fixed fee. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, but detailed performance reports and cost breakdowns are typically not publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense R&D Spending
Army Corps of Engineers IT and Communications Support
Spectrum Management Services
Telecommunications Analysis Contracts
Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Support

Risk Flags

Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF)
Limited Competition (2 Bidders)
Performance Monitoring Challenges (R&D)
Potential for Scope Creep

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $32.9 million to HII MISSION TECHNOLOGIES CORP. RADIO FREQUENCY MONITORING AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS ANALYSIS SUPPORT TO MEET SPECTRUM-SHARING OBJECTIVES FOR THE UNITED STATES ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HII MISSION TECHNOLOGIES CORP.

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 $32.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-09-13. End: 2023-06-21.

What is the track record of HII Mission Technologies Corp. in delivering similar radio frequency monitoring and telecommunications analysis support services to the Department of Defense?

HII Mission Technologies Corp. has a substantial track record in providing a wide array of technical services to the Department of Defense, including areas related to C5ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), electronic warfare, and spectrum management. While specific details on past performance for 'radio frequency monitoring and telecommunications analysis support' directly analogous to this contract require deeper investigation into their contract history, their general expertise in complex defense systems and R&D suggests a capacity to handle such requirements. Analyzing their past performance on Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts, particularly those involving research and development, would be crucial to assess their efficiency and cost control capabilities. Publicly available contract databases and past performance reviews, if accessible, would offer more granular insights into their success rates and any performance issues encountered on similar projects.

How does the awarded amount of $32.9 million compare to similar R&D contracts for telecommunications analysis support within the DoD?

Comparing the $32.9 million award to similar R&D contracts for telecommunications analysis support within the DoD requires access to a comprehensive database of federal contract awards, filtered by NAICS code (541712), agency, and service type. Without such a tool, a precise benchmark is difficult. However, R&D contracts for specialized technical services in the defense sector can range widely in value, from a few million to tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the scope, duration, and complexity. Given the 1742-day duration (approximately 4.7 years), $32.9 million suggests an average annual value of roughly $7 million. This figure appears moderate for a long-term, specialized R&D effort within the DoD, but its true value depends heavily on the specific deliverables and the criticality of the spectrum-sharing objectives being addressed.

What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this specific R&D effort?

The primary risk associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this R&D effort is the potential for cost overruns. In a CPFF structure, the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. If the contractor's costs exceed initial estimates, the government bears the burden of these increased expenses. For R&D, where costs can be inherently unpredictable, this risk is amplified. Effective mitigation requires stringent oversight by the contracting agency to ensure that all costs are reasonable, allocable, and allowable, and that the contractor is making diligent efforts to control expenses. Without robust monitoring, the fixed fee could become a disproportionately small percentage of the total contract value, diminishing the government's value for money.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' approach likely to be in ensuring competitive pricing for this specialized R&D service, given only two bidders?

The 'full and open competition' approach is designed to maximize competition, but its effectiveness in ensuring competitive pricing is influenced by the number of bids received. With only two bidders for this contract, the level of price discovery may be limited compared to a scenario with multiple competitive offers. While two bidders indicate that the process was not a sole-source award, it suggests that the market for this highly specialized R&D service might be concentrated, or that the barriers to entry for potential competitors are significant. The government likely received at least two distinct proposals, allowing for a comparison. However, the absence of a larger pool of bidders could mean that the pricing, while potentially reasonable, might not represent the absolute lowest achievable cost. The evaluation criteria used by the agency would also play a role in determining the overall value obtained.

What are the potential implications of this contract on the Army Corps of Engineers' ability to meet its spectrum-sharing objectives?

This contract is directly aimed at supporting the Army Corps of Engineers' spectrum-sharing objectives, implying that the services provided are critical to achieving these goals. Radio frequency monitoring and telecommunications analysis are essential for understanding spectrum usage, identifying potential interference, and developing strategies for efficient sharing among various users. By engaging HII Mission Technologies Corp., the Army Corps of Engineers is likely seeking to enhance its technical expertise and analytical capabilities in this domain. Successful execution of this contract should lead to improved spectrum utilization, reduced interference issues, and better compliance with regulatory requirements, ultimately enabling the Corps to operate its communication systems more effectively and reliably in an increasingly crowded electromagnetic spectrum.

Are there any historical spending patterns or trends related to radio frequency monitoring and telecommunications analysis support within the Army Corps of Engineers or the broader DoD that this contr

The increasing complexity and utilization of the electromagnetic spectrum, driven by technological advancements and the proliferation of wireless devices, have led to a growing emphasis on spectrum management and sharing across the Department of Defense. Historically, DoD spending in this area has evolved from basic spectrum allocation to sophisticated analysis and monitoring to ensure operational effectiveness and interoperability. Contracts like this one, focusing on R&D for spectrum sharing, represent a trend towards proactive and advanced solutions to manage this critical resource. The Army Corps of Engineers, like other branches, faces unique spectrum challenges due to its diverse operations. This contract likely fits into a broader DoD strategy to modernize spectrum management capabilities and address potential conflicts or inefficiencies in spectrum usage, reflecting a sustained investment in this technical domain.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: FA807513R0001

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Alion Science and Technology Corporation

Address: 8350 BROAD ST STE 1400, MC LEAN, 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: $32,936,807

Exercised Options: $32,936,807

Current Obligation: $32,936,807

Actual Outlays: $3,241,456

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 15

Total Subaward Amount: $2,065,998

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA807514D0014

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline