HII Mission Technologies Corp awarded $40.4M for scientific test and analysis support to the Air Force

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $40,418,676 ($40.4M)

Contractor: HII Mission Technologies Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2018-08-02

End Date: 2022-06-21

Contract Duration: 1,419 days

Daily Burn Rate: $28.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: SCIENTIFIC TEST AND ANALYSIS TECHNIQUE SUPPORT AIR FORCE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT

Place of Performance

Location: DAYTON, GREENE County, OHIO, 45433

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $40.4 million to HII MISSION TECHNOLOGIES CORP for work described as: SCIENTIFIC TEST AND ANALYSIS TECHNIQUE SUPPORT AIR FORCE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT Key points: 1. Contract provides essential scientific test and analysis techniques for advanced graduate-level engineering and management programs. 2. The contract value of $40.4 million over approximately 3.8 years suggests a significant investment in specialized research support. 3. Performance is located in Ohio, indicating a concentration of specialized technical services within that state. 4. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) is common for R&D but can carry higher cost-reimbursement risks. 5. This award falls under the 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' NAICS code, highlighting its focus on innovation and technical advancement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $40.4 million for nearly four years of support for the Air Force Institute of Technology's graduate programs appears reasonable given the specialized nature of scientific test and analysis techniques. Benchmarking against similar R&D support contracts is challenging without more specific service details, but the cost per year is approximately $10.6 million. This figure should be evaluated against the complexity and criticality of the research supported.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is expected to yield a fair price and ensure the government receives the best value. The number of bidders is not specified, but the full and open nature suggests a robust selection process.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down costs through market forces and ensuring that the most capable contractor is selected at a competitive price.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the students and faculty of the Air Force Institute of Technology's Graduate School of Engineering and Management, who receive critical support for their research and development activities. The services delivered are essential for advancing scientific understanding and developing new technologies relevant to national defense. The geographic impact is concentrated in Ohio, where the Air Force Institute of Technology is located. This contract supports a highly specialized workforce of scientists, engineers, and technical analysts involved in cutting-edge research.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.
The duration of the contract (over 3 years) requires ongoing monitoring to ensure continued value and performance.
Reliance on a single award for such a critical function could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment.
The contractor, HII Mission Technologies Corp, is a known entity in the defense sector, implying a level of established capability.
The contract supports advanced research and development, contributing to technological superiority.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The R&D market is characterized by innovation, specialized expertise, and often long development cycles. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological advantages. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other contracts supporting academic research institutions or advanced technology development programs within the Department of Defense.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses arising from a set-aside provision. The prime contractor, HII Mission Technologies Corp, is a large business, and any subcontracting would be at their discretion, potentially offering opportunities for small businesses if they possess the required specialized skills.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of the Air Force and the Air Force Institute of Technology. Accountability measures are typically embedded within the contract's performance work statement and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Air Force Research Laboratory Contracts
Department of Defense Science and Technology Programs
University Research Grants
Advanced Technology Development Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF)
Performance Monitoring Intensity
Contract Duration Management

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $40.4 million to HII MISSION TECHNOLOGIES CORP. SCIENTIFIC TEST AND ANALYSIS TECHNIQUE SUPPORT AIR FORCE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT

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 $40.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-08-02. End: 2022-06-21.

What is the track record of HII Mission Technologies Corp in supporting similar R&D contracts for the Air Force?

HII Mission Technologies Corp, a subsidiary of Huntington Ingalls Industries, has a significant presence in the defense sector, providing a wide range of technical services, including R&D support, simulation, and training. While specific details on their past performance with the Air Force Institute of Technology for scientific test and analysis techniques require deeper investigation into contract databases and performance reviews, their overall experience suggests a capacity to handle complex R&D requirements. Analyzing their portfolio of previous contracts, particularly those involving academic institutions or advanced engineering support, would provide a clearer picture of their relevant expertise and historical success rates in similar engagements.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar R&D support contracts for academic institutions within the DoD?

Comparing the $40.4 million award for HII Mission Technologies Corp's support to the Air Force Institute of Technology requires identifying contracts with similar scope, duration, and complexity. Contracts supporting university-affiliated research centers or providing specialized technical services to DoD academic institutions often range from several million to tens of millions of dollars annually. The cost per year for this contract is approximately $10.6 million. Without specific details on the exact nature of the 'scientific test and analysis techniques' and the scale of research involved, a precise benchmark is difficult. However, this figure appears within a reasonable range for specialized, long-term R&D support for a graduate-level institution.

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

The primary risk associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for R&D is the potential for cost overruns. In a CPFF structure, the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. If the contractor's costs exceed initial estimates, the government bears the burden of these increased expenses, while the contractor's profit remains fixed. This can incentivize less cost-conscious behavior if oversight is not rigorous. For the government, the risk lies in paying more than anticipated for the research outcomes. Effective management, detailed cost tracking, and strong performance monitoring are crucial to mitigate these risks.

How effective is the Air Force Institute of Technology in leveraging external support for its research programs?

The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) is a key institution for developing advanced scientific and engineering expertise within the Air Force. Leveraging external support, such as through contracts like this one with HII Mission Technologies Corp, is a common and often effective strategy for AFIT to access specialized technical skills, advanced testing capabilities, and research methodologies that may not be available in-house. This allows AFIT to focus its internal resources on core educational and research direction. The effectiveness of this specific contract would be measured by the quality of research output, the successful completion of test and analysis objectives, and the contribution to AFIT's educational mission and the Air Force's technological advancement.

What has been the historical spending trend for scientific test and analysis support at AFIT or similar institutions?

Historical spending trends for scientific test and analysis support at institutions like AFIT are typically tied to broader Department of Defense R&D budgets and specific Air Force priorities. Over the past decade, DoD spending on R&D has fluctuated based on geopolitical factors and strategic needs. Contracts for specialized technical support at academic institutions are a consistent component of this spending. While specific historical data for AFIT's test and analysis support contracts requires detailed database queries, overall R&D spending by the Air Force has remained substantial, indicating a sustained need for such services. Trends often show increased investment in areas like AI, cyber, and advanced materials, which would likely influence the nature and cost of test and analysis support.

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: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc

Address: 4021 EXECUTIVE DR, DAYTON, OH, 45430

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $46,972,008

Exercised Options: $46,972,008

Current Obligation: $40,418,676

Actual Outlays: $2,308,216

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 76

Total Subaward Amount: $32,799,817

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA807514D0019

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline