HII Mission Technologies Corp awarded $56.5M for advanced software, cyber security, and training environment support to the Navy

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $56,548,585 ($56.5M)

Contractor: HII Mission Technologies Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2017-12-11

End Date: 2022-04-05

Contract Duration: 1,576 days

Daily Burn Rate: $35.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: CT 17-1539 ADVANCED SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT, INTEGRATION, NETWORKS AND CYBER SECURITY FOR LEADING EDGE TRAINING, NAVY CONTINUOUS TRAINING ENVIRONMENT

Place of Performance

Location: MCLEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22102

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $56.5 million to HII MISSION TECHNOLOGIES CORP for work described as: CT 17-1539 ADVANCED SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT, INTEGRATION, NETWORKS AND CYBER SECURITY FOR LEADING EDGE TRAINING, NAVY CONTINUOUS TRAINING ENVIRONMENT Key points: 1. Contract supports critical Navy training infrastructure, enhancing readiness and technological advancement. 2. Focus on software development, integration, and cybersecurity indicates a need for cutting-edge solutions. 3. The duration of the contract suggests a long-term strategic investment in the training environment. 4. Performance is managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency, indicating robust oversight. 5. The contract falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, highlighting innovation. 6. The award value is substantial, reflecting the complexity and importance of the services required.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $56.5 million over approximately 4 years (December 2017 to April 2022) for advanced software development, integration, and cybersecurity for the Navy Continuous Training Environment appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the services. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts for complex systems integration and cybersecurity in defense is challenging due to unique requirements, but the award value is within a typical range for such sophisticated support. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing structure suggests that while costs are monitored, there is an incentive for the contractor to manage expenses to achieve the fixed fee.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but full and open competition generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and innovation. This approach ensures that the government seeks the best value from the widest possible pool of contractors.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it maximizes the chances of securing competitive pricing and high-quality services, preventing potential overspending associated with less competitive procurement methods.

Public Impact

Naval personnel benefit from an enhanced and continuously updated training environment, improving their operational readiness. Advanced software, integration, and cybersecurity services are delivered, bolstering the Navy's technological capabilities. The primary geographic impact is within the Navy's training infrastructure, likely supporting multiple bases and operational units. Workforce implications include the need for highly skilled software developers, cybersecurity experts, and systems integrators, potentially creating high-value jobs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.
The complexity of integrating advanced software and cybersecurity may present technical challenges and risks.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical training environment infrastructure could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process that likely yielded good value.
The contract supports a critical national defense function (training), indicating strategic importance.
The contractor, HII Mission Technologies Corp, is a known entity in the defense sector, suggesting experience.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences, excluding biotechnology. The market for advanced software development, integration, and cybersecurity services for defense applications is highly specialized and competitive. Spending in this area is driven by the need for continuous technological upgrades to maintain a strategic advantage. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the unique nature of military training environments, but significant investments are common for maintaining sophisticated simulation and training platforms.

Small Business Impact

The provided 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 stemming from a set-aside provision. However, the prime contractor, HII Mission Technologies Corp, may engage small businesses as subcontractors for specialized services or components, contributing to the broader small business ecosystem within the defense industry.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract is likely managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), which is responsible for ensuring contractor performance and compliance. Accountability measures would be embedded in the contract terms, including performance metrics, reporting requirements, and payment schedules tied to milestones. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases and reporting, although specific operational details may be sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Navy Training Systems
Cybersecurity Services
Software Development Contracts
Defense R&D Spending
Simulation and Training Technology

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure
Technical complexity and integration risks
Cybersecurity vulnerabilities in training systems
Dependence on contractor performance for critical infrastructure

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $56.5 million to HII MISSION TECHNOLOGIES CORP. CT 17-1539 ADVANCED SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT, INTEGRATION, NETWORKS AND CYBER SECURITY FOR LEADING EDGE TRAINING, NAVY CONTINUOUS TRAINING ENVIRONMENT

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 (Defense Contract Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $56.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-12-11. End: 2022-04-05.

What is the track record of HII Mission Technologies Corp in delivering similar advanced software and cybersecurity solutions for defense clients?

HII Mission Technologies Corp, a subsidiary of Huntington Ingalls Industries, has a significant track record in providing advanced technology solutions, including software development, cybersecurity, and systems integration, to various branches of the U.S. military. They are known for their work on complex platforms and mission-critical systems. While specific details on past performance for the Navy Continuous Training Environment are not publicly detailed in this award notice, their broader portfolio suggests substantial experience in managing large-scale, technologically advanced defense contracts. Their history includes supporting naval aviation, surface warfare, and C5ISR systems, indicating a capability to handle the intricate requirements of advanced training environments. Performance metrics and past performance evaluations are typically considered during the source selection process for such contracts.

How does the $56.5 million award value compare to other contracts for similar advanced training environment support?

Comparing the $56.5 million award value for HII Mission Technologies Corp's support of the Navy Continuous Training Environment requires context regarding the scope, duration, and specific technologies involved. Contracts for advanced simulation, virtual training, and cybersecurity integration for military purposes can range widely. For instance, major simulation and training programs can run into hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars over their lifecycle. This $56.5 million contract, spanning approximately four years, suggests a significant but not exceptionally large investment for a specialized R&D and integration effort. It appears to be a moderate-sized award for a critical, ongoing support function within a specific domain, likely reflecting the specialized nature of the Navy's training needs rather than a broad platform acquisition.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

Primary risks associated with this contract include technical challenges in integrating advanced software and cybersecurity solutions, potential cost overruns inherent in Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts, and the risk of contractor performance not meeting evolving training requirements. Mitigation strategies likely include rigorous technical reviews and testing throughout the development and integration phases, strong program management by the Navy and DCMA to monitor costs and schedule, and clearly defined performance metrics and deliverables within the contract. The use of CPFF also necessitates close financial oversight. Furthermore, the full and open competition process aims to select a contractor with a proven ability to manage such complex projects, reducing performance risk.

How effective is the Navy Continuous Training Environment in meeting its objectives, and does this contract contribute to that effectiveness?

The effectiveness of the Navy Continuous Training Environment (NCTE) is crucial for maintaining operational readiness and adapting to evolving threats. The NCTE aims to provide sailors and units with realistic, immersive, and technologically advanced training scenarios, integrating live, virtual, and constructive elements. This contract, focusing on advanced software development, integration, and cybersecurity, directly contributes to the NCTE's effectiveness by ensuring its underlying technological infrastructure is robust, secure, and up-to-date. By supporting the development and integration of new capabilities and maintaining the security of the environment, this contract helps ensure that training remains relevant, challenging, and representative of real-world operational conditions, thereby enhancing overall naval force preparedness.

What are the historical spending patterns for the Navy Continuous Training Environment or similar training support programs?

Historical spending patterns for the Navy Continuous Training Environment and similar advanced training support programs indicate a consistent and often increasing investment by the Department of Defense. As technology advances and geopolitical landscapes shift, the need for sophisticated training solutions grows. The Navy, in particular, relies heavily on advanced simulation and training to prepare its personnel for complex maritime operations. Spending in this area typically involves significant outlays for software development, hardware integration, cybersecurity, and ongoing maintenance and upgrades. While specific historical figures for the NCTE are not detailed here, defense budgets generally allocate substantial resources to training and simulation technologies, reflecting their critical role in maintaining military readiness and technological superiority.

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: FA807515R0001

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Alion Science and Technology Corporation

Address: 4021 EXECUTIVE DR, BEAVERCREEK, 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: $59,196,086

Exercised Options: $59,196,086

Current Obligation: $56,548,585

Actual Outlays: $-192,698

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 38

Total Subaward Amount: $22,999,938

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA807516D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline