DoD's $42.8M Unmanned Aircraft Systems R&D Contract Awarded to HII Mission Technologies Corp
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $42,844,277 ($42.8M)
Contractor: HII Mission Technologies Corp
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2018-07-02
End Date: 2023-11-30
Contract Duration: 1,977 days
Daily Burn Rate: $21.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT TEST AND EVALUATION OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS FOR INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, RECONNAISSANCE, TARGETING AND PRECISION STRIKE CAPABILITIES FOR NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND PERSISTENT MARITIME UAS PROGRAM OFFICE 262, INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
Place of Performance
Location: ODON, DAVIESS County, INDIANA, 47562
State: Indiana Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $42.8 million to HII MISSION TECHNOLOGIES CORP for work described as: RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT TEST AND EVALUATION OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS FOR INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, RECONNAISSANCE, TARGETING AND PRECISION STRIKE CAPABILITIES FOR NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND PERSISTENT MARITIME UAS PROGRAM OFFICE 262, INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS Key points: 1. Focuses on advanced UAS for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strike. 2. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting market availability. 3. Potential risks include technology obsolescence and integration challenges. 4. The sector is critical for modern defense capabilities and faces rapid innovation.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $42.8M for a 5-year R&D effort appears reasonable given the complexity and specialized nature of developing advanced UAS capabilities. Benchmarking against similar large-scale defense R&D contracts would provide further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value solution.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for advanced defense technology development.
Public Impact
Enhances naval intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. Supports precision strike missions with advanced drone technology. Invests in critical R&D for future military operations. Potential for dual-use applications in civilian sectors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Technology obsolescence risk
- Integration complexity
- Program execution challenges
Positive Signals
- Leverages advanced R&D
- Supports critical defense modernization
- Competitive award process
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the defense sector's significant investment in unmanned systems. Spending benchmarks for similar R&D programs vary widely based on technological scope and duration, but $42.8M over five years for advanced UAS development is within a typical range for specialized military research.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to HII Mission Technologies Corp., a large business. There is no explicit indication of small business subcontracting goals within the provided data, which could be an area for further review to ensure small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense, specifically the Naval Air Systems Command, oversees this program. Oversight would typically involve technical reviews, milestone tracking, and financial audits to ensure program objectives are met and funds are used appropriately.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Technology obsolescence
- Integration challenges
- Program cost overruns
- Cybersecurity vulnerabilities
- Dependence on specific vendor expertise
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, in, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $42.8 million to HII MISSION TECHNOLOGIES CORP. RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT TEST AND EVALUATION OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS FOR INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, RECONNAISSANCE, TARGETING AND PRECISION STRIKE CAPABILITIES FOR NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND PERSISTENT MARITIME UAS PROGRAM OFFICE 262, INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
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 $42.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-07-02. End: 2023-11-30.
What is the projected return on investment for this R&D in terms of enhanced operational capabilities or cost savings?
The projected ROI is difficult to quantify precisely at the R&D stage. However, the investment aims to enhance naval ISR and precision strike capabilities, potentially leading to improved mission effectiveness, reduced risk to personnel, and more efficient resource allocation in future operations. Quantifiable cost savings may emerge from reduced reliance on manned platforms or more precise targeting.
What are the primary technological risks associated with developing these advanced UAS capabilities?
Primary technological risks include achieving desired levels of autonomy, ensuring secure communication and data links, developing robust sensor payloads for diverse maritime environments, and managing the power and endurance requirements for persistent surveillance. The rapid pace of technological advancement also poses a risk of obsolescence if development timelines are not managed effectively.
How will the effectiveness of the developed UAS be measured and validated for operational deployment?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through a series of rigorous testing and evaluation phases, including simulations, ground tests, and flight demonstrations in realistic maritime scenarios. Key performance parameters such as flight endurance, sensor data quality, communication reliability, and payload integration will be assessed against defined operational requirements. Feedback from end-users and operational commanders will be crucial for validation.
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, 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: $43,850,140
Exercised Options: $43,850,140
Current Obligation: $42,844,277
Actual Outlays: $524,991
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 3
Total Subaward Amount: $2,598,660
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
Start Date: 2018-07-02
Current End Date: 2023-11-30
Potential End Date: 2023-11-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-18
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