Air Force R&D Contract for Survivability Analysis Awarded to Booz Allen Hamilton for $30.1M
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $30,117,663 ($30.1M)
Contractor: Booz Allen Hamilton Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2018-12-11
End Date: 2022-06-21
Contract Duration: 1,288 days
Daily Burn Rate: $23.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: TECHNICAL ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT OF SURVIVABILITY, VULNERABILITIES AND LETHALITY AIR FORCE GLOBAL STRIKE COMMAND / STRATEGIC PLANS, PROGRAMS AND REQUIREMENTS DIRECTORATE
Place of Performance
Location: BOSSIER CITY, BOSSIER County, LOUISIANA, 71111
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $30.1 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC for work described as: TECHNICAL ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT OF SURVIVABILITY, VULNERABILITIES AND LETHALITY AIR FORCE GLOBAL STRIKE COMMAND / STRATEGIC PLANS, PROGRAMS AND REQUIREMENTS DIRECTORATE Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical R&D for Air Force survivability and lethality. 2. Booz Allen Hamilton, a large established firm, is the sole awardee. 3. Potential risks include limited competition and the Cost Plus Fixed Fee pricing structure. 4. The R&D sector is vital for maintaining technological superiority.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure can incentivize cost overruns, especially in R&D where scope can be fluid. Without clear benchmarks for similar R&D efforts, assessing value is challenging.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process. However, the specific nature of R&D may limit the number of qualified bidders, potentially impacting price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting critical research, but the CPFF structure warrants close monitoring to ensure cost efficiency.
Public Impact
Enhances Air Force's understanding of weapon system survivability and vulnerability. Supports strategic planning for future Air Force capabilities. Contributes to national defense through advanced research.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee pricing in R&D
- Potential for scope creep in research
- Limited visibility into specific research outcomes
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition
- Addresses critical defense needs
- Experienced contractor
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation and maintaining a technological edge, with benchmarks varying widely based on research complexity and duration.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, Booz Allen Hamilton, is a large business. There is no indication that small businesses were involved as subcontractors on this specific contract, which is common for large, complex R&D efforts.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is crucial for CPFF contracts to manage costs and ensure research objectives are met. The Department of the Air Force's Directorate of Strategic Plans, Programs, and Requirements is responsible for this analysis, implying internal oversight.
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
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee pricing structure
- Potential for cost overruns in R&D
- Limited direct small business participation
- Complexity of measuring R&D value
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, la, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $30.1 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT OF SURVIVABILITY, VULNERABILITIES AND LETHALITY AIR FORCE GLOBAL STRIKE COMMAND / STRATEGIC PLANS, PROGRAMS AND REQUIREMENTS DIRECTORATE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON 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 $30.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-12-11. End: 2022-06-21.
What specific metrics are used to evaluate the 'survivability, vulnerabilities, and lethality' research outcomes to ensure value for money?
Evaluating the value of R&D outcomes like survivability analysis is complex. Metrics might include the identification of previously unknown vulnerabilities, the development of effective countermeasures, or validated improvements in weapon system lethality. The contracting officer's representative (COR) and technical monitors would likely assess the quality and applicability of the research reports and findings against predefined research objectives and milestones.
How does the CPFF structure mitigate risks associated with the inherent uncertainties in R&D projects?
The CPFF structure aims to provide the contractor with a reasonable profit while covering all allowable costs. For R&D, the 'fixed fee' component provides some predictability for the contractor's profit. However, the 'cost plus' aspect means the government bears the risk of cost increases. Effective oversight, clear statement of work, and robust milestone tracking are essential to control costs and mitigate risks associated with R&D uncertainties.
What is the long-term strategic impact of this research on the Air Force's operational capabilities?
This research directly impacts the Air Force's ability to maintain and enhance the survivability and effectiveness of its global strike assets. By understanding vulnerabilities, the Air Force can develop targeted upgrades, training, and operational TTPs (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures) to counter evolving threats, ensuring its strategic deterrence and warfighting capabilities remain credible and potent in the future.
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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: FA807513R0001
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation
Address: 8283 GREENSBORO DR, MCLEAN, 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: $37,425,120
Exercised Options: $37,425,120
Current Obligation: $30,117,663
Actual Outlays: $6,067,255
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 10
Total Subaward Amount: $3,788,573
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA807514D0016
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-12-11
Current End Date: 2022-06-21
Potential End Date: 2022-06-21 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-04
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