DoD's $80M Joint Training Synthetic Environment R&D Awarded to HII Mission Technologies Corp
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $80,165,271 ($80.2M)
Contractor: HII Mission Technologies Corp
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2020-08-07
End Date: 2025-08-06
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $43.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: IT
Official Description: JOINT TRAINING SYNTHETIC ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR JOINT STAFF J7, DEPUTY DIRECTOR JOINT TRAINING ENVIRONMENT ARCHITECTURE DIVISION
Place of Performance
Location: SUFFOLK, SUFFOLK CITY County, VIRGINIA, 23435
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $80.2 million to HII MISSION TECHNOLOGIES CORP for work described as: JOINT TRAINING SYNTHETIC ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR JOINT STAFF J7, DEPUTY DIRECTOR JOINT TRAINING ENVIRONMENT ARCHITECTURE DIVISION Key points: 1. HII Mission Technologies Corp. secured an $80.17M contract for joint training synthetic environment R&D. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The R&D focuses on advanced simulation and training capabilities for the Joint Staff. 4. This investment aims to enhance military readiness through realistic virtual training environments.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $80.17M appears reasonable for a multi-year R&D effort in advanced simulation technology. Benchmarking against similar large-scale simulation and training development contracts would provide further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Awarded under full and open competition, this method likely fostered competitive pricing and allowed for a broad range of qualified contractors to bid. The selection process should have identified the best value offering.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in advanced military training capabilities, aiming for long-term cost savings through improved readiness and reduced live training expenses.
Public Impact
Enhances military readiness through advanced, realistic training simulations. Supports the development of next-generation synthetic training environments. Potential for broader application in other government training programs. Invests in technological innovation within the defense sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Focus on critical R&D for joint military training.
- Long-term contract duration allows for sustained development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT and Defense sectors, specifically focusing on R&D for simulation and training technologies. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining a technological edge in military preparedness.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates no specific small business set-aside or participation. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were subcontracted or if opportunities were missed.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force, is overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for R&D contracts, including milestone reviews and performance monitoring, should be in place.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- No explicit small business participation.
- Long-term R&D project with inherent uncertainty.
- Reliance on a single contractor for a significant portion of the development.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $80.2 million to HII MISSION TECHNOLOGIES CORP. JOINT TRAINING SYNTHETIC ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR JOINT STAFF J7, DEPUTY DIRECTOR JOINT TRAINING ENVIRONMENT ARCHITECTURE DIVISION
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 $80.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-08-07. End: 2025-08-06.
What specific technological advancements are expected from this R&D, and how will they translate into tangible improvements in joint training effectiveness?
This R&D is expected to yield advancements in areas such as AI-driven adaptive training scenarios, enhanced virtual reality immersion, and more realistic physics-based simulations. These improvements aim to provide more cost-effective, safer, and repeatable training experiences that better replicate complex operational environments, ultimately boosting warfighter proficiency and mission success rates.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of this R&D project, and how will the government ensure the contractor meets these benchmarks?
Key performance indicators likely include the successful development and integration of specific simulation modules, achievement of defined fidelity levels for virtual environments, and demonstration of improved training outcomes in pilot programs. The government will ensure benchmarks are met through regular technical reviews, milestone reporting, and performance evaluations tied to the contract's delivery requirements and payment schedules.
How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract structure mitigate risks associated with R&D uncertainty while ensuring fair pricing for the government?
The CPFF structure allows for flexibility in R&D where exact costs are unpredictable, covering allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee. This mitigates contractor risk, encouraging innovation. For the government, the fixed fee provides a level of cost certainty for contractor profit, while the 'cost plus' aspect ensures that necessary R&D expenses are covered, provided they are reasonable and allocable.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and 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
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: $81,220,642
Exercised Options: $81,220,642
Current Obligation: $80,165,271
Actual Outlays: $21,288,099
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $259,450
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA807518D0002
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-08-07
Current End Date: 2025-08-06
Potential End Date: 2025-08-06 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-10-09
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