Air Force R&D contract for survivability analysis awarded to Booz Allen Hamilton for over $67.8 million

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $67,831,301 ($67.8M)

Contractor: Booz Allen Hamilton Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-12-17

End Date: 2026-01-07

Contract Duration: 1,847 days

Daily Burn Rate: $36.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: SURVIVABILITY AND COMBAT EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSIS FOR AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER (AFLCMC) COMBAT EFFECTIVENESS AND VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS BRANCH (EZJA)

Place of Performance

Location: DAYTON, GREENE County, OHIO, 45433

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $67.8 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC for work described as: SURVIVABILITY AND COMBAT EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSIS FOR AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER (AFLCMC) COMBAT EFFECTIVENESS AND VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS BRANCH (EZJA) Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical survivability and combat effectiveness analysis for Air Force systems. 2. Booz Allen Hamilton, a large defense contractor, holds this significant award. 3. The contract duration extends over five years, indicating a long-term need for these services. 4. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences is the primary NAICS code. 5. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can present cost control challenges. 6. This award represents a substantial investment in understanding and improving Air Force asset resilience.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $67.8 million over approximately five years suggests a significant investment in specialized R&D. Benchmarking this against similar contracts for combat effectiveness and survivability analysis is challenging without more specific data on the scope of work. However, given the specialized nature of the services and the contractor's established presence in this domain, the pricing appears to be within a reasonable range for complex research and development efforts. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates careful oversight to ensure value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This competitive process is generally expected to drive better pricing and innovation. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a robust competition.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition provides taxpayers with assurance that the government sought the best value from a wide range of potential offerors, likely leading to more competitive pricing than a sole-source award.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) and its Combat Effectiveness and Vulnerability Analysis Branch. The services delivered will enhance the understanding of Air Force weapon system survivability and combat effectiveness. This research directly supports the development and sustainment of advanced Air Force capabilities. The geographic impact is primarily within the United States, supporting national defense objectives. Workforce implications include specialized roles for researchers, analysts, and engineers in the defense sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require diligent oversight to manage costs effectively and prevent overruns.
The long duration of the contract could lead to scope creep if not managed tightly.
Reliance on a single large contractor for critical analysis may limit future competition or innovation from smaller firms.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process that likely yielded fair pricing.
Booz Allen Hamilton has a strong track record in defense contracting and R&D, indicating expertise.
The contract addresses a critical need for survivability and combat effectiveness analysis, vital for national security.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The defense R&D market is substantial, with significant government investment aimed at maintaining technological superiority. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve other contracts for advanced simulation, modeling, and analysis services for complex weapon systems. The market is characterized by a mix of large, established defense contractors and specialized R&D firms.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not appear to have a specific small business set-aside. While Booz Allen Hamilton is a large business, there may be opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors. The extent of small business subcontracting will depend on the prime contractor's strategy and the specific technical requirements of the research tasks.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract will likely be managed by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC). Accountability measures will involve regular performance reviews, milestone tracking, and financial audits to ensure adherence to the contract terms and budget. Transparency is facilitated through contract reporting requirements, though specific details of the research may be sensitive.

Related Government Programs

Air Force Research Laboratory Contracts
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Projects
Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) R&D
Army Futures Command Research

Risk Flags

Cost Overruns Risk (CPFF)
Scope Creep Risk
Uncertain R&D Outcomes
Data Sensitivity and Security

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $67.8 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC. SURVIVABILITY AND COMBAT EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSIS FOR AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER (AFLCMC) COMBAT EFFECTIVENESS AND VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS BRANCH (EZJA)

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 $67.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-12-17. End: 2026-01-07.

What is Booz Allen Hamilton's track record with similar Air Force R&D contracts?

Booz Allen Hamilton has a long and extensive history of performing research and development services for the Department of Defense, including the Air Force. They are a major contractor specializing in areas such as systems engineering, advanced analytics, cybersecurity, and operational effectiveness. Their track record includes numerous contracts involving complex analysis, modeling, and simulation for various weapon systems. For the Air Force specifically, they have been involved in projects related to aircraft sustainment, future combat systems, and intelligence analysis. Their experience in handling Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts and managing large-scale R&D efforts is well-documented, suggesting a high level of capability and familiarity with Air Force requirements.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure compare to other contract types for R&D?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is common for research and development efforts where the scope of work is not precisely defined at the outset, or where innovation is a key objective. In a CPFF contract, the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This differs from fixed-price contracts, where the price is set regardless of costs, and cost-reimbursement contracts with incentive fees, which adjust profit based on performance. While CPFF offers flexibility for evolving R&D projects, it places a greater burden on the government to meticulously monitor costs and ensure they are reasonable and allocable to the contract. This structure can potentially lead to higher overall costs for the government compared to fixed-price arrangements if not managed diligently.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of survivability and combat effectiveness analysis contract?

Several risks are associated with this contract. Firstly, the inherent uncertainty in R&D means that the outcomes of the analysis may not yield definitive or easily actionable results, potentially impacting the value delivered. Secondly, the CPFF structure carries a risk of cost overruns if contractor expenditures are not closely monitored and controlled by the government. Thirdly, there's a risk of scope creep, where the project expands beyond its original intent, leading to increased costs and delays. Finally, the effectiveness of the analysis itself is a risk; if the methodologies or assumptions are flawed, the resulting insights may be inaccurate, leading to poor strategic decisions regarding weapon system development or deployment.

How does this contract's value compare to other R&D spending within the Air Force?

The $67.8 million value for this specific contract, spread over approximately five years, represents a significant but not exceptionally large portion of the Air Force's overall Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) budget. The Air Force typically allocates tens of billions of dollars annually to RDT&E across various domains, including aeronautics, space, command and control, and weapons systems. This contract focuses on a specialized niche within that broader RDT&E landscape – survivability and combat effectiveness analysis. While substantial for its specific purpose, it is one of many critical investments the Air Force makes to ensure the technological superiority and operational readiness of its assets.

What are the potential implications of this contract for future Air Force acquisition decisions?

The insights generated from this survivability and combat effectiveness analysis contract are intended to directly inform future Air Force acquisition decisions. By understanding the vulnerabilities and strengths of current and projected weapon systems, the Air Force can make more informed choices about which technologies to develop, procure, and field. This could lead to the acquisition of more resilient, effective, and cost-efficient platforms. For instance, findings might influence design requirements for new aircraft, recommend upgrades for existing fleets, or guide investment in defensive countermeasures. Ultimately, this contract aims to reduce the risk of acquiring systems that are either overly vulnerable in combat or unnecessarily expensive to operate and maintain.

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 › C – National Defense R&D Services

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: 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: $67,831,301

Exercised Options: $67,831,301

Current Obligation: $67,831,301

Actual Outlays: $4,049,892

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 76

Total Subaward Amount: $14,799,078

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA807518D0004

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline