DoD awards $24M for advanced C4ISR systems, with HII Mission Technologies Corp. leading R&D efforts

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,979,277 ($24.0M)

Contractor: HII Mission Technologies Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-04-01

End Date: 2027-03-31

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $13.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: COMBAT VEHICLE COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATION, COMPUTERS, INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, AND RECONNAISSANCE ON-THE-MOVE SYSTEMS FOR THE JOINT WARFIGHTER NAVAL INFORMATION WARFARE CENTER PACIFIC

Place of Performance

Location: SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92152

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $24.0 million to HII MISSION TECHNOLOGIES CORP for work described as: COMBAT VEHICLE COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATION, COMPUTERS, INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, AND RECONNAISSANCE ON-THE-MOVE SYSTEMS FOR THE JOINT WARFIGHTER NAVAL INFORMATION WARFARE CENTER PACIFIC Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical research and development for advanced battlefield communication and intelligence systems. 2. The award signifies a significant investment in modernizing joint warfighter capabilities. 3. Competition dynamics suggest a robust market for specialized defense technology solutions. 4. Performance will be closely monitored given the complexity of integrated C4ISR systems. 5. This contract positions HII Mission Technologies Corp. as a key player in naval information warfare. 6. The duration of the contract indicates a long-term commitment to system development and integration.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $24 million over five years for advanced C4ISR systems appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the research and development involved. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts for complex defense systems is challenging due to unique technological requirements. However, the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure suggests that while the contractor is incentivized to control costs, the government bears some risk if development expenses exceed initial estimates. Further analysis would require detailed cost breakdowns and comparison to industry standards for similar technological advancements.

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 presence of two bids suggests a competitive environment, though the exact number of bidders can influence price discovery. A higher number of bidders typically leads to more competitive pricing for the government. The specific details of the bidding process and the evaluation criteria would provide further insight into the effectiveness of the competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down costs and encourage innovation, leading to better value for public funds.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the joint warfighters who will receive enhanced command, control, communication, computer, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. The services delivered include research, development, and integration of advanced C4ISR systems. The geographic impact is likely focused on naval operations and potentially global deployment zones. Workforce implications may include specialized engineering, software development, and systems integration roles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.
The complexity of C4ISR systems presents inherent technical risks.
Reliance on a single awardee for a critical capability could pose future supply chain risks.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, ensuring a broad base of potential suppliers.
The contract duration allows for sustained development and integration of advanced technologies.
Focus on R&D indicates investment in future warfighting capabilities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for C4ISR systems is highly specialized and driven by defense spending. Companies like HII Mission Technologies Corp. operate in a segment characterized by high technological barriers to entry and significant government investment. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the unique nature of C4ISR technologies, but overall defense R&D spending provides a broad context.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless HII Mission Technologies Corp. voluntarily engages small businesses as subcontractors for specialized components or services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific and the Department of the Air Force, as the procuring agency. Accountability measures will be embedded within the contract's performance metrics and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated through the Federal Procurement Data System, where contract awards are publicly reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2)
Naval C4ISR Modernization Programs
Tactical Data Links
Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Platforms

Risk Flags

Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type requires careful monitoring to prevent cost overruns.
Complexity of C4ISR systems introduces inherent technical and integration risks.
Long-term development cycle necessitates adaptability to evolving technological landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $24.0 million to HII MISSION TECHNOLOGIES CORP. COMBAT VEHICLE COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATION, COMPUTERS, INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, AND RECONNAISSANCE ON-THE-MOVE SYSTEMS FOR THE JOINT WARFIGHTER NAVAL INFORMATION WARFARE CENTER PACIFIC

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 $24.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-04-01. End: 2027-03-31.

What is HII Mission Technologies Corp.'s track record with similar C4ISR development contracts?

HII Mission Technologies Corp. has a substantial history of supporting defense programs, including those involving C4ISR systems. They have been involved in various naval and joint force modernization efforts, providing services ranging from system integration to advanced technology development. Specific to C4ISR, their experience often includes enhancing communication networks, developing sensor integration capabilities, and improving data processing for intelligence dissemination. While this specific contract focuses on R&D for 'on-the-move' systems, HII's broader portfolio suggests they possess the technical expertise and program management capabilities required for such complex undertakings. Reviewing past performance evaluations and contract awards for similar projects would provide a more granular understanding of their success rates and client satisfaction in this domain.

How does the awarded value compare to similar R&D efforts in advanced C4ISR?

Comparing the $24 million award for advanced C4ISR systems to similar R&D efforts is complex due to the highly specialized and evolving nature of this technology. R&D contracts, especially those involving cutting-edge capabilities like 'on-the-move' systems for joint warfighters, often have variable costs depending on the specific technological challenges and required innovation. Generally, multi-year R&D contracts for complex defense systems can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars. The value of this contract appears to be within a reasonable range for a five-year development effort focused on critical communication and intelligence infrastructure, particularly given the 'full and open competition' aspect which suggests market validation. However, a precise benchmark would require access to detailed cost breakdowns and comparisons with other classified or unclassified R&D programs with similar technical objectives and scope.

What are the primary technical risks associated with developing 'on-the-move' C4ISR systems?

Developing 'on-the-move' C4ISR systems presents several significant technical risks. Key among these is ensuring robust and reliable connectivity in dynamic environments, where signal interruption due to movement, terrain, or electronic countermeasures is a constant threat. Miniaturization and power efficiency are also critical challenges; systems must be compact and consume minimal power to be practical for deployment on various platforms without compromising operational endurance. Integration complexity is another major risk, as these systems must seamlessly interface with existing and future communication networks and platforms, often requiring adherence to strict interoperability standards. Furthermore, ensuring the security of data transmitted and processed 'on-the-move' against cyber threats is paramount. Finally, the rapid pace of technological advancement means that systems developed today could become obsolete quickly, posing a risk of technological obsolescence if not designed with future upgrades in mind.

What is the expected impact of these advanced C4ISR systems on battlefield situational awareness?

The expected impact of these advanced C4ISR systems on battlefield situational awareness is substantial and transformative. By providing enhanced command, control, communication, computer, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities 'on-the-move,' these systems aim to deliver real-time, accurate, and actionable intelligence directly to warfighters regardless of their location or operational tempo. This improved flow of information will significantly reduce the fog of war, enabling commanders to make faster, more informed decisions. Enhanced situational awareness allows for better coordination between different units and domains (air, land, sea, space, cyber), leading to more effective mission planning and execution. Ultimately, these systems are designed to provide a decisive advantage by ensuring that warfighters have the clearest possible picture of the battlespace, thereby increasing operational effectiveness and survivability.

How has spending on C4ISR systems evolved within the Department of Defense over the past decade?

Spending on C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) systems within the Department of Defense has seen a consistent and significant upward trend over the past decade. This evolution is driven by the increasing recognition of information dominance as a critical component of modern warfare and the need to counter sophisticated threats. Investments have shifted towards more integrated, networked, and resilient systems capable of operating across multiple domains and platforms. There has been a particular emphasis on leveraging artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced data analytics to process vast amounts of sensor data and provide actionable intelligence. Furthermore, the push towards joint all-domain command and control (JADC2) initiatives underscores the DoD's commitment to seamless information sharing and interoperability, requiring substantial and ongoing investment in C4ISR modernization. While specific figures fluctuate annually based on budget priorities and emerging threats, the overall trajectory indicates a sustained and growing allocation of resources to C4ISR capabilities.

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: 2

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: $47,380,564

Exercised Options: $47,380,564

Current Obligation: $23,979,277

Actual Outlays: $5,315,743

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 20

Total Subaward Amount: $49,091,665

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