DoD CIO awards $41.5M contract to HII Mission Technologies for spectrum enterprise, policy, and programs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $41,494,282 ($41.5M)

Contractor: HII Mission Technologies Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-06-08

End Date: 2027-06-14

Contract Duration: 1,832 days

Daily Burn Rate: $22.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: SPECTRUM TECHNICAL, POLICY, AND STRATEGIC ASSESSMENTS FOR DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM ENTERPRISE, POLICY, AND PROGRAMS

Place of Performance

Location: ANNAPOLIS JUNCTION, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20701

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $41.5 million to HII MISSION TECHNOLOGIES CORP for work described as: SPECTRUM TECHNICAL, POLICY, AND STRATEGIC ASSESSMENTS FOR DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM ENTERPRISE, POLICY, AND PROGRAMS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to HII Mission Technologies Corp for critical spectrum management services. 2. The contract supports the Department of Defense Chief Information Officer. 3. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences is the primary NAICS code. 4. The contract duration is over 5 years, indicating a long-term need. 5. The award method was full and open competition.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. However, the fixed fee component provides some cost certainty. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more granular cost data.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing by allowing all eligible contractors to bid.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential defense research and development in electromagnetic spectrum management, a critical area for national security.

Public Impact

Enhances national security through improved electromagnetic spectrum management. Supports technological advancement within the Department of Defense. Ensures effective communication and operational capabilities for military forces. Invests in research and development for future defense needs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
Long contract duration may not adapt to rapidly changing technology.
Limited visibility into specific performance metrics.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Supports a critical defense function.
Long-term commitment to spectrum management.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority and addressing evolving threats.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, as 'sb' is false. Larger prime contractors like HII Mission Technologies Corp often subcontract, potentially creating opportunities for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Defense Chief Information Officer is responsible for overseeing this contract. The fixed fee component of the contract type suggests some level of cost control is built-in, but ongoing oversight is crucial for managing performance and costs.

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.
Potential for scope creep over the contract duration.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical spectrum expertise.
Limited public information on specific performance metrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $41.5 million to HII MISSION TECHNOLOGIES CORP. SPECTRUM TECHNICAL, POLICY, AND STRATEGIC ASSESSMENTS FOR DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM ENTERPRISE, POLICY, AND 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 $41.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-06-08. End: 2027-06-14.

What specific deliverables are expected under this contract, and how will their successful completion be measured to ensure value for money?

The contract details specific technical, policy, and strategic assessments related to the electromagnetic spectrum enterprise. Success will likely be measured through the quality and timeliness of these assessments, adherence to policy recommendations, and their impact on improving spectrum utilization and defense operations. Detailed performance metrics and reporting requirements would be outlined in the contract's statement of work.

Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, what mechanisms are in place to mitigate the risk of cost overruns and ensure efficient use of taxpayer funds?

While Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) includes a fixed fee, the 'cost plus' portion means the government pays actual costs incurred plus that fee. Mitigation strategies typically involve rigorous cost monitoring, detailed audits of incurred costs, clear definitions of allowable costs, and strong program management oversight to ensure work stays within anticipated parameters and avoids unnecessary expenses.

How does this contract contribute to the DoD's overall strategy for spectrum management, and what are the anticipated long-term benefits for military effectiveness?

This contract directly supports the DoD CIO's role in managing the electromagnetic spectrum, a vital resource for modern warfare. By providing expert assessments, it aims to optimize spectrum use, enhance communication resilience, and ensure access for critical military operations. The long-term benefits include improved interoperability, reduced interference, and a more secure and efficient operational environment for all branches of the military.

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: 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: $44,457,149

Exercised Options: $44,457,149

Current Obligation: $41,494,282

Actual Outlays: $4,662,669

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