DoD's $14.37M Multi-Modal C-SUAS Innovation contract awarded to Booz Allen Hamilton for R&D

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,366,587 ($14.4M)

Contractor: Booz Allen Hamilton Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-09-19

End Date: 2029-11-18

Contract Duration: 1,521 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: MULTI MODAL C-SUAS INNOVATION (M2CI) THE SCOPE OF THIS EFFORT IS TO PERFORM RESEARCH ,DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION OF ALL TECHNOLOGIES NEEDED TO ACCOMPLISH THE OBJECTIVE.

Place of Performance

Location: ROME, ONEIDA County, NEW YORK, 13441

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $14.4 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC for work described as: MULTI MODAL C-SUAS INNOVATION (M2CI) THE SCOPE OF THIS EFFORT IS TO PERFORM RESEARCH ,DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION OF ALL TECHNOLOGIES NEEDED TO ACCOMPLISH THE OBJECTIVE. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on research, development, testing, and evaluation of Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-SUAS) technologies. 2. Booz Allen Hamilton, a large defense contractor, secured this Cost Plus Fixed Fee award. 3. The contract duration spans over four years, indicating a significant investment in long-term innovation. 4. Awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, suggesting a competitive process with specific justifications. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541715 points to significant R&D activities in physical and engineering sciences. 6. This contract aligns with the Department of Defense's strategic focus on countering emerging aerial threats. 7. The delivery order structure suggests phased funding and execution of research objectives.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure allows for flexibility in research and development while providing the contractor with an incentive to control costs. Benchmarking CPFF contracts in the R&D sector is complex due to the inherent uncertainties in research outcomes. However, the fixed fee component provides a degree of cost predictability. Comparing the total award value to similar R&D efforts in C-SUAS technologies would provide further insight into its value proposition.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources.' This indicates that while the competition was open, there were specific reasons for excluding certain sources, possibly related to unique capabilities or prior development work. The exact number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' designation implies a robust competitive environment was sought.

Taxpayer Impact: This competitive approach, even with source exclusions, aims to ensure that the government receives the best value by considering multiple qualified offerors, which can lead to more favorable pricing and innovative solutions for taxpayers.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force, which will receive advanced C-SUAS technologies. The contract will deliver research, development, testing, and evaluation of critical technologies to counter small unmanned aircraft threats. The geographic impact is primarily within the United States, where research and development activities will likely take place. The contract supports a highly skilled workforce in research, engineering, and testing, contributing to the defense technology sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The CPFF contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully, especially in R&D where outcomes are uncertain.
The 'exclusion of sources' clause warrants scrutiny to ensure it was justified and did not unduly limit competition.
The long duration of the contract requires ongoing oversight to ensure milestones are met and objectives remain aligned with evolving threats.

Positive Signals

Awarding to a known entity like Booz Allen Hamilton suggests a level of confidence in their technical capabilities and past performance.
The focus on C-SUAS innovation addresses a critical and evolving national security threat.
The full and open competition aspect, even with exclusions, indicates an effort to achieve competitive pricing and technical solutions.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader defense research and development sector, specifically focusing on advanced technologies for electronic warfare and counter-unmanned systems. The market for C-SUAS solutions is rapidly growing due to the proliferation of drone technology. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other DoD contracts for similar R&D efforts in electronic warfare, sensor development, and counter-drone systems, which often represent significant investments.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation is not a primary focus, as Booz Allen Hamilton is a large prime contractor and the contract does not appear to be a small business set-aside. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist, but they would depend on Booz Allen Hamilton's subcontracting plan and the specific needs of the research and development effort. The direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless significant subcontracting occurs.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be primarily conducted by the Department of the Air Force contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures will be tied to the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract terms, requiring detailed reporting on research progress, expenditures, and milestone achievements. Transparency will be facilitated through contract reporting mechanisms, though specific details of the R&D may be sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-SUAS) Programs
Department of Defense Research and Development Initiatives
Advanced Technology Development Contracts
Electronic Warfare Research
Air Force Science and Technology Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF)
Scope Creep Risk (R&D)
Justification for Source Exclusion Scrutiny
Long-Term Project Management Complexity

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $14.4 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC. MULTI MODAL C-SUAS INNOVATION (M2CI) THE SCOPE OF THIS EFFORT IS TO PERFORM RESEARCH ,DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION OF ALL TECHNOLOGIES NEEDED TO ACCOMPLISH THE OBJECTIVE.

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 $14.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-19. End: 2029-11-18.

What is Booz Allen Hamilton's track record with similar DoD R&D contracts, particularly in C-SUAS or related fields?

Booz Allen Hamilton has a substantial history of performing research and development for the Department of Defense across various domains, including intelligence, cyber, and advanced technologies. While specific details on their C-SUAS R&D portfolio require deeper analysis of contract databases, their extensive experience with complex, high-technology projects suggests a strong capability. They have been involved in numerous large-scale R&D efforts, often serving as prime contractors, indicating a proven ability to manage intricate research objectives, integrate diverse technologies, and deliver on challenging government requirements. Their past performance in areas like sensor fusion, artificial intelligence, and systems integration would be directly relevant to the objectives of this M2CI contract.

How does the $14.37 million award compare to the typical cost of similar multi-modal C-SUAS R&D efforts?

Benchmarking the $14.37 million award for this specific multi-modal C-SUAS innovation effort requires comparing it against contracts with similar scope, duration, and technological complexity. R&D contracts, especially those involving cutting-edge technologies like advanced C-SUAS, can vary significantly in cost due to the inherent uncertainties and the specialized expertise required. Contracts focusing on basic research might be lower, while those involving extensive testing, prototyping, and integration of multiple technologies, as implied by 'multi-modal,' could reach tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars. This $14.37 million award appears to be a significant investment, likely covering a substantial phase of research, development, testing, and evaluation, suggesting it is within a reasonable range for a focused, multi-year R&D initiative in a critical defense area.

What are the primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract structure for R&D?

The primary risks associated with a CPFF contract for R&D, like the M2CI effort, revolve around cost control and scope creep. While the fixed fee provides an incentive for the contractor to manage costs efficiently, the 'cost plus' element means the government ultimately reimburses allowable costs. If research proves more complex or requires more resources than initially anticipated, costs can escalate beyond initial projections. Furthermore, the iterative nature of R&D can lead to scope adjustments, and without rigorous oversight, this can result in 'scope creep,' where the project expands beyond its original objectives, driving up costs. Effective risk mitigation requires robust government oversight, clear milestone definitions, and proactive management of technical challenges and potential cost variances.

What does the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' designation imply about the procurement process?

The designation 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' indicates a nuanced procurement approach. It means the solicitation was initially intended for broad competition, but specific sources were later excluded. This exclusion typically occurs when there's a justifiable reason, such as a need for unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or prior development work that only certain entities possess. While it aims to maintain a competitive environment by allowing multiple qualified bidders to participate, the exclusion suggests that the pool of eligible offerors was intentionally narrowed based on specific criteria. This process requires careful justification by the agency to ensure it doesn't unduly restrict competition and that the exclusions are indeed necessary for achieving the program's objectives.

How might the success of this R&D contract impact the broader DoD strategy for countering drone threats?

The success of this Multi-Modal C-SUAS Innovation (M2CI) contract could significantly bolster the DoD's capabilities in countering the growing threat posed by small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS). By advancing technologies across multiple modalities (e.g., electronic warfare, kinetic defeat, directed energy, AI-driven detection and tracking), the DoD aims to develop more robust and adaptable defense solutions. Successful R&D outcomes could lead to the fielding of new systems or upgrades to existing ones, enhancing the military's ability to detect, track, identify, and neutralize sUAS threats in complex environments. This directly supports the DoD's strategic objective of maintaining air superiority and protecting forces and critical infrastructure from evolving aerial threats, potentially influencing future procurement decisions and technology roadmaps in this critical area.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

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: $84,939,944

Exercised Options: $84,939,944

Current Obligation: $14,366,587

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $247,744

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA875021D1100

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline