DoD's $42.75M contract for Magnetic/Electric Silencing Program Support awarded to Advanced Technology and Research Corporation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $42,750,313 ($42.8M)

Contractor: Advanced Technology and Research Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2009-12-22

End Date: 2016-06-21

Contract Duration: 2,373 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PROVIDE MAGNETIC/ELECTRIC SILENCING PROGRAM SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: COLUMBIA, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 21046

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $42.8 million to ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH CORPORATION for work described as: PROVIDE MAGNETIC/ELECTRIC SILENCING PROGRAM SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single company, Advanced Technology and Research Corporation. 2. Significant duration of 2373 days (over 6 years) indicates a long-term need. 3. The contract type 'COST NO FEE' suggests the government bears the cost risk. 4. Engineering Services (NAICS 541330) is a broad category with varying cost structures.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The 'COST NO FEE' contract type means the government covers all allowable costs without a fixed fee, potentially leading to higher overall spending if costs are not managed effectively. Benchmarking is difficult without specific cost breakdowns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which is positive for price discovery. However, the specific award type 'DELIVERY ORDER' suggests it might be part of a larger indefinite-delivery contract, and the competitive nature of that initial award is not detailed here.

Taxpayer Impact: While awarded competitively, the 'COST NO FEE' structure shifts cost risk to taxpayers, potentially increasing the final expenditure beyond initial estimates.

Public Impact

Supports critical Department of Defense research and development in silencing technologies. Long-term contract suggests sustained investment in advanced military capabilities. Potential for technological advancements that could impact national security. Lack of small business participation noted, potentially limiting broader economic impact.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost risk shifted to government ('COST NO FEE').
Long contract duration without clear cost controls.
No indication of small business subcontracting.
Specific performance metrics not detailed.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Supports critical defense technology development.
Long-term commitment indicates strategic importance.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Engineering Services, a sector often characterized by specialized expertise and project-based work. Spending benchmarks vary widely depending on the specific engineering discipline and project complexity. DoD spending in this area is substantial and driven by national security requirements.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract did not involve small businesses (sb: false). This suggests that the prime contractor, Advanced Technology and Research Corporation, did not subcontract with small businesses for this specific award, potentially missing opportunities to leverage small business innovation and economic participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The long duration of the contract (over 6 years) necessitates robust oversight to ensure performance standards are met and costs remain within reasonable bounds, especially given the 'COST NO FEE' structure. Accountability for delivering on the program's objectives is crucial.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

Cost risk borne by the government ('COST NO FEE').
Long contract duration without clear cost control details.
Lack of small business participation.
Potential for cost escalation due to 'COST NO FEE' structure.
Specific performance metrics and deliverables are not detailed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $42.8 million to ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH CORPORATION. PROVIDE MAGNETIC/ELECTRIC SILENCING PROGRAM SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $42.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-12-22. End: 2016-06-21.

What specific technological advancements are expected from this program, and how will their success be measured?

The specific technological advancements are not detailed in the provided data. Success measurement would typically involve defined performance metrics and milestones within the contract's statement of work. Without these details, it's difficult to assess the program's effectiveness or the value derived from the $42.75 million investment beyond the general objective of supporting the Magnetic/Electric Silencing Program.

Given the 'COST NO FEE' structure, what mechanisms are in place to control cost overruns and ensure efficient use of taxpayer funds?

The 'COST NO FEE' structure places the primary cost risk on the government. Effective control mechanisms would rely heavily on the contracting officer's representative (COR) and the agency's ability to monitor the contractor's incurred costs, ensure compliance with cost principles, and potentially implement cost ceilings or review milestones. Without detailed oversight reports, the adequacy of these controls remains uncertain.

How does the performance of Advanced Technology and Research Corporation on similar contracts inform the assessment of this award's value?

The provided data does not include historical performance information for Advanced Technology and Research Corporation on similar contracts. A comprehensive value assessment would require reviewing past performance, including on-time delivery, quality of work, and adherence to budget (if applicable). This lack of historical context makes it challenging to definitively gauge the value proposition beyond the initial competitive award.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: N0002409R3393

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6650 ELI WHITNEY DR STE 400, COLUMBIA, MD, 21046

Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $42,849,568

Exercised Options: $42,849,568

Current Obligation: $42,750,313

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017804D4004

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline