DoD's $18.8M contract for Assault Breaker II systems engineering awarded to Modern Technology Solutions, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,792,049 ($18.8M)

Contractor: Modern Technology Solutions, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-09-30

End Date: 2026-09-29

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $25.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE LEVEL OF EFFORT

Sector: R&D

Official Description: ASSAULT BREAKER II SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL ADVISORY SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20301

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $18.8 million to MODERN TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. for work described as: ASSAULT BREAKER II SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL ADVISORY SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical research and development for advanced defense systems. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, suggesting a deliberate selection process. 3. Fixed Price Level of Effort contract type aims to control costs while ensuring defined work completion. 4. The contract duration of 729 days indicates a medium-term project requiring sustained support. 5. Awarded by Washington Headquarters Services, this contract supports a key defense initiative. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541715 points to specialized R&D services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

Benchmarking the value of this specific contract is challenging without direct comparisons for 'ASSAULT BREAKER II SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL ADVISORY SUPPORT'. However, the fixed-price structure suggests an attempt to manage costs. The award amount of approximately $18.8 million over two years for specialized R&D and technical advisory services appears reasonable within the defense sector for complex systems engineering. Further analysis would require understanding the specific deliverables and the complexity of the 'Assault Breaker II' system.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES'. This indicates that while the competition was intended to be broad, specific sources were excluded prior to the final award. The number of bidders is not explicitly stated, but the 'exclusion of sources' suggests a more targeted approach than a completely open bid. This method can sometimes lead to less competitive pricing if the pool of eligible bidders is significantly narrowed.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a potentially more focused and efficient selection process when specific expertise is paramount. However, the exclusion of sources warrants scrutiny to ensure it did not unduly limit competition and inflate costs.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and its operational units that will utilize the advancements from the Assault Breaker II system. Services delivered include systems engineering and technical advisory support, crucial for the development and refinement of advanced defense technologies. The geographic impact is primarily within the defense infrastructure, likely supporting national security objectives. Workforce implications include the employment of highly skilled engineers, scientists, and technical professionals within Modern Technology Solutions, Inc.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition due to 'exclusion of sources' could impact price discovery.
The specific nature of 'Assault Breaker II' may create a niche market, potentially limiting the number of qualified bidders.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess the true value for money.
The fixed-price level of effort contract type can sometimes lead to scope creep if not managed tightly.

Positive Signals

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. is a known entity in the defense contracting space, suggesting a level of established capability.
The contract is for R&D, indicating investment in future defense capabilities.
The fixed-price structure provides a degree of cost certainty for the government.
The contract duration allows for sustained focus on the project's objectives.

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 characterized by high specialization, significant government investment, and long development cycles. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other large-scale systems engineering and technical support contracts for major defense programs, often running into tens or hundreds of millions of dollars over their lifecycle.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a primary focus for this specific award. There is no indication of a small business set-aside. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist depending on the prime contractor's strategy, but they are not explicitly mandated by the award details. This contract's nature likely requires highly specialized expertise, which may not be readily available from small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program managers within the Department of Defense and Washington Headquarters Services. Accountability measures are embedded in the fixed-price level of effort structure, requiring the contractor to deliver defined work within budget. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases and reporting requirements, though specific project details may be sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Advanced Weapons Systems Development
Systems Engineering Support Services
Defense Research and Development Programs
Technical Advisory Services
Department of Defense R&D Contracts

Risk Flags

Competition Method: 'Exclusion of sources' warrants review to ensure fairness and optimal price discovery.
Contract Type: Fixed Price Level of Effort requires diligent oversight to manage scope and prevent cost creep.
Project Specificity: Highly specialized nature of 'Assault Breaker II' may limit contractor pool and increase risk.
Data Limitations: Lack of detailed performance metrics and cost breakdowns hinders comprehensive value assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $18.8 million to MODERN TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC.. ASSAULT BREAKER II SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL ADVISORY SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MODERN TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Washington Headquarters Services).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $18.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-30. End: 2026-09-29.

What is the specific nature and objective of the 'ASSAULT BREAKER II' system?

The 'ASSAULT BREAKER II' system is a classified defense initiative. Based on its name and the nature of the contract (systems engineering and technical advisory support), it is likely related to advanced offensive or defensive weapon systems, potentially involving long-range precision strike capabilities or integrated battlefield management. The 'II' suggests it is a follow-on or upgraded version of a previous system. The specific objectives involve the research, development, and refinement of this complex technology to enhance military operational effectiveness. Further details are classified due to national security implications.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar R&D technical advisory services in the defense sector?

Directly comparing the pricing of this $18.8 million contract for 'ASSAULT BREAKER II SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL ADVISORY SUPPORT' is difficult without access to detailed cost breakdowns and specific performance metrics. However, for specialized R&D and systems engineering support for major defense programs, contract values in the millions of dollars over a two-year period are not uncommon. The fixed-price level of effort structure aims to provide cost control. To benchmark effectively, one would need to compare the hourly rates, overhead structures, and profit margins of Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. against other contractors performing similar high-level technical advisory services for the DoD on comparable systems.

What are the key risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks include technical challenges in developing advanced defense systems, potential cost overruns despite the fixed-price structure if scope is not managed, and schedule delays. The 'exclusion of sources' in the competition could also be a risk if it limits the pool of innovative solutions or drives up prices. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust program management, clear technical requirements, regular performance reviews, and close collaboration between the government and the contractor. The fixed-price level of effort contract type itself is a mitigation tool for cost control, provided the 'level of effort' is well-defined and monitored.

What is the track record of Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) in performing similar defense R&D contracts?

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) has a significant track record in providing engineering, analysis, and technical services to the U.S. Department of Defense and other government agencies. They are known for their expertise in areas such as aerospace, defense systems, and advanced technologies. MTSI frequently wins contracts related to research, development, test, and evaluation. Their performance history generally indicates a capability to handle complex technical challenges and deliver on government contracts. Specific past performance on projects directly analogous to 'ASSAULT BREAKER II' would require a deeper dive into their contract awards and performance evaluations.

How does the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' procurement method impact the overall value for taxpayers?

This procurement method aims to balance the benefits of full and open competition with the need for specialized expertise or specific capabilities. By excluding certain sources, the government might be targeting contractors with proven track records or unique qualifications relevant to the 'ASSAULT BREAKER II' system. While this can lead to a more efficient selection process and potentially better technical outcomes, it carries the risk of reduced price competition if the excluded sources represent significant market players. For taxpayers, the value depends on whether the selected contractor provides superior performance and innovation at a fair price, justifying the narrowed competition. If the exclusion was arbitrary or unnecessary, it could lead to higher costs.

What are the potential long-term implications of this contract on future defense capabilities?

This contract represents an investment in the future of U.S. defense capabilities. Successful execution of the 'ASSAULT BREAKER II' system engineering and technical advisory support could lead to significant advancements in areas such as precision strike, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), or command and control systems. These advancements could enhance the warfighter's effectiveness, provide strategic advantages, and potentially deter adversaries. The knowledge and technologies developed under this contract could also inform future defense acquisitions and R&D efforts, shaping the technological landscape of the military for years to come.

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 › General Science and Technology R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: HQ003424R0339

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE LEVEL OF EFFORT (B)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5285 SHAWNEE RD STE 400, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22312

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $73,517,833

Exercised Options: $22,729,157

Current Obligation: $18,792,049

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 12

Total Subaward Amount: $34,000,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HQ003421D0002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline