DoD's $37.7M Missile Defense R&D Task Order for Space Operations Sustained by Amentum
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $37,727,721 ($37.7M)
Contractor: Amentum Technology, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2020-07-24
End Date: 2023-03-31
Contract Duration: 980 days
Daily Burn Rate: $38.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO SUSTAIN THE MDSEA SPACE OPERATIONS CENTER (SOC) AND MDSEA FOR FUTURE R&D OF EXPERIMENTAL OR DEVELOPMENTAL MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEM SPACE CAPABILITIES AND SYSTEMS.
Place of Performance
Location: COLORADO SPRINGS, EL PASO County, COLORADO, 80912
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $37.7 million to AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO SUSTAIN THE MDSEA SPACE OPERATIONS CENTER (SOC) AND MDSEA FOR FUTURE R&D OF EXPERIMENTAL OR DEVELOPMENTAL MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEM SPACE CAPABILITIES AND SYSTEMS. Key points: 1. Focuses on sustaining and advancing experimental missile defense space capabilities. 2. Contract awarded to Amentum Technology, Inc. under full and open competition. 3. Significant investment in R&D for future space-based defense systems. 4. Potential for long-term technological advancements in missile defense.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The Cost Plus Incentive Fee contract type suggests a focus on performance and cost control. The total award amount of $37.7M for nearly three years of work appears reasonable for specialized R&D in a critical defense sector.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Awarded under full and open competition, this method likely fostered competitive pricing and ensured the government received the best value. The selection process for Amentum Technology, Inc. would have involved evaluating technical capabilities and proposed costs.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards critical research and development for national security, aiming to enhance future defense capabilities.
Public Impact
Enhances national security through advanced missile defense technology. Supports innovation in space-based defense systems. Potential for technological spin-offs benefiting other sectors. Creates high-skilled jobs in the aerospace and defense industry.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Contract duration is substantial, requiring ongoing oversight.
- Cost Plus Incentive Fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.
Positive Signals
- Focus on R&D for future capabilities.
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Addresses a critical national security need.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences related to missile defense in space. Spending benchmarks for similar R&D contracts can vary widely based on scope and technological complexity.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this was not awarded to small businesses, as the prime contractor is Amentum Technology, Inc. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is responsible for overseeing this task order. Robust oversight is crucial for Cost Plus Incentive Fee contracts to ensure cost efficiency and adherence to research objectives.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Missile Defense Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in CPIF contracts.
- Complexity of R&D may lead to schedule delays.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical R&D.
- Technological obsolescence risk in a rapidly evolving field.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, co, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $37.7 million to AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC.. THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO SUSTAIN THE MDSEA SPACE OPERATIONS CENTER (SOC) AND MDSEA FOR FUTURE R&D OF EXPERIMENTAL OR DEVELOPMENTAL MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEM SPACE CAPABILITIES AND SYSTEMS.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Missile Defense Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $37.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-07-24. End: 2023-03-31.
What specific experimental or developmental missile defense space capabilities are being researched under this task order?
The task order broadly covers R&D for experimental or developmental missile defense system space capabilities and systems. Specific details on the technologies or systems being researched are likely classified or proprietary, requiring access to more detailed project documentation or MDA briefings to ascertain the exact nature of the R&D efforts.
How does the performance of Amentum Technology, Inc. on this contract compare to industry benchmarks for similar R&D projects?
Assessing Amentum's performance against industry benchmarks requires access to performance metrics, milestone achievements, and cost performance data specific to this task order. Without such data, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Cost Plus Incentive Fee structure implies performance incentives were in place, suggesting a focus on achieving defined objectives.
What is the long-term strategic value of investing in these specific missile defense space capabilities for national security?
Investing in advanced missile defense space capabilities is strategically vital for countering evolving threats in the space domain. Such systems can provide enhanced early warning, tracking, and potentially interception capabilities, bolstering overall national security posture against sophisticated adversaries and ensuring the resilience of critical space assets.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: H9500115R0001
Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE FEE (V)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Pae-Parsons Global Logistics Services, LLC
Address: 550 WILLIAM NORTHERN BLVD., TULLAHOMA, TN, 37388
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $40,032,289
Exercised Options: $40,032,289
Current Obligation: $37,727,721
Actual Outlays: $18,626,933
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 61
Total Subaward Amount: $15,760,510
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HQ079617D0001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-07-24
Current End Date: 2023-03-31
Potential End Date: 2023-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-06-27
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