Dod's $13.6M R&D Contract Awarded to Orbital Sciences LLC for System F6
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $13,648,758 ($13.6M)
Contractor: Orbital Sciences LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2008-02-14
End Date: 2009-02-13
Contract Duration: 365 days
Daily Burn Rate: $37.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SYSTEM F6
Place of Performance
Location: STERLING, LOUDOUN County, VIRGINIA, 20166
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $13.6 million to ORBITAL SCIENCES LLC for work described as: SYSTEM F6 Key points: 1. Contract value of $13.6 million for R&D services. 2. Full and open competition was utilized. 3. Potential risks include cost overruns in fixed-fee contracts. 4. Spending falls within the R&D sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The award amount of $13.6M is moderate for R&D projects.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Full and open competition was used, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and potentially better value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by selecting the most capable and cost-effective offeror.
Public Impact
Research and Development funding supports technological advancement. The contract contributes to the Department of Defense's research initiatives. Transparency in contracting is crucial for public trust.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure can incentivize overspending.
- Contract duration of 1 year may limit long-term project impact.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition ensures broad market participation.
- Clear award amount provides budget certainty.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. The award amount is typical for specialized R&D projects within the defense sector.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors or prime contractors. Further analysis would be needed to assess small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is crucial for Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) typically has robust oversight mechanisms.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure.
- Limited contract duration may not fully realize R&D potential.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- Uncertainty regarding the long-term impact and applicability of the research.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, va, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $13.6 million to ORBITAL SCIENCES LLC. SYSTEM F6
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ORBITAL SCIENCES LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $13.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-02-14. End: 2009-02-13.
What is the expected return on investment for this R&D project?
The return on investment for R&D projects is often long-term and can be difficult to quantify upfront. It typically involves the development of new technologies, improved capabilities, or scientific breakthroughs that provide a strategic advantage or economic benefit over time. Specific ROI metrics would depend on the project's objectives and success.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract?
Key performance indicators for this contract would likely focus on technical milestones, adherence to research objectives, timely delivery of research findings, and potentially the development of prototypes or proof-of-concept demonstrations. The specific KPIs would be detailed in the contract's statement of work and performance metrics.
How does this contract align with broader national security objectives?
This contract likely aligns with national security objectives by funding research into advanced technologies that could enhance military capabilities, provide strategic advantages, or address emerging threats. DARPA's mission is to maintain the technological superiority of the U.S. military, so projects are typically selected for their potential impact on national security.
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 › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 21839 ATLANTIC BLVD, STERLING, VA, 10
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $13,648,758
Exercised Options: $13,648,758
Current Obligation: $13,648,758
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-02-14
Current End Date: 2009-02-13
Potential End Date: 2009-02-13 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2009-01-09
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