DoD's DARPA awards ECS Federal $38M for Radar, Comms, and Sensors Technical Support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $37,954,823 ($38.0M)

Contractor: ECS Federal, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-09-12

End Date: 2026-08-31

Contract Duration: 1,449 days

Daily Burn Rate: $26.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGY OFFICE (STO2) TECHNICAL (RADAR, COMMUNICATIONS AND SENSORS) TECHNICAL AND ANALYTICAL SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22203

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $38.0 million to ECS FEDERAL, LLC for work described as: STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGY OFFICE (STO2) TECHNICAL (RADAR, COMMUNICATIONS AND SENSORS) TECHNICAL AND ANALYTICAL SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract provides critical technical and analytical support for advanced defense technologies. 2. ECS Federal, LLC, a known entity in government contracting, will perform the work. 3. The contract duration of nearly four years suggests a need for sustained expertise. 4. The award is a delivery order under a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. 5. The 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' NAICS code indicates a broad scope of support. 6. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing structure may require close monitoring of costs to ensure value. 7. Virginia is the stated performance location, potentially impacting local workforce and economic activity.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $37.95 million over approximately four years for specialized technical support appears reasonable given the critical nature of DARPA's work in radar, communications, and sensors. Benchmarking against similar contracts for advanced R&D support services is challenging due to the unique nature of DARPA's mission. However, the CPFF contract type suggests that costs will be reimbursed plus a fixed fee, which can be efficient for research-intensive projects where final costs are uncertain. The single award for this delivery order indicates a specific need being met by ECS Federal.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders for this particular delivery order is not detailed, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a competitive process. This approach is generally expected to foster price discovery and encourage vendors to offer competitive terms and pricing to secure the award.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process is favorable for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining the best value by allowing a wide range of capable contractors to compete, potentially driving down costs and improving service quality.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and its research arms, particularly DARPA, which will receive advanced technical and analytical support. Services delivered will focus on critical defense technologies such as radar, communications, and sensors, crucial for national security. The geographic impact is primarily centered in Virginia, where the contractor will perform the work, potentially creating or sustaining high-skilled jobs in the region. The contract supports the development and enhancement of cutting-edge defense capabilities, indirectly benefiting the broader national security workforce and technological ecosystem.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently, as contractor profit is fixed regardless of actual costs incurred.
The broad NAICS code (541990) could imply a wide range of services, making it important to ensure the scope remains focused on the core technical needs of DARPA's STO2.
Reliance on a single contractor for this delivery order, even if part of a larger IDIQ, warrants monitoring for potential performance issues or lack of innovation over the contract's duration.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust and fair bidding process that likely yielded competitive pricing.
ECS Federal, LLC has a track record in government contracting, implying familiarity with federal procurement processes and requirements.
The contract duration of nearly four years indicates a stable, long-term need for these specialized services, allowing for in-depth project development and execution.
The focus on critical defense technologies like radar, communications, and sensors aligns with national security priorities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically supporting advanced research and development for defense applications. The market for such specialized technical support services is highly competitive, with numerous firms capable of providing expertise in areas like radar, communications, and sensor technology. Spending in this category is significant across the federal government, particularly within the Department of Defense, as agencies continually seek to maintain technological superiority. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the unique, often classified, nature of DARPA's projects, but the $38 million award is substantial for a single delivery order.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As a delivery order under a potentially larger IDIQ, it's possible that small business subcontracting opportunities may exist, depending on the prime contractor's strategy and the specific requirements of this order. However, without explicit set-aside provisions or detailed subcontracting plans, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this specific award is likely limited, though larger prime contractors are often encouraged or required to engage small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) contracting officers and program managers. As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract, rigorous financial oversight is crucial to monitor expenditures and ensure the fixed fee remains justified. Transparency is typically managed through contract reporting mechanisms and performance reviews. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse, as is standard for federal contracts.

Related Government Programs

DoD Research and Development Services
Advanced Technology Development Contracts
Radar Systems Support
Communications Technology Services
Sensor Technology Development
Technical and Engineering Support Services

Risk Flags

Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF)
Scope Creep Potential
Performance Monitoring Complexity
Reliance on Single Contractor for Delivery Order

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $38.0 million to ECS FEDERAL, LLC. STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGY OFFICE (STO2) TECHNICAL (RADAR, COMMUNICATIONS AND SENSORS) TECHNICAL AND ANALYTICAL SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ECS FEDERAL, 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 $38.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-12. End: 2026-08-31.

What is ECS Federal, LLC's track record with the Department of Defense and DARPA specifically?

ECS Federal, LLC has a significant history of performing contracts for the Department of Defense across various agencies, including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Their contract portfolio often includes technical support, engineering services, and research and development assistance. While specific details on past DARPA performance for this exact type of support are not publicly detailed in this data, their presence as a recipient of this substantial delivery order suggests a proven capability and established relationship. Analyzing their past performance metrics, such as on-time delivery, quality of work, and adherence to budget on similar contracts, would provide further insight into their reliability and expertise in supporting advanced defense technologies.

How does the $37.95 million value compare to similar technical support contracts for advanced defense technologies?

The $37.95 million value for approximately four years of technical and analytical support for radar, communications, and sensors is a significant award, reflecting the specialized and critical nature of DARPA's mission. Direct comparisons are challenging due to the unique R&D focus of DARPA and the often classified or highly specialized nature of the technologies involved. However, contracts for similar advanced engineering, scientific, and technical support services within the DoD can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars over their lifecycles. The value here appears commensurate with the complexity and strategic importance of the work, especially considering the CPFF structure which accommodates evolving research requirements. It represents a substantial investment in maintaining technological superiority in key defense domains.

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

The primary risk with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract, particularly for research and development (R&D) support, is the potential for cost overruns without a direct corresponding increase in value if not managed properly. While the contractor's profit (the 'fixed fee') is predetermined, the government bears the risk of covering all allowable costs incurred. If the project scope expands unexpectedly or if the contractor is inefficient, costs can escalate significantly beyond initial estimates, even though the fee remains constant. This necessitates robust government oversight to ensure costs are reasonable, allocable, and allowable, and that the contractor maintains efficiency. Another risk is that the fixed fee might incentivize the contractor to cut corners on quality to protect their profit margin if costs rise unexpectedly, although the technical nature of this contract likely mitigates this through performance metrics and oversight.

How effective is full and open competition in ensuring value for money in specialized defense R&D contracts?

Full and open competition is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value for money in federal contracting, including specialized defense R&D. By allowing all responsible sources to submit bids, it maximizes the pool of potential contractors, fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation. For specialized areas like DARPA's work, this approach ensures that the government can identify and select the contractor with the best combination of technical expertise, past performance, and price. While the CPFF structure introduces cost-related risks, the competitive process itself helps establish a baseline for reasonable pricing and incentivizes contractors to perform efficiently to secure the fixed fee. The challenge lies in defining the scope clearly enough for meaningful competition while allowing flexibility for R&D.

What are the historical spending patterns for 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' within DARPA or the DoD?

Historical spending patterns for the 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' (NAICS 541990) category within DARPA and the broader DoD are substantial and reflect a consistent need for diverse expertise. Agencies like DARPA frequently utilize this broad category to procure specialized support that doesn't fit neatly into more specific service codes, covering areas from advanced materials analysis to complex systems integration and scientific consultation. Spending in this area often fluctuates based on strategic priorities and the initiation of new research programs. While specific historical figures for DARPA under this NAICS code require deeper database analysis, the overall DoD spending on professional, scientific, and technical services runs into the tens of billions annually, with a significant portion likely falling under this general classification due to the cutting-edge and often novel nature of defense research.

What are the implications of this contract being a Delivery Order under an IDIQ contract?

This contract being a Delivery Order (DO) under an Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract signifies a flexible contracting approach. The IDIQ contract establishes the terms, conditions, and ceiling price for services over a period, while the Delivery Order specifies the actual quantity, delivery schedule, and price for a particular task or requirement. This structure allows agencies like DARPA to procure services incrementally as needs arise, providing agility and responsiveness. For taxpayers, it can offer value by allowing competition for each order or by pre-negotiating favorable terms in the base IDIQ. However, it also means that the total spending is distributed over time and across potentially multiple orders, making it crucial to monitor the cumulative spending against the IDIQ ceiling and ensure each order represents good value.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical 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: HR001118R0001

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Asgn Incorporated

Address: 2750 PROSPERITY AVE STE 600, FAIRFAX, VA, 22031

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $56,814,728

Exercised Options: $44,775,457

Current Obligation: $37,954,823

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 3

Total Subaward Amount: $225,071

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HR001118D0004

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline