DoD's $68.5M Irradiation Apparatus Contract Awarded to American Science & Engineering Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $68,564,416 ($68.6M)
Contractor: American Science & Engineering Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2006-08-31
End Date: 2010-09-26
Contract Duration: 1,487 days
Daily Burn Rate: $46.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: 200612!500651!1700!M67854!COMMANDING GENERAL !M6785406C5163 !A!N! !N! ! !20060831!20070430!001767763!001767763!001767763!N!AMERICAN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERI!829 MIDDLESEX TPKE !BILLERICA !MA!01821!05770!017!25!BILLERICA !MIDDLESEX !MASS !+000011242512!N!N!000047657700!AD24!RDTE/SERVICES-DEMO/VALID !S1 !SERVICES !000 !NOT DISCERNABLE !334517!A!A!3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !D!U!J!1!001!N!1D!C!N!Z! ! !Y!C!N! ! ! !Z!Z!A!A!000!A!B!N! ! ! ! !1700!M67854!0001! !
Place of Performance
Location: BILLERICA, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01821
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $68.6 million to AMERICAN SCIENCE & ENGINEERING INC for work described as: 200612!500651!1700!M67854!COMMANDING GENERAL !M6785406C5163 !A!N! !N! ! !20060831!20070430!001767763!001767763!001767763!N!AMERICAN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERI!829 MIDDLESEX TPKE !BILLERICA !MA!01821!05770!017!25!BILLERICA !MIDD… Key points: 1. The contract is for irradiation apparatus and related services, with a significant value of $68.5 million. 2. American Science & Engineering Inc. secured this contract, indicating a strong position in its niche. 3. The contract's duration of nearly 5 years presents a long-term commitment and potential for sustained spending. 4. The sector is Defense, specifically related to RDTE/SERVICES-DEMO/VALID, suggesting advanced technology or research.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The total award amount of $68.5 million over almost 5 years suggests a substantial investment. Benchmarking against similar large-scale R&D or specialized equipment contracts would be necessary for a precise value assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' which implies a competitive process but with specific limitations. This method might impact price discovery compared to unrestricted full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: The $68.5 million expenditure represents taxpayer funds allocated to advanced defense capabilities. The effectiveness of the procured equipment and services will ultimately determine the return on this investment.
Public Impact
This contract supports advanced defense research and development, potentially leading to enhanced national security capabilities. The long-term nature of the contract provides stability for the contractor and ensures continued access to specialized equipment. The specific application of irradiation apparatus suggests a role in areas like materials science, medical research, or security screening.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition could lead to higher prices than a fully open process.
- The specific nature of irradiation apparatus may limit the pool of qualified bidders.
- Long contract duration increases risk of cost overruns or obsolescence.
Positive Signals
- Award to a single, established company suggests expertise and reliability.
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
- Contract supports critical defense research and development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically for Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDTE) services related to irradiation apparatus. Spending in this area is often characterized by high technical complexity and specialized requirements.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business (sb: false). Therefore, there is no direct benefit to small businesses from this specific award, though subcontractors could potentially be involved.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), indicating established oversight. The firm fixed price structure and defined period of performance provide a framework for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Irradiation Apparatus Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Long contract duration
- Potential for technological obsolescence
- High dollar value requires close monitoring
Tags
irradiation-apparatus-manufacturing, department-of-defense, ma, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $68.6 million to AMERICAN SCIENCE & ENGINEERING INC. 200612!500651!1700!M67854!COMMANDING GENERAL !M6785406C5163 !A!N! !N! ! !20060831!20070430!001767763!001767763!001767763!N!AMERICAN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERI!829 MIDDLESEX TPKE !BILLERICA !MA!01821!05770!017!25!BILLERICA !MIDDLESEX !MASS !+000011242512!N!N!000047657700!AD24!RDTE/SERVICES-DEMO/VALID !S1 !SERVICES !000 !NOT DISCERNABLE !334517!A!A!3! ! ! ! ! !999
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AMERICAN SCIENCE & ENGINEERING INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $68.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-08-31. End: 2010-09-26.
What is the specific technological advancement or capability this irradiation apparatus is intended to enable for the Department of Defense?
The contract specifies 'RDTE/SERVICES-DEMO/VALID' for irradiation apparatus. This suggests the funding is for research, development, demonstration, and validation of new or improved irradiation technologies. These could be for materials testing, advanced manufacturing processes, or potentially for applications in areas like medical countermeasures or advanced sensor development, ultimately aiming to enhance DoD's technological edge and operational effectiveness.
How does the 'limited' competition structure impact the overall risk profile of this contract in terms of cost and innovation?
A limited competition, even if preceded by exclusion of sources, inherently carries a higher risk of suboptimal pricing and reduced innovation compared to full and open competition. While the contractor may possess unique capabilities, the lack of broader market pressure could allow for less aggressive pricing. Furthermore, the government might miss out on innovative solutions that could have emerged from a wider range of bidders, potentially impacting the long-term value and effectiveness of the acquired technology.
What is the projected taxpayer impact if the 'irradiation apparatus' technology proves to be a critical enabler for future defense systems?
If the irradiation apparatus proves to be a critical enabler, the initial $68.5 million investment could yield significant returns in terms of enhanced national security, technological superiority, and potentially reduced future costs through more efficient processes or capabilities. However, if the technology does not meet expectations or becomes obsolete quickly, the taxpayer impact would be the loss of the invested funds without commensurate strategic benefit. The long-term value hinges on the successful integration and sustained utility of the technology.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Irradiation Apparatus Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 829 MIDDLESEX TPKE, BILLERICA, MA, 90
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $68,718,726
Exercised Options: $68,718,726
Current Obligation: $68,564,416
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-08-31
Current End Date: 2010-09-26
Potential End Date: 2010-09-26 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2011-02-04
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