Dod's $42.3M Contract for Air Vehicle Rdt&e Awarded to Mantech Advanced Systems International, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $42,261,461 ($42.3M)

Contractor: Mantech Advanced Systems International, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2012-03-26

End Date: 2017-02-28

Contract Duration: 1,800 days

Daily Burn Rate: $23.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: MANNED AND UNMANNED AIR VEHICLE RDT&E AND ENGINEERING SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: PATUXENT RIVER, SAINT MARYS County, MARYLAND, 20670

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $42.3 million to MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: MANNED AND UNMANNED AIR VEHICLE RDT&E AND ENGINEERING SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single vendor, MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. 2. Significant funding allocated for RDT&E in the Air Vehicle sector. 3. The contract spans nearly five years, indicating a long-term need. 4. Engineering services are a critical component of defense research and development.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar RDT&E contracts is difficult due to the specialized nature of the services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the specific award mechanism (Delivery Order) might limit the scope of competition for subsequent orders.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced research and development, aiming for technological superiority in defense capabilities.

Public Impact

Supports the development of advanced manned and unmanned air vehicles for national defense. Investments in RDT&E can lead to technological advancements with potential dual-use applications. The contract's duration suggests a sustained commitment to innovation in aerospace engineering.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type may incentivize higher costs.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it hard to assess value.
Limited transparency on how the fixed fee was determined.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Supports critical defense research and development.
Long contract duration indicates sustained need and potential for innovation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting the Department of Defense's research and development for manned and unmanned air vehicles. Spending benchmarks for such specialized RDT&E services are highly variable and depend on the specific technological advancements sought.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not awarded to a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by the Department of the Navy, focusing on contract performance, cost control, and adherence to RDT&E objectives. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires diligent monitoring to ensure fair pricing and prevent cost escalation.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
Potential for cost overruns.
Limited insight into the negotiation of the fixed fee.
No explicit mention of performance-based metrics.
Contractor is not a small business.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $42.3 million to MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.. MANNED AND UNMANNED AIR VEHICLE RDT&E AND ENGINEERING SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $42.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-03-26. End: 2017-02-28.

How does the fixed fee component of this contract ensure value for money given the RDT&E nature of the work?

The fixed fee in a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract is negotiated at the outset and represents the contractor's profit. While it provides an incentive for the contractor to control costs (as they receive the fee regardless of the final cost), its effectiveness in ensuring value for money in RDT&E is contingent on the accuracy of the initial cost estimates and the thoroughness of the negotiation process. Robust oversight is crucial to ensure the fee remains fair and justified throughout the contract's life.

What are the primary risks associated with a CPFF contract for advanced engineering support services?

The primary risks of a CPFF contract for advanced engineering support services include potential cost overruns, as the government bears the cost of all allowable expenses. There's also a risk that the contractor may not be sufficiently incentivized to innovate or achieve efficiencies if the fixed fee is generous. Furthermore, defining the scope of 'allowable costs' and ensuring adequate oversight to prevent unnecessary expenditures are significant challenges.

How effectively does this contract support the Department of the Navy's long-term technological goals in air vehicle development?

The contract's five-year duration and focus on RDT&E suggest a strong alignment with long-term technological goals. By providing sustained engineering support, it allows for in-depth research and development. However, the effectiveness hinges on the quality of the contractor's output, the clarity of the Navy's objectives, and the agility to adapt to evolving technological landscapes and mission requirements throughout the contract period.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering 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: N0002411R3333

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Mantech International Corporation (UEI: 053518312)

Address: 2251 CORPORATE PARK DR STE 600, HERNDON, VA, 20171

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $46,040,109

Exercised Options: $45,908,749

Current Obligation: $42,261,461

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017804D4080

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline