DoD Awards $114.6M for Marinized Alloys and Coatings Development Plus Hot Section Upgrade Package
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $11,460,332 ($11.5M)
Contractor: Bird-Johnson Propeller Company, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2015-07-13
End Date: 2023-11-30
Contract Duration: 3,062 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 999
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::CT::IGF MARINIZED ALLOYS AND COATINGS DEVELOPMENT PLUS COMPLETE HOT SECTION UPGRADE PACKAGE FOR 501-K34 GAS
Place of Performance
Location: WALPOLE, NORFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02081
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $11.5 million to BIRD-JOHNSON PROPELLER COMPANY, LLC for work described as: IGF::CT::IGF MARINIZED ALLOYS AND COATINGS DEVELOPMENT PLUS COMPLETE HOT SECTION UPGRADE PACKAGE FOR 501-K34 GAS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to BIRD-JOHNSON PROPELLER COMPANY, LLC for R&D. 2. Significant duration of 3062 days suggests a long-term, complex project. 3. Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent cost overrun risk. 4. No small business participation noted, potentially limiting broader economic impact.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure, while allowing for R&D flexibility, can lead to higher costs than fixed-price contracts. Benchmarking CPFF R&D contracts is challenging due to variability, but the duration and scope warrant close cost monitoring.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. However, the CPFF structure may not incentivize the most aggressive cost savings from the contractor.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced materials research, which could yield long-term defense benefits. However, the CPFF structure necessitates careful oversight to ensure value for money.
Public Impact
Enhances critical defense technology for gas turbine engines. Supports advanced materials science and engineering within the defense sector. Potential for improved engine performance, durability, and reduced maintenance costs. Long contract duration may indicate a phased approach to complex R&D.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Long contract duration
- No small business participation
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition
- Focus on critical R&D
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement but often involves higher risk and longer timelines compared to procurement of existing technologies.
Small Business Impact
The contract data indicates no small business participation. This suggests that the prime contractor is likely a larger entity, and opportunities for small businesses in subcontracting roles are not explicitly detailed in this award.
Oversight & Accountability
The long duration and CPFF structure necessitate robust oversight from the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) to ensure cost control, adherence to technical milestones, and overall program effectiveness.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost overrun risk due to CPFF
- Potential for schedule delays over long duration
- Lack of explicit small business subcontracting plan
- Difficulty in benchmarking R&D contract value
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ma, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $11.5 million to BIRD-JOHNSON PROPELLER COMPANY, LLC. IGF::CT::IGF MARINIZED ALLOYS AND COATINGS DEVELOPMENT PLUS COMPLETE HOT SECTION UPGRADE PACKAGE FOR 501-K34 GAS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BIRD-JOHNSON PROPELLER COMPANY, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $11.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2015-07-13. End: 2023-11-30.
What specific performance improvements are expected from the marinized alloys and coatings, and how will these be measured against the contract's cost?
The contract aims to develop advanced marinized alloys and coatings to enhance the durability and performance of gas turbine engine hot sections, particularly in corrosive marine environments. Success will be measured against defined technical performance metrics and milestones outlined in the contract. The CPFF structure requires diligent oversight to ensure these R&D objectives are met efficiently without unnecessary cost escalation.
Given the CPFF structure and long duration, what are the primary risks to cost containment and schedule adherence?
The primary risks include potential cost overruns due to the inherent flexibility of CPFF, where contractor profit is based on costs incurred. The long duration (3062 days) increases the risk of scope creep, evolving requirements, and unforeseen technical challenges. Effective risk mitigation requires stringent cost tracking, regular performance reviews, and proactive management of technical hurdles by the contracting officer and DCMA.
How does this investment in R&D align with the DoD's long-term strategic goals for engine technology and readiness?
This investment aligns with strategic goals by seeking to improve the reliability and operational lifespan of critical gas turbine engines, especially in challenging environments. Enhanced materials can lead to reduced maintenance, increased operational availability, and potentially lower lifecycle costs. This R&D supports the modernization of platforms and ensures continued technological superiority in key defense capabilities.
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
Solicitation ID: N0001413BA013
Offers Received: 999
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 110 NORFOLK ST, WALPOLE, MA, 02081
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $12,588,879
Exercised Options: $11,460,332
Current Obligation: $11,460,332
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2015-07-13
Current End Date: 2023-11-30
Potential End Date: 2023-11-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-10-02
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