DoD's $13.77M R&D Contract for CH-53K Robotic Composites Manufacturing Cell Awarded to Advanced Technology International
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $13,774,128 ($13.8M)
Contractor: Advanced Technology International
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2019-04-10
End Date: 2023-05-31
Contract Duration: 1,512 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: CH-53K FLEXIBLE ROBOTIC COMPOSITES MANUFACTURING CELL
Place of Performance
Location: GREENVILLE, GREENVILLE County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29601
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $13.8 million to ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL for work described as: CH-53K FLEXIBLE ROBOTIC COMPOSITES MANUFACTURING CELL Key points: 1. The contract focuses on advanced manufacturing for the CH-53K helicopter, a critical defense asset. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The award is for Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 4. The sector is Defense, specifically within the Department of the Navy. 5. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can carry cost overrun risks.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type, while allowing for flexibility in R&D, can lead to costs exceeding initial estimates if not closely managed. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult due to the specialized nature of the technology.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in advanced manufacturing capabilities for a key defense platform, potentially leading to long-term strategic advantages.
Public Impact
Enhances U.S. military helicopter production capabilities. Supports technological advancement in aerospace manufacturing. Potential for job creation in specialized manufacturing fields. Contributes to the readiness and modernization of naval aviation.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type may lead to cost overruns.
- R&D projects inherently carry technical and schedule risks.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Focus on critical defense technology.
- Supports advanced manufacturing innovation.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically R&D for advanced manufacturing. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority in military hardware. Benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of the CH-53K program.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small businesses were not directly involved in this specific contract award (ss: false, sb: false). Efforts to ensure small business participation in subcontracting opportunities would be beneficial.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Navy is responsible for oversight. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates diligent monitoring of costs and performance to ensure accountability and prevent waste.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost overrun potential due to CPFF structure.
- Technical feasibility and performance risks inherent in R&D.
- Schedule slippage risk in complex manufacturing development.
- Limited visibility into subcontracting opportunities for small businesses.
- Dependency on a single prime contractor for this specific technology.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, sc, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $13.8 million to ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL. CH-53K FLEXIBLE ROBOTIC COMPOSITES MANUFACTURING CELL
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $13.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-04-10. End: 2023-05-31.
What is the projected timeline for the development and implementation of the robotic composites manufacturing cell?
The contract duration is 1512 days, spanning from April 10, 2019, to May 31, 2023. This timeframe suggests a multi-year development and integration process for the manufacturing cell, aiming to deliver operational capabilities within this period.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of this R&D contract?
Specific KPIs are not detailed in the provided data. However, success would likely be measured by the successful development and integration of the robotic composites manufacturing cell, its ability to produce components to required specifications, and adherence to budget and schedule constraints.
How will the advancements from this manufacturing cell potentially impact the lifecycle costs of the CH-53K helicopter?
The development of a more efficient and advanced manufacturing process could potentially reduce production costs and improve component quality over the helicopter's lifecycle. This may lead to lower maintenance requirements and increased operational availability, ultimately impacting overall cost-effectiveness.
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 › ECONOMIC GROWTH/PRODUCTIVITY R&D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 315 SIGMA DR, SUMMERVILLE, SC, 29486
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $13,887,664
Exercised Options: $13,887,664
Current Obligation: $13,774,128
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 12
Total Subaward Amount: $19,621,831
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: N0001417D4003
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-04-10
Current End Date: 2023-05-31
Potential End Date: 2023-05-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-23
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