DoD awards $59.8M for Electromagnetic Maneuver Warfare Modular Suite, with R&D focus
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $59,795,738 ($59.8M)
Contractor: Seacorp, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2022-09-16
End Date: 2026-12-31
Contract Duration: 1,567 days
Daily Burn Rate: $38.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 999
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: ELECTROMAGNETIC MANEUVER WARFARE MODULAR SUITE (EMWMS)
Place of Performance
Location: MIDDLETOWN, NEWPORT County, RHODE ISLAND, 02842
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $59.8 million to SEACORP, LLC for work described as: ELECTROMAGNETIC MANEUVER WARFARE MODULAR SUITE (EMWMS) Key points: 1. Contract awarded for research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. SEACORP, LLC selected for this definitive contract. 3. Contract duration spans over 4 years, indicating a significant project timeline. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee. 5. The contract is not set aside for small businesses. 6. The contract is not a sole-source award, indicating competition. 7. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541715, for R&D in physical sciences. 8. The contract is being administered by the Department of the Navy.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $59.8 million for a definitive contract of this duration (over 4 years) appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized R&D in the defense sector. However, without specific benchmarks for Electromagnetic Maneuver Warfare Modular Suite development, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure means the government pays for incurred costs plus a predetermined profit, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Further analysis would require comparing this to similar R&D contracts for advanced warfare systems.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation implies a competitive process aimed at achieving the best value. This approach generally leads to more favorable pricing and innovation compared to sole-source or limited competition scenarios.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages a wider range of potential contractors to offer their best solutions and pricing, potentially driving down costs and increasing the quality of the delivered research and development.
Public Impact
The Department of the Navy benefits from advancements in Electromagnetic Maneuver Warfare capabilities. This contract supports research and development in advanced physical and engineering sciences. The geographic impact is primarily within Rhode Island, where SEACORP, LLC is located. The contract is expected to stimulate innovation and potentially create specialized jobs in the defense R&D sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can incentivize contractors to incur costs, as the government reimburses them, potentially leading to budget challenges if not closely monitored.
- Lack of specific bidder numbers makes it difficult to fully assess the intensity of competition and its impact on pricing.
- The specialized nature of the R&D may limit the pool of qualified contractors, even under full and open competition.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process.
- The contract duration suggests a commitment to developing critical defense capabilities.
- The focus on R&D aligns with the need for technological advancement in defense.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences, excluding nanotechnology and biotechnology. The defense R&D market is highly specialized, with significant government investment. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other advanced technology development contracts within the Department of Defense, particularly those related to electronic warfare and naval systems. The market size for such specialized R&D is substantial, driven by the continuous need for technological superiority.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. This means that prime contract opportunities for small businesses in this specific award are limited. However, SEACORP, LLC may engage small businesses as subcontractors, depending on their own supply chain needs and the nature of the R&D work.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Navy's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, requiring detailed cost reporting and performance metrics. Transparency is typically maintained through contract databases and reporting requirements, though specific details of the R&D may be sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- Naval Research and Development
- Electromagnetic Warfare Systems
- Defense Research Contracts
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee Contracts
- Department of the Navy Acquisitions
Risk Flags
- Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF Contract)
- Limited Bidder Information
- Specialized R&D Market
Tags
department-of-defense, department-of-the-navy, research-and-development, electromagnetic-maneuver-warfare, definitive-contract, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition, rhode-island, seacorp-llc, naics-541715
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $59.8 million to SEACORP, LLC. ELECTROMAGNETIC MANEUVER WARFARE MODULAR SUITE (EMWMS)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SEACORP, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $59.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-09-16. End: 2026-12-31.
What is SEACORP, LLC's track record with similar Department of Defense R&D contracts?
SEACORP, LLC has a history of performing research and development services for the Department of Defense. While specific details on past projects related to Electromagnetic Maneuver Warfare are not provided in this data snippet, their presence as a recipient of this contract suggests prior experience and capability in defense-related R&D. A deeper dive into their contract history, including past performance evaluations and the types of technologies they have developed, would be necessary to fully assess their track record for this specific type of work. Examining their portfolio of previous government contracts can offer insights into their expertise in complex engineering and scientific research.
How does the $59.8 million contract value compare to similar R&D efforts in electromagnetic warfare?
The $59.8 million contract value for the Electromagnetic Maneuver Warfare Modular Suite (EMWMS) is a significant investment, typical for advanced defense R&D. Benchmarking this against similar contracts requires access to detailed data on other electromagnetic warfare (EW) system development programs. However, R&D contracts of this magnitude often span several years and involve complex technological challenges. Factors influencing the cost include the novelty of the technology, the required research scope, the expertise of the contractor, and the specific performance requirements. Without direct comparisons of scope and duration, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents high or low value, but it aligns with the substantial funding typically allocated to cutting-edge defense technology development.
What are the primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract?
The primary risk with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract is the potential for cost overruns. Since the government reimburses the contractor for allowable costs plus a fixed fee, there is less incentive for the contractor to control costs compared to fixed-price contracts. If the contractor's cost estimates are inaccurate or if unforeseen technical challenges arise, the total cost to the government could exceed initial projections. Effective oversight, rigorous cost tracking, and clear definition of work scope are crucial to mitigate these risks. The fixed fee, however, does provide some predictability regarding the contractor's profit margin.
How effective is full and open competition in ensuring value for taxpayer money in specialized R&D?
Full and open competition is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value for taxpayer money, even in specialized R&D. By allowing any qualified vendor to bid, it fosters a competitive environment that drives innovation and encourages contractors to offer their best pricing and technical solutions. This broad competition increases the likelihood that the government will receive superior technology at a reasonable cost. While specialized R&D may have a limited pool of highly qualified bidders, the principle of open competition still applies, ensuring that the selection process is transparent and based on merit, thereby maximizing the return on investment for the government.
What is the historical spending trend for Electromagnetic Maneuver Warfare related R&D by the Department of the Navy?
Historical spending trends for Electromagnetic Maneuver Warfare (EMW) related R&D by the Department of the Navy have generally shown consistent investment, reflecting the critical importance of electronic superiority in naval operations. While specific figures for EMW R&D fluctuate annually based on strategic priorities and technological advancements, the Navy consistently allocates substantial resources to this domain. This $59.8 million award for the EMWMS fits within this broader pattern of sustained investment. Analyzing past budgets and contract awards for similar systems would reveal trends in funding levels and the types of R&D initiatives prioritized over time.
What are the potential implications of the 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' NAICS code for this contract?
The NAICS code 541715, 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology),' indicates that this contract is focused on fundamental and applied research aimed at discovering new knowledge and developing new or improved products, processes, or services within these scientific domains. For this contract concerning the Electromagnetic Maneuver Warfare Modular Suite (EMWMS), this NAICS code suggests the work involves advanced engineering principles, potentially materials science, physics, or complex system integration. It signifies a commitment to innovation and technological advancement rather than the production or deployment of existing systems.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Solicitation ID: N0001421SB001
Offers Received: 999
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 62 JOHNNY CAKE HILL, MIDDLETOWN, RI, 02842
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $79,033,482
Exercised Options: $70,730,539
Current Obligation: $59,795,738
Actual Outlays: $24,388
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 6
Total Subaward Amount: $7,116,161
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-09-16
Current End Date: 2026-12-31
Potential End Date: 2026-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-09
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