DoD Awards $12M Contract for Submarine and Weapon System Engineering Services to Sonalysts Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,053,819 ($12.1M)

Contractor: Sonalysts Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-09-03

End Date: 2026-09-02

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE NEXT GENERATION ATTACK SUBMARINE, THE FULL SPECTRUM UNDERSEA WARFARE INNOVATIVE NAVAL PROTOTYPE, AND THE COMPACT RAPID ATTACK WEAPON.

Place of Performance

Location: WATERFORD, NEW LONDON County, CONNECTICUT, 06385

State: Connecticut Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $12.1 million to SONALYSTS INC for work described as: ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE NEXT GENERATION ATTACK SUBMARINE, THE FULL SPECTRUM UNDERSEA WARFARE INNOVATIVE NAVAL PROTOTYPE, AND THE COMPACT RAPID ATTACK WEAPON. Key points: 1. The contract focuses on advanced submarine and weapon system development, indicating a need for specialized engineering expertise. 2. Sonalysts Inc. secured this award, suggesting strong capabilities in naval engineering and defense solutions. 3. The significant value of the contract highlights the importance and complexity of the Next Generation Attack Submarine program. 4. The sector is dominated by large defense contractors, making Sonalysts' win notable.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which allows for flexibility in project scope but requires careful monitoring of costs. The award amount of $12M is substantial for engineering services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust price discovery process. This method generally leads to more competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical defense modernization, aiming for advanced capabilities in undersea warfare and weapon systems.

Public Impact

Enhances national security through advanced submarine technology. Supports innovation in naval warfare capabilities. Contributes to the development of next-generation defense systems. Potential for job creation in the defense engineering sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost overruns in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts.
Potential for scope creep in complex engineering projects.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical systems.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Focus on critical defense modernization.
Experienced contractor with relevant expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the defense sector, specifically focusing on naval engineering and advanced weapon systems. Spending in this area is driven by national security priorities and technological advancements.

Small Business Impact

While the prime contractor is Sonalysts Inc., the contract details do not specify any small business subcontracting goals. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Navy is responsible for oversight. The contract duration and complexity necessitate diligent monitoring to ensure performance and cost control.

Related Government Programs

Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
Complexity of Next Generation Attack Submarine program.
Potential for contractor performance issues.
Long-term reliance on a single entity.
National security implications of program delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $12.1 million to SONALYSTS INC. ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE NEXT GENERATION ATTACK SUBMARINE, THE FULL SPECTRUM UNDERSEA WARFARE INNOVATIVE NAVAL PROTOTYPE, AND THE COMPACT RAPID ATTACK WEAPON.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SONALYSTS 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 $12.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-03. End: 2026-09-02.

What are the specific performance metrics for the engineering services to ensure value for money?

Performance metrics are crucial for Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts. While not detailed here, they typically include adherence to technical specifications, timely delivery of milestones, and quality of engineering deliverables. The Department of the Navy's oversight will focus on these aspects to ensure the $12M investment yields the intended technological advancements and operational capabilities for the submarine and weapon systems.

What are the long-term risks associated with relying on Sonalysts Inc. for these critical defense systems?

Long-term risks include potential vendor lock-in, where the government becomes overly dependent on a single supplier, potentially limiting future competition or innovation. There's also a risk if Sonalysts faces financial instability or significant technical challenges that could delay or compromise the development of these vital defense assets. Continuous market analysis and contingency planning are essential.

How effectively will this contract contribute to the overall modernization goals of the US Navy's undersea warfare capabilities?

This contract is designed to be a cornerstone of the Navy's modernization by funding the engineering for the Next Generation Attack Submarine and related weapon systems. Its effectiveness hinges on the successful integration of innovative technologies and the timely delivery of prototypes and designs. The $12M investment is expected to significantly advance the Navy's strategic advantage in undersea warfare.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing › Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: N6660423R0285

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 215 WATERFORD PKWY N, WATERFORD, CT, 06385

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,573,697

Exercised Options: $15,061,421

Current Obligation: $12,053,819

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $1,091,757

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N6660424DC419

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline