DoD Awards $11.8M for Torpedo and Unmanned Systems Engineering Services to McLaughlin Research Corp

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,783,767 ($11.8M)

Contractor: Mclaughlin Research Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-12-18

End Date: 2026-12-17

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: TECHNICAL, ENGINEERING, AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES RELATING TO TORPEDOES, UNMANNED SYSTEMS, DEFENSIVE SYSTEMS, DECOYS AND DECEPTION CAPABILITIES IN SUPPORT OF CODE 85

Place of Performance

Location: NEWPORT, NEWPORT County, RHODE ISLAND, 02841

State: Rhode Island Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $11.8 million to MCLAUGHLIN RESEARCH CORPORATION for work described as: TECHNICAL, ENGINEERING, AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES RELATING TO TORPEDOES, UNMANNED SYSTEMS, DEFENSIVE SYSTEMS, DECOYS AND DECEPTION CAPABILITIES IN SUPPORT OF CODE 85 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to McLaughlin Research Corporation for specialized engineering services. 2. Services cover torpedoes, unmanned systems, and defensive capabilities, indicating a focus on advanced naval technology. 3. The contract duration is 729 days, suggesting a medium-term project. 4. Awarded by the Department of the Navy, highlighting a significant defense procurement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $11.8M for 729 days appears reasonable for specialized engineering services in the defense sector. Benchmarking against similar complex engineering contracts would provide further validation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

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

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it encourages multiple bids, potentially lowering costs.

Public Impact

Supports critical naval defense capabilities, including torpedoes and unmanned systems. Ensures continued development and maintenance of advanced military technologies. Contributes to the technological edge of the U.S. Navy. Potential for innovation in underwater warfare and surveillance systems.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns in complex engineering projects.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical systems.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Supports advanced defense technologies.
Long-term contract provides stability for services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector (NAICS 541330), which is a significant area of government spending, particularly within the Department of Defense. Benchmarks for similar specialized engineering services can vary widely based on complexity and duration.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (SB=false). Larger prime contractors often utilize small business subcontractors, but direct award information for SMBs is not provided here.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Navy is responsible for oversight. The contract's duration and complexity necessitate diligent monitoring to ensure performance and cost control, with mechanisms like fixed-fee structures providing some accountability.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Complexity of systems may introduce unforeseen technical challenges.
Potential for scope creep without strict change control.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical defense technologies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $11.8 million to MCLAUGHLIN RESEARCH CORPORATION. TECHNICAL, ENGINEERING, AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES RELATING TO TORPEDOES, UNMANNED SYSTEMS, DEFENSIVE SYSTEMS, DECOYS AND DECEPTION CAPABILITIES IN SUPPORT OF CODE 85

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MCLAUGHLIN RESEARCH CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-12-18. End: 2026-12-17.

What is the specific breakdown of services within 'technical, engineering, and administrative services relating to torpedoes, unmanned systems, defensive systems, decoys and deception capabilities'?

The specific breakdown would detail the allocation of funds and effort across research, design, development, testing, integration, and sustainment for each category of systems. This includes engineering analysis for torpedo propulsion and guidance, design of unmanned vehicle platforms, development of countermeasures for decoys, and administrative support for project management and documentation.

How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure mitigate risks associated with the complexity of these advanced defense systems?

The CPFF structure aims to balance risk between the government and the contractor. The government covers allowable costs, while the fixed fee provides the contractor with an incentive to control costs to maximize profit. This structure is suitable for R&D or complex projects where cost estimation is difficult, but requires robust oversight to prevent cost creep and ensure value.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the effectiveness of McLaughlin Research Corporation's services under this contract?

Key performance indicators would likely include timely delivery of engineering reports and designs, successful completion of system tests and simulations, adherence to technical specifications, and effective integration of new capabilities. Performance metrics may also track the reduction of system vulnerabilities or the successful development of new defensive measures, ensuring the contractor meets the Navy's evolving technological requirements.

Industry Classification

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

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: N6660423R3011

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 130 EUGENE O'NEILL DR, NEW LONDON, CT, 06320

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $72,298,679

Exercised Options: $28,524,216

Current Obligation: $11,783,767

Actual Outlays: $31,147

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017819D8089

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline