DoD awards $18.3M R&D contract to Textron Systems Corporation for research in physical, engineering, and life sciences
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $18,304,363 ($18.3M)
Contractor: Textron Systems Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2005-04-29
End Date: 2010-05-15
Contract Duration: 1,842 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.9K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Place of Performance
Location: WILMINGTON, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01887
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $18.3 million to TEXTRON SYSTEMS CORPORATION for work described as: Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Textron Systems Corporation for $18.3 million. 2. Focuses on Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 3. Awarded by the Department of the Army, part of the Department of Defense. 4. Contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, with a duration of 1842 days.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult due to the specialized nature of the research.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers compared to a competitive process.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in a higher overall cost to taxpayers for the research conducted.
Public Impact
Taxpayers fund advanced research and development in critical scientific fields. Potential for technological advancements that could benefit national security or civilian applications. The long contract duration suggests a significant, ongoing research effort.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Limited transparency on specific research outcomes
Positive Signals
- Supports critical R&D efforts
- Long-term investment in scientific advancement
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation but can be difficult to benchmark due to its specialized and often unique nature.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. The award went directly to a large corporation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires robust oversight from the Department of the Army to ensure costs are reasonable and the research objectives are met efficiently.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee can lead to cost overruns.
- Lack of transparency on specific research details.
- Potential for higher costs due to non-competitive nature.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ma, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $18.3 million to TEXTRON SYSTEMS CORPORATION. See the official description on USAspending.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TEXTRON SYSTEMS CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $18.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2005-04-29. End: 2010-05-15.
What specific research objectives were prioritized under this contract, and how do they align with the Department of Defense's strategic goals?
The contract specifies 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)'. While the exact objectives are not detailed, such R&D typically aims to develop new technologies, enhance existing systems, or address emerging threats relevant to national security. Alignment with strategic goals would depend on the specific research areas funded and their potential application to defense capabilities.
Given the sole-source nature, what mechanisms were in place to ensure fair and reasonable pricing for the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract?
In sole-source procurements, agencies typically rely on contractor cost proposals, historical pricing data, and independent government cost estimates to determine fair and reasonable pricing. For a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, the agency would scrutinize the proposed costs and negotiate a fixed fee that represents a reasonable profit for the contractor's effort and risk.
What are the expected tangible outcomes or deliverables from this multi-year R&D investment, and how will their effectiveness be measured?
Tangible outcomes could include prototypes, technical reports, data sets, or new methodologies. Effectiveness is typically measured against pre-defined research milestones and technical performance metrics outlined in the contract. The Department of the Army would likely conduct periodic reviews and acceptances of deliverables to ensure the research is progressing as intended and meeting its objectives.
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 › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Textron Inc (UEI: 001338979)
Address: 201 LOWELL ST, WILMINGTON, MA, 06
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Timeline
Start Date: 2005-04-29
Current End Date: 2010-05-15
Potential End Date: 2010-05-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2009-08-13
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