DoD Awards $17.7M for EW/CEMA/C4ISR Engineering Support to New Mexico State University
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $17,714,379 ($17.7M)
Contractor: NEW Mexico State University
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2020-09-25
End Date: 2026-04-30
Contract Duration: 2,043 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.7K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: ENGINEERING SUPPORT ELECTRONIC WARFARE (EW), CYBER ELECTROMAGNETIC ACTIVITIES (CEMA), COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATION, COMPUTER, INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE AND RECONNAISSANCE (C4ISR) AND ELECTROMAGNETIC VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT FACILITY (EMVAF)
Place of Performance
Location: LAS CRUCES, DONA ANA County, NEW MEXICO, 88003
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $17.7 million to NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY for work described as: ENGINEERING SUPPORT ELECTRONIC WARFARE (EW), CYBER ELECTROMAGNETIC ACTIVITIES (CEMA), COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATION, COMPUTER, INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE AND RECONNAISSANCE (C4ISR) AND ELECTROMAGNETIC VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT FACILITY (EMVAF) Key points: 1. Contract awarded to New Mexico State University for specialized engineering support. 2. Focus areas include Electronic Warfare, Cyber Electromagnetic Activities, and C4ISR systems. 3. The contract is a delivery order under a larger award, indicating ongoing needs. 4. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences is the primary NAICS code.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $17.7M is for a delivery order, making direct pricing assessment difficult without knowing the base contract. However, the duration suggests a significant scope of work.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, suggesting a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially increases costs for taxpayers as competitive pressures are absent.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may lead to higher costs than if the contract had been competed, impacting taxpayer value.
Public Impact
Supports critical defense capabilities in electronic warfare and cyber operations. Leverages university research expertise for advanced technological development. Potential for long-term reliance on a single provider for specialized services. Impacts the advancement of C4ISR and electromagnetic vulnerability assessment technologies.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for cost overruns due to sole-source award
- Limited transparency in pricing
Positive Signals
- Supports critical national security functions
- Utilizes specialized academic research capabilities
- Long-term engagement suggests sustained need and potential for innovation
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Federal spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement, but the lack of competition here warrants scrutiny.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to New Mexico State University, an educational institution, and there is no indication of small business participation. This award does not appear to benefit small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
As a sole-source award, oversight is critical to ensure fair pricing and effective performance. The Department of the Army should ensure robust monitoring of this contract's execution and costs.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
- Potential for inflated costs due to lack of competitive pressure.
- Limited transparency on pricing justification.
- No indication of small business participation.
- Reliance on a single entity for critical R&D support.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, nm, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $17.7 million to NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY. ENGINEERING SUPPORT ELECTRONIC WARFARE (EW), CYBER ELECTROMAGNETIC ACTIVITIES (CEMA), COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATION, COMPUTER, INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE AND RECONNAISSANCE (C4ISR) AND ELECTROMAGNETIC VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT FACILITY (EMVAF)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $17.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-09-25. End: 2026-04-30.
What is the justification for the sole-source award, and how was the price determined to be fair and reasonable?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent needs that only one source can meet. The Department of Defense should have documented this justification. Price reasonableness is usually determined through cost analysis, comparison to similar contracts (if available), or market research. Without access to the contract file, it's difficult to assess the specific methods used.
What are the specific deliverables and performance metrics for this $17.7M delivery order?
The contract details engineering support for Electronic Warfare (EW), Cyber Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA), Command, Control, Communication, Computer, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR), and Electromagnetic Vulnerability Assessment Facility (EMVAF). Specific deliverables would likely include technical reports, system analysis, design recommendations, testing, and potentially prototype development within these domains. Performance metrics would focus on the quality, timeliness, and effectiveness of these engineering services.
How does this contract align with broader DoD R&D strategies in EW and CEMA, and what is the expected long-term impact?
This contract supports critical DoD modernization efforts in EW and CEMA, which are essential for maintaining information superiority and countering adversary threats. The long-term impact could include the development of advanced capabilities that enhance warfighter effectiveness and national security. However, the sole-source nature raises questions about whether the most innovative and cost-effective solutions are being pursued.
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 › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: STEWART AND ESPINA ST, LAS CRUCES, NM, 88003
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Higher Education (Minority Serving), Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $25,047,105
Exercised Options: $25,047,105
Current Obligation: $17,714,379
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W911QX20D0001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-09-25
Current End Date: 2026-04-30
Potential End Date: 2026-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-19
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