Counter Weapon of Mass Destuction Analysis and Planning Tools

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) assists in protecting the US and its allies from Chemical, Biological, Radiological , Nuclear, and High Explosive (CBRNE) threats. An important part of this assistance is provided by the Counterforce Systems Division (CXS) through development of counterforce and defensive planning capabilities. These capabilities are delivered to the warfighters through analytical models and software tools such as Integrated Munitions Effects Assessment (IMEA), the Underground Targeting and Analysis System (UTAS), the Warfighter Wizard (WFW), and Vulnerability Assessment and Protection Option (VAPO).

This task order was awarded on a CPFF basis. The uncertainties which are inherent in research and development work do not permit costs to be estimated with sufficient accuracy to use any type of a fixed price contract. Furthermore, pursuant to FAR Part 16, a CPFF contract is suitable for use when the contract is for the performance of research or preliminary exploration or study and the level of effort required is unknown.

The statutory authority for this non-competitive action is: FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(B and C). FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(B) states "only one awardee is capable of providing the supplies and services required at the level of quality required because the supplies and services ordered are unique or highly specialized." FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(C) states "the order must be issued on a sole source basis in the interest of the economy and efficiency because it is a logical follow-on to an order already issued under the contract, provided that all awardees were given a fair opportunity to be considered for the original order."

IMEA and VAPO are extremely large and complex tools which have been under continuous development for many years (~25 years for IMEA and ~15 years for VAPO). The combined code base consists of over 3 million lines of code, not including hundreds of third party libraries and engineering models. ARA has a long history and well documented processes for managing this type of work and as a result they have become a dominant performer in this area with many DoD organizations.

. Awarded Vendors: Applied Research Associates (ARA). Contract Award Dollar Amount: $86,657,373. Contract Award Date: 2019-03-29.