DoD's $1.2B R&D Contract with Torch Technologies Inc. Awarded via Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $120,828,794 ($120.8M)

Contractor: Torch Technologies Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2014-02-27

End Date: 2019-02-27

Contract Duration: 1,826 days

Daily Burn Rate: $66.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::CT::IGF

Place of Performance

Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35898

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $120.8 million to TORCH TECHNOLOGIES INC for work described as: IGF::CT::IGF Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $1.2 billion over five years. 2. Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Focus on Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 4. Contractor is Torch Technologies Inc., based in Alabama.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's firm fixed price structure provides cost certainty. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more specific service details, but the value suggests a substantial project.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders were considered. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to maximize taxpayer value by securing services at optimal prices.

Public Impact

Supports advanced research and development initiatives within the Department of the Army. Potential for technological advancements and innovation stemming from the contract's R&D focus. Economic impact in Alabama through contract with Torch Technologies Inc.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Lack of specific R&D project details makes it hard to assess true value.
  • Long contract duration (5 years) could lead to scope creep or changing requirements.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded via full and open competition.
  • Firm fixed price contract type offers cost predictability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically for physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation but can be complex to benchmark due to the unique nature of R&D projects.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved as subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a structured procurement process. Oversight would focus on project milestones, deliverables, and adherence to the firm fixed price.

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

  • Potential for cost overruns if R&D proves more complex than anticipated.
  • Risk of technological obsolescence during the five-year contract period.
  • Difficulty in measuring the direct return on investment for pure R&D.
  • Dependence on a single contractor for a significant R&D effort.

Tags

research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, al, delivery-order, 100m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $120.8 million to TORCH TECHNOLOGIES INC. IGF::CT::IGF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TORCH TECHNOLOGIES INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $120.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2014-02-27. End: 2019-02-27.

What specific R&D areas are covered by this contract?

The contract falls under NAICS code 541712, 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)'. However, the specific sub-fields or projects within this broad category are not detailed in the provided data. Understanding the precise R&D focus would be crucial for a more granular assessment of its value and impact.

How does the $1.2B value compare to similar R&D contracts?

Benchmarking this $1.2 billion contract is challenging without knowing the specific R&D disciplines and the scope of work. Large-scale R&D contracts can vary significantly in cost based on complexity, duration, and required expertise. A direct comparison would require identifying contracts with similar technical objectives and contract lengths within the DoD or other federal agencies.

What are the key performance indicators for this contract?

As a firm fixed price contract for R&D, key performance indicators likely revolve around the successful completion of research objectives, delivery of prototypes or reports, adherence to timelines, and potentially innovation metrics. Specific KPIs would be detailed in the contract's statement of work and performance requirements, which are not provided here.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesScientific Research and Development ServicesResearch and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT)PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4035 CHRIS DR SW STE C, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35802

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $122,790,224

Exercised Options: $120,828,794

Current Obligation: $120,828,794

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 16

Total Subaward Amount: $33,810,945

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W31P4Q09A0021

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2014-02-27

Current End Date: 2019-02-27

Potential End Date: 2019-02-27 12:02:00

Last Modified: 2024-12-17

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