DoD Awards $13.37M for Robotic Systems to iRobot Corp Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $13,373,250 ($13.4M)
Contractor: Irobot Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2008-09-11
End Date: 2009-04-30
Contract Duration: 231 days
Daily Burn Rate: $57.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: 165 FASTAC ROBOTIC SYSTEMS
Place of Performance
Location: BURLINGTON, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01803
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $13.4 million to IROBOT CORPORATION for work described as: 165 FASTAC ROBOTIC SYSTEMS Key points: 1. Significant award value for specialized robotic systems. 2. iRobot Corporation, a known consumer robotics company, secured the contract. 3. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive bidding process. 4. The contract falls within the 'All Other Miscellaneous General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing' sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award of $13.37 million for 165 units appears reasonable given the specialized nature of robotic systems. Benchmarking against similar defense contracts for advanced robotics would provide a clearer picture of value.
Cost Per Unit: $81,959
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes price discovery and can lead to more competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive bidding process likely resulted in a fair price for taxpayers, avoiding potential overpayment associated with less competitive procurement methods.
Public Impact
Enhances military operational capabilities through advanced robotics. Supports domestic manufacturing and technological innovation in robotics. Potential for dual-use applications, benefiting both defense and civilian sectors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Reliance on a single, albeit established, vendor for a critical defense technology.
- Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen technical challenges arise during development or deployment.
- Limited visibility into the specific capabilities and intended use of these robotic systems.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through a competitive process, suggesting fair pricing.
- Utilizes established technology from a known robotics manufacturer.
- Contract duration is relatively short, allowing for reassessment of needs.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the 'All Other Miscellaneous General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing' sector, which includes a broad range of industrial machinery. Defense spending in advanced robotics is a growing area, with significant investment in autonomous and semi-autonomous systems.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the award went to iRobot Corporation, a large business. There is no specific information provided regarding subcontracting opportunities for small businesses on this particular contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense typically has robust oversight mechanisms for contracts of this value, including regular reporting requirements and performance reviews. The fixed-price nature of the contract also provides some cost control.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Miscellaneous General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in.
- Limited scope for small business participation.
- Dependence on a single manufacturer for critical technology.
- Uncertainty regarding long-term sustainment and upgrade path.
Tags
all-other-miscellaneous-general-purpose-, department-of-defense, ma, do, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $13.4 million to IROBOT CORPORATION. 165 FASTAC ROBOTIC SYSTEMS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is IROBOT 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 $13.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-09-11. End: 2009-04-30.
What specific operational advantages do these 165 robotic systems provide to the Department of the Army?
The specific operational advantages are not detailed in the provided data. However, robotic systems in defense contexts often enhance capabilities in areas such as reconnaissance, surveillance, bomb disposal, logistics, and hazardous environment operations, thereby reducing risk to human personnel and improving mission effectiveness.
What are the primary risks associated with the performance and reliability of these robotic systems in a military environment?
Primary risks include potential malfunctions due to the harsh military operating conditions, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, integration challenges with existing military systems, and the need for specialized training for operators. The reliance on a single vendor could also pose a risk if they face production issues or if the technology becomes obsolete quickly.
How effectively does this contract leverage technological advancements in robotics for the Department of Defense?
The effectiveness in leveraging technological advancements depends on the specific capabilities of the 'FASTAC ROBOTIC SYSTEMS' and iRobot's current technological portfolio. Given iRobot's background, the systems likely incorporate advanced navigation, sensor, and potentially AI capabilities. However, without detailed specifications, it's difficult to assess the cutting-edge nature of the technology procured.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing › All Other Miscellaneous General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: TWO STEP
Solicitation ID: W900KK07B0001
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 63 SOUTH AVE, BURLINGTON, MA, 06
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $13,373,250
Exercised Options: $13,373,250
Current Obligation: $13,373,250
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W900KK08D0033
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-09-11
Current End Date: 2009-04-30
Potential End Date: 2009-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2010-08-19
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