DoD's $58.8M Engineering Services Contract with Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation: A Deep Dive

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $58,837,183 ($58.8M)

Contractor: Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2008-09-10

End Date: 2014-03-09

Contract Duration: 2,006 days

Daily Burn Rate: $29.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ENGINEERING/SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35898

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $58.8 million to INTUITIVE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION for work described as: ENGINEERING/SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded for engineering and support services, indicating a need for specialized technical expertise. 2. The duration of the contract (2006-2014) suggests a long-term requirement for these services. 3. Awarded under full and open competition, implying a robust bidding process. 4. The firm-fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and provide predictability. 5. Services were delivered to the Department of the Army, highlighting a specific military need. 6. The contract's value of approximately $58.8 million warrants scrutiny for value for money. 7. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541330 points to engineering services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's total value of $58.8 million over its life cycle appears reasonable for specialized engineering and support services provided to the Department of the Army. Without specific benchmarks for comparable long-term engineering support contracts within the DoD, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests an effort to manage costs effectively. Further analysis would require comparing the specific deliverables and performance metrics against industry standards and other similar contracts awarded by the Army or other defense agencies.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This process generally fosters a competitive environment, encouraging multiple bidders to offer their best pricing and technical solutions. The presence of multiple bidders typically leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for the government compared to sole-source or limited competition awards. The specific number of bidders is not provided, which would offer further insight into the intensity of the competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for cost savings through a competitive bidding process, ensuring that the government receives the best value for its investment.

Public Impact

The Department of the Army directly benefits from specialized engineering and support services, enhancing its operational capabilities. This contract likely supported various Army programs requiring advanced engineering expertise, contributing to national defense. The services provided could have implications for the development, maintenance, or modernization of military systems. The contract's performance in Alabama suggests a potential impact on the local workforce and economy in that region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the quality and effectiveness of the engineering services provided.
The long duration of the contract could lead to potential cost overruns if not managed diligently.
Without details on the number of bidders, the true level of competition and its impact on pricing is not fully ascertainable.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a fair and competitive bidding process.
The firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The contract was awarded to Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation, a known entity in the aerospace and defense sector.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, a critical component of the broader professional, scientific, and technical services industry. This sector is characterized by high technical expertise and often supports complex government and private sector projects. The market for engineering services supporting the Department of Defense is substantial, driven by the need for advanced technological solutions in defense systems. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-scale engineering support contracts awarded by the DoD or its branches for similar types of services.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses arising from a small business set-aside. The primary contractor, Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation, would have had the discretion to subcontract, but this information is not detailed here. The absence of a small business set-aside means that opportunities for small businesses were likely pursued through the general competition or potentially through subcontracting by the prime if they chose to do so.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant program management office within the Department of the Army. Accountability measures would be embedded in the contract's terms and conditions, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse were raised concerning the contract's execution.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Engineering Services
Army Technical Support Contracts
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Firm Fixed Price Contracts
Long-Term Government Contracts

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may increase risk of cost escalation or obsolescence.
Lack of specific performance metrics hinders effectiveness assessment.
Limited detail on number of bidders impacts competition intensity analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $58.8 million to INTUITIVE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION. ENGINEERING/SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INTUITIVE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY 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 $58.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-09-10. End: 2014-03-09.

What is the track record of Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation with the Department of Defense?

Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation (IRTC) has a history of performing contracts with the Department of Defense, including the Department of the Army. This specific contract, valued at approximately $58.8 million, spanned from 2008 to 2014 and was for engineering and support services. While this data point indicates a significant engagement, a comprehensive assessment of IRTC's track record would require examining a broader portfolio of their DoD contracts, including performance ratings, past performance evaluations, and any history of contract disputes or awards. Their sustained engagement suggests a capacity to meet DoD requirements, but detailed performance metrics from this specific contract are not publicly available to fully gauge their success.

How does the value of this contract compare to similar engineering services contracts awarded by the DoD?

The $58.8 million value of this contract for engineering and support services awarded to Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation is a substantial figure, indicative of a significant long-term requirement. To benchmark this value, one would need to compare it against other firm-fixed-price contracts for similar engineering and technical support services awarded by the Department of the Army or other DoD branches during the 2008-2014 period. Factors such as the specific technical scope, duration, complexity, and the number of bidders would influence comparability. Without access to a detailed database of comparable contracts with granular data, it is difficult to definitively state whether $58.8 million represents a high, low, or average expenditure for such services. However, the full and open competition suggests an effort to achieve competitive pricing.

What are the primary risks associated with a long-duration engineering services contract like this one?

Long-duration engineering services contracts, such as this $58.8 million award spanning 2008-2014, carry several inherent risks. One primary risk is scope creep, where the project's requirements expand beyond the original agreement, potentially leading to cost overruns and schedule delays, despite the firm-fixed-price structure. Another risk is technological obsolescence; the technology or engineering solutions required at the outset may become outdated over the contract's life. Contractor performance degradation over time is also a concern, as initial high performance may wane. Furthermore, changes in government requirements or priorities could necessitate contract modifications, introducing complexity and potential disputes. Effective program management, clear communication, and robust oversight are crucial to mitigating these risks.

What was the effectiveness of the engineering services provided under this contract?

The effectiveness of the engineering services provided under this contract cannot be definitively assessed solely from the provided data. The contract was awarded for 'ENGINEERING/SUPPORT SERVICES' to Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation by the Department of the Army and ran from 2008 to 2014. While the contract's duration and value suggest a sustained need and likely successful delivery of some services, specific performance metrics, quality assessments, or end-user feedback are not available. Effectiveness would typically be measured by factors such as the successful completion of engineering tasks, contribution to program objectives, adherence to technical specifications, and overall satisfaction of the requiring activity. Without these details, we can only infer that the services were deemed necessary and likely met baseline requirements to justify the expenditure.

How has federal spending on engineering services evolved since this contract was awarded?

Since the award of this $58.8 million engineering services contract (2008-2014), federal spending on engineering services has likely seen fluctuations influenced by defense budgets, technological advancements, and national priorities. The Department of Defense, as a major consumer of engineering services, often adjusts its spending based on geopolitical events and modernization needs. Post-2014, there has been a continued emphasis on advanced technologies, cybersecurity, and platform modernization, all of which require significant engineering input. While specific aggregate data requires detailed analysis of federal procurement databases, it's reasonable to assume that spending in specialized engineering fields supporting defense, aerospace, and technology sectors has remained robust, potentially increasing in areas related to emerging threats and capabilities.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

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: 5030 BRADFORD DR BLDG 2 STE 205, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35805

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $60,550,498

Exercised Options: $58,837,183

Current Obligation: $58,837,183

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W31P4Q05A0025

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline