DoD's $159M R&D Contract with Torch Technologies Inc. Awarded via Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $158,812,000 ($158.8M)
Contractor: Torch Technologies Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2014-08-05
End Date: 2020-08-20
Contract Duration: 2,207 days
Daily Burn Rate: $72.0K/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, 35802
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $158.8 million to TORCH TECHNOLOGIES INC for work described as: IGF::CT::IGF Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $158.8M for R&D services. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive market. 3. Potential risk associated with long contract duration (2207 days). 4. Spending concentrated in the Research and Development sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $158.8M appears reasonable given the extensive 2207-day duration and the specialized R&D nature of the services. Benchmarking against similar large-scale R&D contracts would provide further validation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process likely resulted in a fair price, maximizing taxpayer value for the R&D services procured.
Public Impact
Supports advanced research and development initiatives within the Department of the Army. Potential for technological advancements and innovation stemming from the contract. Economic impact in Alabama, where the contractor is located.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 75 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration could lead to scope creep or evolving requirements.
- Reliance on a single awardee for a significant period.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty.
- Contract supports critical R&D efforts.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement and national security, with significant government investment typically seen.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded via delivery order, suggesting it may be part of a larger indefinite delivery contract. Oversight would focus on performance, adherence to scope, and financial management throughout the contract's lifecycle.
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
- Long contract duration (2207 days).
- Potential for evolving R&D requirements over a long period.
- Concentration of significant funding within one contract.
- Lack of immediate visibility into specific R&D outcomes.
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 $158.8 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 $158.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2014-08-05. End: 2020-08-20.
What specific R&D areas are covered by this contract, and how do they align with current DoD priorities?
The contract is classified under NAICS code 541712, 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)'. Specific R&D areas would need to be detailed in the contract's statement of work. Alignment with DoD priorities would depend on the Army's strategic research objectives and technology roadmaps.
What is the benchmark cost for similar R&D contracts of this duration and scope?
Benchmarking requires access to a database of comparable contracts, considering factors like specific scientific disciplines, security requirements, and contractor experience. Without such data, a precise benchmark is difficult. However, the $158.8M value over nearly six years suggests a substantial investment in specialized research.
How effectively has Torch Technologies Inc. performed on this contract, and what has been the impact on DoD's research objectives?
Performance data and impact on research objectives are not provided in the given data. A thorough assessment would require reviewing performance reports, milestone achievements, and any documented technological advancements or contributions to the Department of Defense's mission.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research 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: $163,025,763
Exercised Options: $158,812,000
Current Obligation: $158,812,000
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 890
Total Subaward Amount: $3,986,424,755
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W31P4Q09A0021
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2014-08-05
Current End Date: 2020-08-20
Potential End Date: 2020-08-20 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-31
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