DoD's $77.8M R&D contract with Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation shows strong performance signals

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $77,767,698 ($77.8M)

Contractor: Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2016-07-06

End Date: 2024-03-14

Contract Duration: 2,808 days

Daily Burn Rate: $27.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::CT::IGF PROCUREMENT OF ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR AMRDEC, ED

Place of Performance

Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35805

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $77.8 million to INTUITIVE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION for work described as: IGF::CT::IGF PROCUREMENT OF ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR AMRDEC, ED Key points: 1. Contract demonstrates a commitment to advanced research and development in engineering services. 2. Long duration suggests sustained need and successful delivery over multiple years. 3. High value indicates significant scope and impact within the defense sector. 4. Performance context points to a stable, long-term relationship with the contractor. 5. Sector positioning highlights the critical role of specialized engineering in defense modernization. 6. Value-for-money assessment is positive given the extended period of service and specialized nature of work.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of approximately $77.8 million over its lifespan indicates a substantial investment in specialized engineering services. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts within the Department of Defense is challenging without more granular data on specific deliverables. However, the extended duration and consistent performance suggest that the pricing, while significant, has been deemed appropriate for the services rendered. The 'Time and Materials' pricing structure, common in R&D, allows for flexibility but requires careful oversight to ensure cost efficiency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a competitive process that likely drove pricing and ensured a broad pool of qualified contractors was considered. This approach is generally favored for ensuring the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition typically benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to more favorable pricing and a wider selection of innovative solutions.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of the Army and the broader defense research community, gaining access to advanced engineering expertise. Services delivered likely include research, design, development, and testing of new technologies and systems for the AMRDEC. Geographic impact is centered in Alabama, where Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation is based, potentially supporting local high-tech employment. Workforce implications include the employment of highly skilled engineers and technical professionals, contributing to the specialized defense industrial base.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns inherent in Time and Materials contracts if not closely monitored.
Dependence on a single contractor for extended periods could limit future competitive opportunities or innovation adoption.

Positive Signals

Successful execution over a long contract duration (2016-2024) indicates contractor reliability and capability.
Awarded through full and open competition suggests a robust selection process and potential for competitive pricing.
Contract supports critical R&D functions for the Army, aligning with strategic defense objectives.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for specialized engineering services supporting defense applications is highly competitive, with significant government investment. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within DoD's broader R&D portfolio, particularly for advanced technology development contracts awarded through competitive processes.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting goals for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation voluntarily engages small businesses as subcontractors. Further investigation into subcontracting plans would be needed to fully assess the impact.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program management office within the Department of the Army. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract terms, performance metrics, and payment schedules. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance reports may be internal. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Army Research Laboratory Contracts
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Contracts
Engineering and Technical Services Contracts
Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) Funding

Risk Flags

Long-term contract duration may warrant review for potential consolidation opportunities or market shifts.
Time and Materials contract type requires diligent oversight to ensure cost control.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $77.8 million to INTUITIVE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION. IGF::CT::IGF PROCUREMENT OF ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR AMRDEC, ED

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 $77.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-07-06. End: 2024-03-14.

What specific engineering challenges or technological advancements was Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation tasked with addressing under this contract?

While the contract title 'PROCUREMENT OF ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR AMRDEC' suggests a broad scope, the specific engineering challenges and technological advancements are not detailed in the provided data. AMRDEC (Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center) typically focuses on areas like advanced materials, missile defense systems, aviation technologies, and related software development. Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation likely provided expertise in areas such as systems engineering, aerodynamic analysis, structural integrity, propulsion systems, or electronic warfare, contributing to the development and modernization of critical Army capabilities. Further analysis of contract line item numbers (CLINs) or task orders would be necessary to pinpoint the exact R&D objectives.

How does the 'Time and Materials' pricing structure for this contract compare to industry standards for similar R&D services?

Time and Materials (T&M) contracts are common in R&D settings where the scope of work can be uncertain or evolve significantly. They reimburse the contractor for direct labor hours at specified rates and for the actual cost of materials. For R&D services, T&M is often preferred over fixed-price contracts because it allows flexibility to adapt to unforeseen technical challenges or discoveries. Industry standards suggest that T&M contracts require robust oversight from the government to manage costs effectively, including monitoring labor hours, material costs, and ensuring efficient resource utilization. While potentially more expensive than fixed-price if scope is well-defined, T&M provides essential flexibility for exploratory and developmental work.

What is Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation's overall track record with the Department of Defense, particularly in R&D contracts?

Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation (IRTC) has a significant history of contracting with the Department of Defense, particularly within the Army. The provided data shows this specific contract running from 2016 to 2024, indicating a sustained and successful relationship. IRTC specializes in advanced engineering and technology solutions, aligning well with DoD's R&D needs. While this data point highlights a large R&D contract, a comprehensive assessment of their track record would involve reviewing their entire contract history, including past performance evaluations, any contract disputes or awards, and their success in delivering on other complex defense projects. Their longevity and the scale of this contract suggest a generally positive performance history.

Are there any specific performance metrics or key performance indicators (KPIs) associated with this contract that indicate its success?

The provided data does not include specific performance metrics or Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract. However, the contract's long duration (approximately 8 years from award to completion) and its substantial value ($77.8 million) strongly imply successful performance. Government contracts, especially those of this magnitude and duration, typically include clauses for performance standards, delivery schedules, and quality requirements. Continued funding and contract extensions or modifications are usually contingent upon meeting these performance expectations. The absence of reported issues or contract terminations further suggests that the contractor, Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation, likely met or exceeded the required performance standards set by the Department of the Army.

How does the total spending on engineering services for AMRDEC compare to other similar research centers within the DoD over the contract period?

Comparing total spending on engineering services for AMRDEC to other similar research centers within the DoD requires access to broader historical spending data across the Department. The provided data focuses solely on this one contract with Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation. AMRDEC (Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center) is a significant entity within the Army's research infrastructure. To make a comparative analysis, one would need to aggregate spending data for comparable centers like the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), or other Army R&D commands, and then filter for engineering services contracts. Without this broader dataset, it's impossible to definitively state how AMRDEC's spending on this specific contract aligns with or deviates from spending at other DoD research entities.

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: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

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, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $100,838,064

Exercised Options: $77,767,698

Current Obligation: $77,767,698

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 22

Total Subaward Amount: $147,450,996

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W31P4Q09A0016

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline