DoD's $197M R&D Contract with Torch Technologies Inc. Awarded via Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $197,304,944 ($197.3M)
Contractor: Torch Technologies Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2014-09-30
End Date: 2020-04-30
Contract Duration: 2,039 days
Daily Burn Rate: $96.8K/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 $197.3 million to TORCH TECHNOLOGIES INC for work described as: IGF::CT::IGF Key points: 1. Significant R&D investment by the Department of the Army. 2. Torch Technologies Inc. secured a substantial contract. 3. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive pricing environment. 4. The contract spans multiple years, indicating a long-term need. 5. Focus on physical, engineering, and life sciences R&D.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract's total value is $197.3 million. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more specific service details, but the duration and scope suggest a fair price for the services rendered.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
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 competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds were utilized through a competitive process, aiming for cost-effectiveness in research and development.
Public Impact
Advancement in physical, engineering, and life sciences research. Potential for technological innovation and development. Supports the Department of the Army's research objectives. Economic impact through contract with Torch Technologies Inc.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific performance metrics for R&D outcomes.
- Potential for cost overruns in long-term research projects.
- Dependence on a single contractor for a significant duration.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type.
- Long contract duration allows for sustained research efforts.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology) sector. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement and national security, with significant government investment annually.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, small businesses were likely not the primary focus of this specific award, though they may be subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Department of the Army, a component of the Department of Defense. Oversight would typically involve program managers and contracting officers ensuring adherence to contract terms and successful delivery of R&D outcomes.
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
- Lack of detailed R&D project outcomes.
- Potential for scope creep in long-term research.
- Limited visibility into subcontractor performance.
- Dependency on contractor's technical expertise.
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 $197.3 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 $197.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2014-09-30. End: 2020-04-30.
What specific R&D projects were undertaken under this contract, and what were the key deliverables or milestones achieved?
The provided data does not detail the specific R&D projects. However, the NAICS code 541712 indicates research in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Key deliverables would typically include research reports, prototypes, data analysis, and potentially patented technologies, all subject to the contract's statement of work and oversight.
How does the $197.3 million expenditure compare to the typical investment in similar R&D initiatives by the Department of the Army?
Without specific details on the nature of the R&D, a direct comparison is challenging. However, $197.3 million over six years represents a substantial investment, suggesting a project of significant scope or complexity. It aligns with the large-scale R&D funding often allocated by the DoD for critical technological advancements.
What mechanisms were in place to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of the research conducted by Torch Technologies Inc. under this contract?
The contract utilized a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) type, which incentivizes the contractor to control costs. Awarded via full and open competition suggests a rigorous selection process. Oversight by the Department of the Army, including performance monitoring and technical reviews, would be crucial for ensuring research effectiveness and accountability.
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: $197,434,980
Exercised Options: $197,304,944
Current Obligation: $197,304,944
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 975
Total Subaward Amount: $3,923,896,834
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W31P4Q09A0021
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2014-09-30
Current End Date: 2020-04-30
Potential End Date: 2020-04-30 12:04:00
Last Modified: 2024-09-26
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