DoD Awards $204.6M R&D Task Order to Torch Technologies Inc. Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $204,579,008 ($204.6M)
Contractor: Torch Technologies Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2016-02-24
End Date: 2022-05-05
Contract Duration: 2,262 days
Daily Burn Rate: $90.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::CT::IGF AWARD OF TASK ORDER
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35898
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $204.6 million to TORCH TECHNOLOGIES INC for work described as: IGF::CT::IGF AWARD OF TASK ORDER Key points: 1. Significant R&D investment in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive pricing environment. 3. Long contract duration (2016-2022) may indicate complex or ongoing needs. 4. Awarded by the Department of the Army, a major DoD component.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $204.6 million over six years is substantial. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more specific service details, but the fixed-price nature suggests an attempt to control costs.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders were considered. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value offer.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for research and development, aiming to advance technological capabilities for the Department of Defense.
Public Impact
Supports advanced research and development initiatives for national security. Potential for technological advancements that could benefit various sectors. Investment in specialized scientific and engineering expertise.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific R&D project details limits value assessment.
- Long contract duration could lead to scope creep or cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition is a positive indicator for price discovery.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type helps manage cost uncertainty.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology). Spending in this sector is crucial for maintaining technological superiority and innovation within the defense industry.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this award went to Torch Technologies Inc., a single entity. There is no information provided on whether small businesses were subcontracted or involved in the competition.
Oversight & Accountability
The award was issued by the Department of the Army. Oversight would typically involve program managers ensuring deliverables meet requirements and that the contractor adheres to the firm fixed price terms.
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 specific R&D deliverables.
- Long contract duration.
- Potential for technological obsolescence.
- Limited insight into small business participation.
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 $204.6 million to TORCH TECHNOLOGIES INC. IGF::CT::IGF AWARD OF TASK ORDER
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 $204.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2016-02-24. End: 2022-05-05.
What specific R&D advancements were achieved under this contract, and do they justify the $204.6 million investment?
The provided data lacks specific details on the R&D outcomes. A thorough assessment would require reviewing technical reports, milestone achievements, and the ultimate impact of the research. Without this, it's difficult to definitively state if the investment yielded proportional advancements or if the value proposition was fully realized for the taxpayer.
Given the six-year duration, what mechanisms were in place to mitigate risks associated with evolving R&D landscapes and potential cost overruns?
The firm fixed price contract type is a primary risk mitigation tool against cost overruns. However, for long-term R&D, risks related to technological obsolescence or shifting research priorities are significant. Effective oversight, clear performance metrics, and potentially phased reviews would be crucial to manage these evolving risks throughout the contract's lifecycle.
How did the full and open competition process ensure the government secured the most effective and cost-efficient R&D solution?
Full and open competition theoretically allows a wide range of qualified vendors to bid, fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovative solutions. The effectiveness hinges on the clarity of the solicitation, the evaluation criteria used, and the government's ability to accurately assess technical merit and cost proposals to select the best overall value.
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: $211,008,264
Exercised Options: $204,579,008
Current Obligation: $204,579,008
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1040
Total Subaward Amount: $7,523,206,692
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W31P4Q09A0021
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2016-02-24
Current End Date: 2022-05-05
Potential End Date: 2022-05-05 12:05:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-23
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