DoD Awards $350M for Prototype Integration Facility Technical Support to Intuitive Research and Technology Corp
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $350,249,071 ($350.2M)
Contractor: Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2017-10-17
End Date: 2025-02-21
Contract Duration: 2,684 days
Daily Burn Rate: $130.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR PROTOTYPE INTEGRATION FACILITY
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35898
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $350.2 million to INTUITIVE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION for work described as: TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR PROTOTYPE INTEGRATION FACILITY Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $350M over nearly 8 years. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk appears moderate given the long duration and fixed-price nature. 4. Spending falls within the R&D sector, specifically engineering and physical sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract's fixed-price structure aims to control costs. Benchmarking against similar R&D support contracts is difficult without more granular data, but the value suggests a substantial scope of work.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing and allows a broad range of capable contractors to bid. The delivery order structure indicates task-based awards within a larger framework.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers, as it aims to secure the best value through market forces.
Public Impact
Supports critical R&D infrastructure for the Department of the Army. Long-term award provides stability for contractor and project continuity. Potential for follow-on work or expansion based on prototype success.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration (nearly 8 years) could lead to scope creep or cost overruns if not managed tightly.
- Reliance on a single contractor for extended support may limit future innovation or cost-saving opportunities.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition is a positive signal for value.
- Fixed-price contract type helps control costs.
- Awarded to a single entity, potentially streamlining management.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement but can be complex to benchmark due to the unique nature of R&D projects.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (sb: false). Therefore, small businesses were likely not the primary focus of this specific award, though they may participate as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The long duration and significant value necessitate robust oversight from the Department of the Army to ensure performance, cost control, and adherence to contract terms. Regular reviews and performance metrics are essential.
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 increases risk of cost escalation and scope creep.
- Potential for contractor lock-in over the long term.
- Lack of specific service details makes independent value assessment challenging.
- No indication of small business participation as prime contractors.
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 $350.2 million to INTUITIVE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION. TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR PROTOTYPE INTEGRATION FACILITY
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 $350.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-10-17. End: 2025-02-21.
What specific technical support services are included under this contract, and how do they align with the Army's R&D objectives?
The contract provides technical support for a prototype integration facility. While the specific services aren't detailed, they likely encompass engineering, testing, integration, and maintenance related to prototypes. Alignment with Army R&D objectives would involve supporting the development and maturation of new technologies and systems critical to national defense.
How will the Department of the Army ensure cost-effectiveness and prevent potential cost overruns over the nearly 8-year contract duration?
The Army will likely employ rigorous contract management, including regular performance reviews, milestone tracking, and audits. The firm fixed-price structure provides a baseline cost control, but vigilant oversight of task orders and change requests is crucial to manage scope creep and ensure value for money throughout the contract's extended period.
What is the expected impact of this contract on the advancement of specific defense technologies or capabilities?
This contract is expected to significantly accelerate the development and integration of new defense prototypes. By providing dedicated technical support, it enables faster testing, refinement, and readiness of advanced technologies, potentially leading to quicker fielding of crucial capabilities and maintaining a technological edge for the military.
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: 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: $430,507,427
Exercised Options: $350,249,071
Current Obligation: $350,249,071
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 84
Total Subaward Amount: $347,031,398
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W31P4Q09A0016
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2017-10-17
Current End Date: 2025-02-21
Potential End Date: 2025-02-21 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-19
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