Commerce Awards $5.4M for Wireless Supply Chain Innovation to Science and Technology Associates, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,407,158 ($5.4M)

Contractor: Science and Technology Associates, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2023-09-05

End Date: 2026-09-04

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: NTIA PUBLIC WIRELESS SUPPLY CHAIN INNOVATION FUND SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20230

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $5.4 million to SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATES, INC. for work described as: NTIA PUBLIC WIRELESS SUPPLY CHAIN INNOVATION FUND SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Science and Technology Associates, Inc. for wireless supply chain innovation. 2. The contract value is $5.4 million over a 3-year period. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The sector appears to be technology/telecommunications, focusing on supply chain resilience.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $5.4 million for engineering services over three years appears reasonable given the scope of innovation in a critical technology sector. Benchmarking against similar R&D or specialized engineering contracts would provide a clearer picture of value.

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 offering.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to foster innovation in the wireless supply chain, which could lead to long-term economic benefits and national security improvements.

Public Impact

Supports the development of secure and resilient wireless supply chains. Aims to reduce reliance on foreign-manufactured components. Could lead to advancements in domestic technology manufacturing and job creation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
Potential for cost overruns in R&D projects.
Dependence on contractor's expertise for successful innovation.

Positive Signals

Focus on a critical national security and economic sector.
Utilizes full and open competition for best value.
Long-term contract duration allows for sustained innovation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the engineering services sector, specifically targeting innovation in the wireless supply chain. Spending in this area is crucial for national security and technological advancement, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research and development involved.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the award went to Science and Technology Associates, Inc., a specific company. There is no information provided on whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if this contract specifically aimed to engage them.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by the Department of Commerce's Office of the Secretary, ensuring that the funds are used effectively towards the stated goals of the NTIA Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Program.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Commerce Contracting
Office of the Secretary Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for R&D project delays.
Dependence on contractor's technical expertise.
Market adoption uncertainty for new technologies.
Scope creep risk in innovation projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $5.4 million to SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATES, INC.. NTIA PUBLIC WIRELESS SUPPLY CHAIN INNOVATION FUND SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (Office of the Secretary).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-05. End: 2026-09-04.

What specific technological advancements or innovations are expected from this contract, and how will their success be measured?

The expected advancements likely involve developing more secure, resilient, and potentially domestic alternatives within the wireless supply chain. Success measurement would typically involve defined milestones, prototype development, testing results, and the potential for commercialization or adoption of the innovations. Specific metrics are not detailed in the provided data but would be crucial for program evaluation.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Key risks include technological feasibility challenges, potential cost overruns in research and development, and the possibility that the innovations may not achieve market viability or widespread adoption. Mitigation strategies could involve phased funding, rigorous technical reviews, market analysis, and fostering collaboration with industry partners to ensure relevance and scalability.

How does this investment contribute to the broader goal of strengthening the U.S. wireless supply chain's security and competitiveness?

This investment directly addresses the goal by funding research and development into alternative supply chain solutions, potentially reducing reliance on foreign sources and enhancing domestic capabilities. By fostering innovation, it aims to create a more secure, resilient, and competitive U.S. wireless ecosystem, bolstering national security and economic interests.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4100 FAIRFAX DR STE 910, ARLINGTON, VA, 22203

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,407,158

Exercised Options: $5,407,158

Current Obligation: $5,407,158

Actual Outlays: $189,346

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QRAA19D0082

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline