NOAA Awards $2.09M Contract to Relative Dynamics Inc for Radio-Spectrum Interference Monitoring
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,086,894 ($2.1M)
Contractor: Relative Dynamics Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2026-01-20
End Date: 2026-11-19
Contract Duration: 303 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THE REQUIREMENTS DEFINED IN THE STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW) WILL ASSURE NOAA CAN PERFORM INTERFERENCE MONITORING RESULTING FROM SHARING RADIO-SPECTRUM USED BY OPERATIONAL METEOROLOGICAL SATELLITES OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE, AND SOFTWARE SUSTAINMENT OF THE
Place of Performance
Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20770
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $2.1 million to RELATIVE DYNAMICS INC for work described as: THE REQUIREMENTS DEFINED IN THE STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW) WILL ASSURE NOAA CAN PERFORM INTERFERENCE MONITORING RESULTING FROM SHARING RADIO-SPECTRUM USED BY OPERATIONAL METEOROLOGICAL SATELLITES OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE, AND SOFTWARE SUSTAINMENT OF THE Key points: 1. Contract supports critical interference monitoring for meteorological satellites. 2. Full and open competition after exclusion of sources was used. 3. Potential risks include reliance on a single vendor for specialized services. 4. Spending falls within the R&D sector, specifically physical sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $2.09 million for a 10-month period appears reasonable for specialized R&D services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for satellite operations support is difficult without more specific service details.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' suggesting a competitive process but with specific source limitations. This method aims for fair pricing while ensuring specialized capabilities are met.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to ensure the integrity of meteorological satellite operations, which is crucial for weather forecasting and climate monitoring.
Public Impact
Ensures uninterrupted meteorological satellite operations, vital for weather prediction. Supports national security and public safety through reliable data. Invests in research and development for advanced monitoring technologies.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential vendor lock-in if specialized knowledge is not transferable.
- Reliance on a single awardee for critical monitoring functions.
Positive Signals
- Supports a critical government function (weather monitoring).
- Utilizes a competitive procurement process.
- Fixed-price contract can control costs.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS code 541715. Spending in this area supports scientific advancement and technological innovation, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research domain.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the awardee, Relative Dynamics Inc., is not explicitly identified as a small business in this context. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is a delivery order under a larger contract, suggesting some level of pre-existing oversight. NOAA's internal procurement processes and the fixed-price nature of the contract provide a degree of accountability for performance and cost.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Commerce Contracting
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in.
- Reliance on a single entity for critical monitoring.
- Limited transparency on specific technical capabilities.
- Potential for cost increases in future contract renewals.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-commerce, md, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $2.1 million to RELATIVE DYNAMICS INC. THE REQUIREMENTS DEFINED IN THE STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW) WILL ASSURE NOAA CAN PERFORM INTERFERENCE MONITORING RESULTING FROM SHARING RADIO-SPECTRUM USED BY OPERATIONAL METEOROLOGICAL SATELLITES OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE, AND SOFTWARE SUSTAINMENT OF THE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is RELATIVE DYNAMICS INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $2.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-01-20. End: 2026-11-19.
What specific technical capabilities does Relative Dynamics Inc. possess that made them the chosen vendor for this specialized interference monitoring?
The statement of work implies a need for expertise in radio-spectrum analysis and its interaction with sensitive meteorological satellite operations. Relative Dynamics Inc. likely demonstrated unique technical proficiency or proprietary technology in identifying and mitigating radio-frequency interference that could impact NOAA's critical data streams.
What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single vendor for interference monitoring of meteorological satellites?
The primary risk is vendor lock-in and a lack of alternative solutions if the vendor fails to perform or significantly increases prices. This could also lead to a loss of institutional knowledge within NOAA if the vendor's expertise is not adequately transferred, potentially impacting long-term operational resilience and cost-effectiveness.
How effectively does this contract ensure the long-term integrity and accuracy of meteorological satellite data?
The contract aims to ensure data integrity by addressing interference issues. Its effectiveness hinges on the thoroughness of the SOW, the vendor's execution, and NOAA's ongoing oversight. The fixed-price nature provides cost certainty, but the ultimate effectiveness relies on the technical solution implemented and its sustained performance.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: 1332KP25Q0032
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 6401 GOLDEN TRIANGLE DR, GREENBELT, MD, 20770
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $7,683,233
Exercised Options: $2,086,894
Current Obligation: $2,086,894
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 1305M423DNEEA0012
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-01-20
Current End Date: 2026-11-19
Potential End Date: 2028-11-19 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-02
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