GSA Awards $5.4M for AIR GAP Sbir III TO3 Sonic to Defense Unicorns, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,429,654 ($5.4M)

Contractor: Defense Unicorns, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2023-09-28

End Date: 2026-09-27

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.0K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: AIR GAP SBIR III TO3 SONIC

Place of Performance

Location: DENVER, DENVER County, COLORADO, 80202

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $5.4 million to DEFENSE UNICORNS, INC. for work described as: AIR GAP SBIR III TO3 SONIC Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Defense Unicorns, Inc. for $5.4M. 2. Focuses on R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 3. Awarded as a Delivery Order under an existing contract. 4. No specific competition details available, suggesting a limited or sole-source approach.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $5.4M for a 3-year duration is difficult to assess without specific deliverables or benchmarks. The lack of available pricing data for comparison makes it challenging to determine if it represents good value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded as a Delivery Order, and the 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' status indicates a limited competition scenario. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition may result in a higher cost to taxpayers compared to a fully competitive procurement.

Public Impact

Supports research and development in critical scientific fields. Potential for technological advancements with national security implications. Funding allocated to a single vendor, limiting broader economic impact.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Limited transparency on pricing
Potential for cost overruns

Positive Signals

Supports R&D in a key sector
Long-term contract duration

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation but requires careful oversight to ensure value for money.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific provisions or benefits for small businesses in this contract award.

Oversight & Accountability

As a Delivery Order under an existing contract, oversight may be less rigorous than for a new, competitive procurement. Transparency regarding performance and cost is essential.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
General Services Administration Contracting
Federal Acquisition Service Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition raises cost concerns.
Lack of detailed performance metrics.
Potential for vendor lock-in.
Insufficient transparency on pricing justification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $5.4 million to DEFENSE UNICORNS, INC.. AIR GAP SBIR III TO3 SONIC

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DEFENSE UNICORNS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-28. End: 2026-09-27.

What specific research and development outcomes are expected from this $5.4M contract, and how will their value be measured?

The specific research and development outcomes are not detailed in the provided data. Measuring value will depend on the defined milestones and deliverables within the contract's Statement of Work. Without this information, it's difficult to ascertain the expected return on investment or the tangible benefits to the government or scientific community.

Given the limited competition, what measures are in place to mitigate the risk of inflated pricing and ensure cost-effectiveness?

The limited competition raises concerns about potential price inflation. Mitigation strategies would typically involve robust negotiation by the contracting officer, comparison to independent cost estimates, and potentially incorporating performance-based payment structures. However, without details on these specific measures, the risk of paying above fair market value remains.

How will the effectiveness of the R&D performed under this contract be evaluated to ensure it meets the government's objectives?

Effectiveness will be evaluated based on the achievement of specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives outlined in the contract's Statement of Work. This includes technical milestones, prototype development, testing results, and final reports. Regular progress reviews and independent technical assessments are crucial for ensuring the R&D aligns with government goals.

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: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 47QFCA23R0071

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 555 E PIKES PEAK AVE, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, 80903

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $8,206,101

Exercised Options: $5,429,805

Current Obligation: $5,429,654

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QFCA22D0503

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline