Frontier Technology Inc. awarded $23.2M for OUSD ATL DASD C3CB studies and technical analysis support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,234,628 ($23.2M)

Contractor: Frontier Technology Inc

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2018-08-20

End Date: 2021-08-19

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $21.2K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: R&D

Official Description: AWARD OF A SBIR PHASE III TASK ORDER FOR OUSD ATL DASD C3CB STUDIES AND TECHNICAL ANALYSIS SUPPORT.

Place of Performance

Location: ALEXANDRIA, ALEXANDRIA CITY County, VIRGINIA, 22350

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $23.2 million to FRONTIER TECHNOLOGY INC for work described as: AWARD OF A SBIR PHASE III TASK ORDER FOR OUSD ATL DASD C3CB STUDIES AND TECHNICAL ANALYSIS SUPPORT. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Frontier Technology Inc. for specialized technical analysis. 2. Task order falls under a broader SBIR Phase III program. 3. Services include studies and technical analysis support for OUSD ATL DASD C3CB. 4. Contract duration spans three years, from August 2018 to August 2021. 5. The contract type is Time and Materials, indicating payment based on labor hours and material costs. 6. This award represents a significant investment in defense-related research and development support.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award of $23.2 million for three years of support appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized technical analysis services in the defense sector. However, without specific benchmarks for comparable SBIR Phase III task orders or detailed cost breakdowns, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. The Time and Materials pricing structure can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not closely managed, but it also offers flexibility for evolving research needs. Further analysis of the contractor's historical performance and pricing on similar contracts would provide a clearer picture of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded as a 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' delivery order, indicating a sole-source or limited competition scenario. Such awards are typically justified when a specific contractor possesses unique capabilities, intellectual property, or is the only source capable of meeting the requirement, often stemming from prior SBIR research. While this can ensure access to specialized expertise, it limits the potential for price competition and may not always yield the most cost-effective outcome for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards mean taxpayers may not benefit from the competitive pricing that could arise from a broader solicitation. This necessitates strong government oversight to ensure fair pricing and prevent potential cost inefficiencies.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSD ATL) and its DASD C3CB, receiving critical technical analysis and study support. The services delivered are crucial for informing defense acquisition decisions and strategic planning. The geographic impact is primarily within the defense and national security apparatus, with potential implications for the broader defense industrial base. Workforce implications include the employment of specialized technical analysts and researchers by Frontier Technology Inc.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition raises concerns about potential overpricing and reduced incentive for cost efficiency.
The Time and Materials contract type requires diligent oversight to prevent scope creep and manage labor costs effectively.
Lack of detailed public information on the specific deliverables and performance metrics makes it difficult to fully assess the impact and value.

Positive Signals

Awarded under SBIR Phase III, suggesting a foundation of prior research and development, potentially leading to innovative solutions.
Contract duration of three years provides stability for the contractor and allows for in-depth support to the agency.
Focus on technical analysis and studies supports critical defense decision-making processes.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on defense-related research, development, and analysis. The market for such specialized support is driven by government defense spending, with numerous firms competing for contracts that require deep technical expertise and understanding of defense requirements. Benchmarks for similar technical support contracts can vary widely based on the specific domain, required expertise, and contract vehicle used.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business (ss: false) and does not explicitly mention small business set-asides (sb: false). Therefore, it is unlikely to have direct subcontracting opportunities for small businesses unless initiated by the prime contractor, Frontier Technology Inc., as part of their business strategy. The focus appears to be on specialized capabilities rather than broad small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the General Services Administration (GSA) and the contracting officers within the Department of Defense (OUSD ATL). As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, it is subject to the terms and conditions of that vehicle. Transparency is limited by the sole-source nature of the award and the proprietary nature of the technical studies. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

SBIR Program
Defense Technical Support Services
OUSD ATL Contracts
Custom Computer Programming Services

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Time and Materials pricing
Lack of detailed public performance metrics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $23.2 million to FRONTIER TECHNOLOGY INC. AWARD OF A SBIR PHASE III TASK ORDER FOR OUSD ATL DASD C3CB STUDIES AND TECHNICAL ANALYSIS SUPPORT.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FRONTIER TECHNOLOGY INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $23.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-08-20. End: 2021-08-19.

What is the track record of Frontier Technology Inc. on similar government contracts?

Frontier Technology Inc. has a history of performing on government contracts, particularly within the defense and technology sectors. Information available through federal procurement databases often shows awards for research and development, technical support, and specialized engineering services. While specific details on past performance for OUSD ATL DASD C3CB studies are not publicly detailed in this summary, their involvement in SBIR programs suggests a focus on innovation and technology transition. A deeper dive into their contract history, including past performance reviews and any reported issues, would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment of their track record on comparable projects.

How does the $23.2 million award compare to similar technical analysis support contracts?

Comparing the $23.2 million award for three years of support requires context regarding the scope and complexity of the services. Contracts for specialized technical analysis and studies within the defense sector can range significantly. Awards under SBIR Phase III, which leverage prior research, often involve unique capabilities. Without specific details on the deliverables, the number of personnel, and the specific technical domains covered, a direct benchmark is difficult. However, for multi-year, specialized R&D support to high-level defense entities, this figure appears within a plausible range, though vigilance on cost efficiency is always warranted.

What are the primary risks associated with this Time and Materials contract?

The primary risks associated with this Time and Materials (T&M) contract revolve around cost control and scope management. T&M contracts pay the contractor for the actual labor hours expended and materials used, plus a profit margin. This structure can lead to cost overruns if the project scope is not clearly defined or if labor hours are not diligently tracked and managed by the government. There's a potential for the contractor to incur more hours than initially anticipated, driving up the total cost. Effective oversight, detailed reporting, and proactive communication are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure the government receives good value.

How effective is the SBIR Phase III mechanism for delivering specialized defense support?

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III program is designed to transition technologies developed in earlier SBIR phases into commercial products or services, often through follow-on government contracts. For specialized defense support, SBIR Phase III can be highly effective by allowing agencies to leverage proven, innovative technologies and the expertise of small businesses that have already invested in their development. This can accelerate the acquisition process and bring cutting-edge capabilities to the warfighter. However, the success of Phase III relies on strong program management, clear transition pathways, and adequate funding to ensure the developed technologies meet evolving defense needs.

What is the historical spending trend for custom computer programming services by GSA?

Historical spending trends for custom computer programming services (NAICS code 541511) by the General Services Administration (GSA) are substantial, reflecting the agency's role in providing IT and other services across the federal government. GSA utilizes various contract vehicles, including MAS schedules and other IDIQs, to procure these services. Spending in this category has generally seen an upward trend over the years, driven by increasing federal IT modernization efforts, cybersecurity needs, and the demand for specialized software development. Specific figures for GSA's spending on this NAICS code would require detailed analysis of federal procurement data over multiple fiscal years.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Custom Computer Programming Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: ID05140018019

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4141 COLONEL GLENN HWY STE 140, BEAVERCREEK, OH, 45431

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,406,359

Exercised Options: $23,376,551

Current Obligation: $23,234,628

Actual Outlays: $-9,199

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS05Q14BMD0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline