Air Force awards $6M STRATFI for Extended Reality tech to Havik Solutions LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,000,000 ($6.0M)

Contractor: Havik Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-07-03

End Date: 2028-07-31

Contract Duration: 1,489 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THROUGH AN AFWERX STRATEGIC FUNDING INCREASE (STRATFI), THE CONTINUATION OF HAVIK SEQUENTIAL SBIR PHASE II IS TO IMPROVE THE TECHNOLOGY OF EXTENDED REALITY EQUIPMENT OF USAF TACP, JTAC, AND STS COMMUNITIES.

Place of Performance

Location: SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92101

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $6.0 million to HAVIK SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: THROUGH AN AFWERX STRATEGIC FUNDING INCREASE (STRATFI), THE CONTINUATION OF HAVIK SEQUENTIAL SBIR PHASE II IS TO IMPROVE THE TECHNOLOGY OF EXTENDED REALITY EQUIPMENT OF USAF TACP, JTAC, AND STS COMMUNITIES. Key points: 1. This award aims to enhance Extended Reality (XR) equipment for TACP, JTAC, and STS personnel. 2. The contract leverages AFWERX STRATFI, indicating a focus on innovative technology development. 3. Competition details are limited, but the contract type suggests a fixed price for defined deliverables. 4. The sector is professional, scientific, and technical services, with a specific application in defense technology.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The $6 million award for a 4.9-year duration appears reasonable for advanced technology development. Benchmarking against similar SBIR Phase II extensions for XR development would provide further context.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting a specific justification for limiting the initial pool. This method may impact price discovery compared to broader competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in advanced military technology, aiming for improved operational effectiveness and potentially long-term cost savings through enhanced training and capabilities.

Public Impact

Enhances training and operational capabilities for critical Air Force personnel (TACP, JTAC, STS). Drives innovation in Extended Reality technology within the defense sector. Supports the development of advanced equipment for future military operations. Potential for improved mission success rates due to better-equipped personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Limited initial competition may not yield the best price.
  • SBIR Phase II extensions can sometimes face scope creep.
  • Dependence on a single contractor for critical technology development.

Positive Signals

  • Focus on cutting-edge XR technology.
  • Leverages AFWERX STRATFI for innovation.
  • Clear application for improving warfighter capabilities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically focusing on defense technology advancement. Spending in this area is driven by the need for technological superiority and enhanced operational readiness.

Small Business Impact

The contract is awarded to Havik Solutions LLC, a small business. This aligns with government initiatives to support small businesses in developing innovative technologies for defense applications.

Oversight & Accountability

The use of AFWERX STRATFI suggests a streamlined process for innovative projects. Oversight will be crucial to ensure milestones are met and the technology effectively integrates into TACP, JTAC, and STS operations.

Related Government Programs

  • All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

  • Potential for limited competition to result in suboptimal pricing.
  • Risk of technology obsolescence if development timelines are not met.
  • Dependence on a single small business for critical technology advancement.
  • Integration challenges with existing Air Force systems.
  • Ensuring the technology meets the evolving needs of TACP, JTAC, and STS personnel.

Tags

all-other-professional-scientific-and-te, department-of-defense, ca, definitive-contract, 1m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $6.0 million to HAVIK SOLUTIONS LLC. THROUGH AN AFWERX STRATEGIC FUNDING INCREASE (STRATFI), THE CONTINUATION OF HAVIK SEQUENTIAL SBIR PHASE II IS TO IMPROVE THE TECHNOLOGY OF EXTENDED REALITY EQUIPMENT OF USAF TACP, JTAC, AND STS COMMUNITIES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HAVIK SOLUTIONS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $6.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-07-03. End: 2028-07-31.

What is the specific definition of 'exclusion of sources' in this context and what was the justification?

The 'exclusion of sources' likely refers to a pre-qualification or specific requirement that narrowed the field of potential bidders. The justification would typically involve unique capabilities, prior successful development, or specific technological needs that only a limited number of entities could meet. Further details from the contracting agency would clarify the exact rationale and its impact on fair competition.

How will the effectiveness of the improved XR equipment be measured and validated for TACP, JTAC, and STS communities?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through a combination of user feedback, performance metrics in simulated environments, and potentially field trials. Key performance indicators could include improved situational awareness, reduced training time, enhanced decision-making speed, and successful completion of simulated mission objectives. Regular reviews and validation by the end-user communities will be critical.

What is the long-term strategy for integrating and sustaining this XR technology beyond the STRATFI funding?

The long-term strategy likely involves transitioning the mature technology to a standard acquisition program for wider fielding. This could include further development, integration with existing systems, and establishing sustainment plans. The success of this STRATFI project will inform future investment decisions and potential follow-on contracts for broader implementation across the Air Force.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesOther Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesAll Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENTC – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: FA002124R0003

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1025 ISLAND AVE UNIT 503, SAN DIEGO, CA, 92101

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $13,322,338

Exercised Options: $13,322,338

Current Obligation: $6,000,000

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline

Start Date: 2024-07-03

Current End Date: 2028-07-31

Potential End Date: 2028-07-31 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-12-12

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