DoD's Air Force Awards $11.6M for Software Vehicle Control, Sole-Source to Autonodyne LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $11,611,181 ($11.6M)
Contractor: Autonodyne LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-05-01
End Date: 2026-07-09
Contract Duration: 434 days
Daily Burn Rate: $26.8K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SOFTWARE VEHICLE CONTROL INTEGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION PHASE III
Place of Performance
Location: BOSTON, SUFFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02210
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $11.6 million to AUTONODYNE LLC for work described as: SOFTWARE VEHICLE CONTROL INTEGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION PHASE III Key points: 1. Significant investment in R&D for advanced vehicle control software. 2. Sole-source award to Autonodyne LLC raises questions about competition. 3. Potential for high impact on future defense systems and technology. 4. Sector focus on R&D aligns with strategic defense priorities.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $11.6 million for a Phase III SBIR project is substantial. Without competitive bids, it's difficult to assess if this price represents fair market value compared to similar R&D efforts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed under SAP, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may not yield the best value for taxpayers.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition for an $11.6 million contract could mean taxpayers are not receiving the most cost-effective solution.
Public Impact
Enhances critical defense capabilities through advanced software. Supports innovation in autonomous and controlled vehicle systems. Potential for dual-use technology with civilian applications. Long-term implications for military operational effectiveness.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
- Lack of transparency in the procurement process.
- Potential for cost overruns without competitive pressure.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical R&D need for the Air Force.
- Supports a specific, potentially unique, technological solution.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for maintaining technological superiority but requires careful oversight to ensure value.
Small Business Impact
While the contract is for a Phase III SBIR, the award itself is to Autonodyne LLC, not directly to a small business for further development. The SBIR program aims to foster small business innovation, but the ultimate award mechanism needs scrutiny.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the contractor is delivering on objectives and that the pricing remains reasonable throughout the contract duration.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Lack of competitive bidding
- High contract value for R&D
- Limited transparency in procurement
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ma, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $11.6 million to AUTONODYNE LLC. SOFTWARE VEHICLE CONTROL INTEGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION PHASE III
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AUTONODYNE 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 $11.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-05-01. End: 2026-07-09.
What is the justification for the sole-source award, and were alternative competitive approaches considered?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities or critical needs that only one vendor can meet. For this contract, the Air Force would need to provide specific documentation detailing why Autonodyne LLC was the only viable option. Without this, the lack of competition raises concerns about whether the government explored all avenues to secure the best possible price and solution.
How does the $11.6 million cost compare to industry benchmarks for similar R&D projects?
Benchmarking this $11.6 million contract against similar R&D projects is challenging without more specific details on the scope of work and deliverables. However, for a Phase III SBIR, this is a significant investment. A thorough review would involve comparing the cost per deliverable, the complexity of the technology, and the duration of the project against publicly available data or internal agency cost estimates for comparable research and development efforts.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will their achievement be measured?
Effective oversight requires clearly defined KPIs tied to the contract's objectives. For this software vehicle control integration and development, KPIs might include successful prototype demonstrations, system performance metrics (e.g., accuracy, response time), integration success rates with existing platforms, and adherence to cybersecurity standards. Regular progress reports and independent testing would be crucial for measuring the contractor's performance and ensuring the successful realization of the R&D 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: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 320 CONGRESS ST, BOSTON, MA, 02210
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $17,517,370
Exercised Options: $11,611,181
Current Obligation: $11,611,181
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA228023D0003
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-05-01
Current End Date: 2026-07-09
Potential End Date: 2026-12-01 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-06
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