DoD Awards $5M for Multi-Sensor Exploitation to RBR-Technologies, Inc. for Tactical Autonomy
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $5,038,948 ($5.0M)
Contractor: Rbr-Technologies, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-06-24
End Date: 2027-06-21
Contract Duration: 1,092 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: MULTI-SENSOR EXPLOITATION FOR TACTICAL AUTONOMY
Place of Performance
Location: DAYTON, GREENE County, OHIO, 45433
State: Ohio Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $5.0 million to RBR-TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: MULTI-SENSOR EXPLOITATION FOR TACTICAL AUTONOMY Key points: 1. Contract focuses on R&D for advanced physical and engineering sciences. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Potential risks include the complexity of multi-sensor exploitation and achieving tactical autonomy. 4. The sector is Research and Development, a critical area for defense innovation.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The award amount of $5,038,948 for a 3-year R&D effort seems within a reasonable range for specialized technology development.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in advanced R&D to enhance military capabilities, with the expectation of future technological benefits.
Public Impact
Enhances U.S. Air Force's tactical autonomy capabilities. Supports innovation in sensor data fusion and artificial intelligence. Potential for dual-use applications in civilian sectors like autonomous vehicles.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
- Technical challenges in achieving true tactical autonomy.
- Integration complexities with existing systems.
Positive Signals
- Advancement in critical defense technology.
- Potential for significant operational improvements.
- Leverages R&D expertise from RBR-Technologies, Inc.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority but can be subject to long development cycles and uncertain outcomes.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was awarded to RBR-Technologies, Inc. and does not specify any subcontracting goals for small businesses. Further investigation may be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force is the awarding agency. Oversight will be critical to manage the CPFF contract effectively, ensuring milestones are met and costs are controlled to maximize the return on investment for this R&D effort.
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
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns.
- Technical feasibility and maturity of tactical autonomy.
- Integration challenges with existing Air Force platforms.
- Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.
- Reliance on a single prime contractor for critical R&D.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, oh, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $5.0 million to RBR-TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. MULTI-SENSOR EXPLOITATION FOR TACTICAL AUTONOMY
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is RBR-TECHNOLOGIES, INC..
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 $5.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-06-24. End: 2027-06-21.
What is the projected return on investment for this tactical autonomy R&D?
The projected return on investment is difficult to quantify precisely at this R&D stage. However, successful development could lead to significant cost savings through increased operational efficiency, reduced personnel risk, and enhanced mission success rates. The long-term strategic advantage gained by the DoD in autonomous capabilities is a primary, albeit intangible, ROI.
What are the primary technical risks associated with multi-sensor exploitation for tactical autonomy?
Key technical risks include the complexity of fusing data from diverse sensors in real-time, ensuring the reliability and accuracy of AI algorithms under dynamic battlefield conditions, and developing robust systems that can operate autonomously with minimal human intervention. Cybersecurity threats to autonomous systems also represent a significant risk.
How will the effectiveness of this R&D be measured and validated?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through a series of phased technical reviews, prototype demonstrations, and simulated operational tests. Key performance indicators will focus on the system's ability to accurately interpret sensor data, make timely decisions, and execute tactical maneuvers autonomously, compared against predefined benchmarks and mission requirements.
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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: FA865019S1943
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Rbr-Technologies Inc.
Address: 2288 BLUE WATER BLVD STE 322, ODENTON, MD, 21113
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: $9,292,852
Exercised Options: $9,292,852
Current Obligation: $5,038,948
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-06-24
Current End Date: 2027-06-21
Potential End Date: 2027-06-21 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-08
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