DoD awards $10.4M contract for CBRN tactical edge targeting to IT Mentor Group, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,428,850 ($10.4M)

Contractor: IT Mentor Group, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-07-20

End Date: 2028-10-19

Contract Duration: 1,918 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICA, NUCLEAR (CBRN) TACTICAL EDGE TARGETING

Place of Performance

Location: POWAY, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92064

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $10.4 million to IT MENTOR GROUP, INC. for work described as: CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICA, NUCLEAR (CBRN) TACTICAL EDGE TARGETING Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advanced research and development in a critical national security area. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 4. Performance period spans over five years, indicating a long-term need for these services. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code points to R&D in physical and engineering sciences. 6. The awardee, IT Mentor Group, Inc., is a relatively small entity based on the award value.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $10.4 million over approximately five years suggests a moderate investment in R&D for CBRN targeting. Without specific benchmarks for similar R&D contracts in this specialized field, a direct value-for-money assessment is challenging. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure means the government pays the contractor's costs plus a fixed fee, which can be less predictable than fixed-price contracts. However, CPFF is often used for R&D where the scope is not fully defined, allowing for flexibility. The pricing will depend heavily on the labor rates and indirect costs proposed by IT Mentor Group, Inc.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The number of bidders is not specified, but full and open competition generally fosters a more competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and innovation. The Department of the Air Force likely utilized standard procurement procedures to solicit proposals and evaluate them based on established criteria.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of receiving competitive pricing and innovative solutions, maximizing the value of federal dollars spent.

Public Impact

The Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force, will benefit from enhanced capabilities in CBRN tactical edge targeting. This contract will support the development of advanced technologies and methodologies for identifying and responding to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. The geographic impact is likely national, focusing on military readiness and response capabilities. Workforce implications may include specialized R&D personnel, engineers, and scientists employed by IT Mentor Group, Inc. and potentially subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type introduces potential for cost overruns if not rigorously managed.
The specialized nature of CBRN R&D may limit the pool of qualified contractors, potentially impacting long-term competition.
Reliance on a single awardee for this critical R&D could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition suggests a robust initial bidding process.
The contract duration allows for sustained focus and development of complex solutions.
The focus on a critical national security area like CBRN defense indicates strategic investment.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for CBRN defense technologies is a specialized segment within the broader defense industry, driven by evolving threat landscapes and governmental security priorities. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within other DoD R&D contracts related to advanced threat detection, response systems, and intelligence gathering for WMD scenarios. The total award value of $10.4 million is moderate for an R&D effort of this duration.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). While the prime contractor, IT Mentor Group, Inc., may be a small business itself, the contract was not formally set aside for small businesses. This means that larger companies could also compete. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may arise depending on the prime contractor's strategy, but there is no explicit requirement mandated by the contract terms provided.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be managed by the Department of the Air Force contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures will be tied to the performance requirements outlined in the contract and the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, which requires detailed cost reporting. Transparency will be facilitated through contract award announcements and potentially through reporting requirements within the contract itself. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Defense Initiatives
Tactical Intelligence and Targeting Systems
Advanced Scientific and Technical Support Services

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires careful cost management.
Specialized R&D field may limit contractor pool.
Long-term performance of a single awardee needs monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $10.4 million to IT MENTOR GROUP, INC.. CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICA, NUCLEAR (CBRN) TACTICAL EDGE TARGETING

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is IT MENTOR GROUP, 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 $10.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-07-20. End: 2028-10-19.

What is the track record of IT Mentor Group, Inc. in performing similar R&D contracts for the Department of Defense?

Information regarding the specific track record of IT Mentor Group, Inc. in performing similar R&D contracts for the Department of Defense is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or successes on previous government contracts. Without this specific data, it is difficult to definitively assess their experience and capability in the specialized field of CBRN tactical edge targeting. Further investigation into federal procurement databases and past performance reports would be necessary to establish a detailed understanding of their capabilities and reliability in executing complex R&D projects.

How does the $10.4 million award value compare to similar R&D contracts for CBRN targeting capabilities?

The $10.4 million award value for this five-year R&D contract for CBRN tactical edge targeting is a moderate figure within the defense sector. However, direct comparisons are challenging without access to a comprehensive database of similar specialized R&D efforts. The market for CBRN defense technology is niche, and contract values can fluctuate significantly based on the specific technological advancements sought, the scope of research, and the number of bidders. Generally, R&D contracts can range from a few million dollars for early-stage research to hundreds of millions for advanced development and prototyping. This particular award suggests a focused effort on a specific aspect of CBRN targeting rather than a broad, system-wide development.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for R&D in this domain?

The primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for R&D in the CBRN domain include potential cost overruns and contractor inefficiency. In a CPFF arrangement, the government reimburses the contractor for allowable costs incurred and pays a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. If the contractor's costs exceed initial estimates, the government bears the burden, potentially leading to a higher total expenditure than initially anticipated. Furthermore, the CPFF structure might offer less incentive for the contractor to control costs aggressively compared to fixed-price contracts, as their profit is fixed regardless of the final cost. Rigorous oversight, detailed cost tracking, and clear performance metrics are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure value for the government.

What are the potential implications of this contract on the development of future CBRN defense strategies?

This contract has the potential to significantly influence future CBRN defense strategies by advancing the capabilities in tactical edge targeting. Improved targeting accuracy and speed can lead to more effective threat neutralization, reduced collateral damage, and enhanced situational awareness for military personnel operating in contested environments. The research conducted under this award could inform the development of new doctrines, operational procedures, and technological requirements for CBRN threat response. Ultimately, successful outcomes could bolster the nation's resilience against WMD attacks and contribute to a more robust and adaptive defense posture.

How has federal spending in the R&D sector, particularly related to defense and security, evolved in recent years?

Federal spending in the R&D sector, especially concerning defense and national security, has generally seen consistent investment, often increasing during periods of heightened geopolitical tension or perceived threats. The Department of Defense consistently represents a significant portion of the federal R&D budget, focusing on areas like advanced materials, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and, relevantly, CBRN defense. Recent years have seen a continued emphasis on technological superiority and modernization across all military branches. While specific figures fluctuate annually based on budget appropriations and strategic priorities, the trend indicates sustained commitment to R&D as a critical enabler of national security, with a particular focus on emerging threats and advanced capabilities.

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 › General Science and Technology R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH

Solicitation ID: FA865018S6002

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: IT Mentor Group Inc.

Address: 12180 DEARBORN PL, POWAY, CA, 92064

Business Categories: American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,273,659

Exercised Options: $19,273,659

Current Obligation: $10,428,850

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline