DoD Awards $21.9M for Virtual Imagery Processing Support to Utah State University
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $21,971,165 ($22.0M)
Contractor: Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-03-01
End Date: 2026-02-28
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $60.4K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: IT
Official Description: THIS TASK ORDER PROVIDES SERVICES AND SUPPLIES FOR THE SUSTAINMENT AND SUPPORT OF THE VIRTUAL IMAGERY PROCESSING CAPABILITY (VIP-C). PERFORMANCE SHALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL PROVISIONS AND SPECIFICATION IN THE IDIQ, FA2398-25-D-B002.
Place of Performance
Location: LOGAN, CACHE County, UTAH, 84341
State: Utah Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $22.0 million to UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPACE DYNAMICS LABORATORY for work described as: THIS TASK ORDER PROVIDES SERVICES AND SUPPLIES FOR THE SUSTAINMENT AND SUPPORT OF THE VIRTUAL IMAGERY PROCESSING CAPABILITY (VIP-C). PERFORMANCE SHALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL PROVISIONS AND SPECIFICATION IN THE IDIQ, FA2398-25-D-B002. Key points: 1. The contract is for sustainment and support of the Virtual Imagery Processing Capability (VIP-C). 2. Utah State University's Space Dynamics Laboratory is the sole awardee. 3. The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type. 4. This award falls under Custom Computer Programming Services.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The fixed fee component provides some cost control, but the overall value depends heavily on the efficiency of the contractor and the government's oversight.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers compared to a competitive process.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition for this $21.9 million contract may result in a higher cost to taxpayers than if multiple vendors had vied for the work.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operation of critical virtual imagery processing capabilities for the Air Force. Supports advanced research and development through specialized programming services. Potential for cost inefficiencies due to sole-source award.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent cost overrun risk.
- No small business participation noted.
Positive Signals
- Awardee is a known entity with likely relevant expertise.
- Contract supports critical national security capabilities.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under IT services, specifically custom computer programming. The award amount is significant for this category, suggesting a complex and specialized requirement for the Department of Defense.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates no small business participation in this contract. This is a missed opportunity to support small businesses and could indicate a lack of outreach or a focus on large, specialized contractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type necessitates robust government oversight to ensure efficient performance and prevent cost overruns. The lack of competition further emphasizes the need for strong accountability measures.
Related Government Programs
- Custom Computer Programming Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Lack of small business participation
- Potential for cost overruns
- Requires strong government oversight
Tags
custom-computer-programming-services, department-of-defense, ut, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $22.0 million to UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPACE DYNAMICS LABORATORY. THIS TASK ORDER PROVIDES SERVICES AND SUPPLIES FOR THE SUSTAINMENT AND SUPPORT OF THE VIRTUAL IMAGERY PROCESSING CAPABILITY (VIP-C). PERFORMANCE SHALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL PROVISIONS AND SPECIFICATION IN THE IDIQ, FA2398-25-D-B002.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPACE DYNAMICS LABORATORY.
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 $22.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-03-01. End: 2026-02-28.
What is the justification for the sole-source award, and what steps were taken to ensure fair pricing without competition?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent needs where only one vendor can fulfill the requirement. Agencies must document these justifications thoroughly. To ensure fair pricing, the government may conduct market research, use historical pricing data, or engage in detailed negotiation with the sole-source provider, often relying on independent government cost estimates.
What are the specific risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract structure for this particular service?
The primary risk with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract is that the contractor may have less incentive to control costs once the fixed fee is established, as they are reimbursed for all allowable costs. This can lead to cost overruns if the government's oversight is not stringent. For custom computer programming, scope creep or unforeseen technical challenges can significantly increase costs beyond initial estimates.
How will the effectiveness of the Virtual Imagery Processing Capability (VIP-C) sustainment and support be measured and ensured?
Effectiveness will be measured through performance metrics defined in the IDIQ contract and this task order. These likely include system uptime, response times, data processing accuracy, and successful delivery of imagery analysis. Regular reviews, technical assessments, and user feedback from the Department of the Air Force will be crucial for ensuring the ongoing effectiveness of the VIP-C.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Custom Computer Programming Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 416 E INNOVATION AVE, NORTH LOGAN, UT, 84341
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Foundation, Manufacturer of Goods, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $22,064,076
Exercised Options: $22,064,076
Current Obligation: $21,971,165
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA239825DB002
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-03-01
Current End Date: 2026-02-28
Potential End Date: 2026-02-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-26
More Contracts from Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory
- Space & Nuclear Advanced Prototypes, Experiments & Technology Development (snapet) Small Satellite Program (SSP) Task Order — $102.5M (Department of Defense)
- IN Plant Engineering — $76.5M (Department of Defense)
- Snapet to 08 Advanced Enterprise Systems — $57.2M (Department of Defense)
- THE Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE) IS Proposed by the Utah State University Research Foundation (usurf) in Response to Nasas 2016 Heliophysics Explorers Mission of Opportunity Announcement Nnh12zda005o-Hpexmo. This Statement of Work (SOW) Describes the Work to BE Conducted by Usurf During the Phase a (AWE) Concept Studies. Usurf Shall Provide the Necessary Personnel, Materials, Equipment, and Facilities to Produce the AWE Phase a Concept Study Report (CSR) That Encompasses: 1. Principal Investigator Program Office. 2. Instrument System Engineering, Including Instrument Mission Assurance. 3. Design of a Flight Qualified AWE Instrument Meeting Mission and Science Requirements. 4. Develop Plans in Support of Integration and Test of the AWE Instrument Flight System. 5. Develop Plans in Support of Essential Field Operations 6. Develop Plans in Support of Launch Operations, Flight Operations. 7. Develop Plans for and Lead the AWE Science Investigation, AS Well AS the Generation of Resulting Data Products.usurf Shall Provide a Briefing on the AWE Science and Science Implementation Plan AT the Phase a Site Visit. Usurf Shall Provide an Organization Chart Defining Usurf Roles and Responsibilities, Reporting Procedures, and Lines of Authority. Participate in Defining the Relationships Between the Usurf PI Program Office and the Nasa Explorers Program Office.. Usurf Shall Develop a AWE Instrument Systems Requirements Document and a AWE Mission Systems Requirements Document. Usurf Shall Develop Detailed Block Diagrams and Technical Descriptions of ALL Instrument Systems. Usurf Shall Conduct In-Depth Instrument-Level Reviews of the Proposed Instrument Design. Conduct Essential Trade Studies, Analyses, Modeling and Simulations to Assure Compliance With Instrument Requirements. Usurf Shall Lead the Science Team. Usurf Shall Develop an Instrument-Level Test Plan and Participate in Planning for Integration and Test — $51.5M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Ssasd — $40.8M (Department of Defense)
View all Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory federal contracts →
Other Department of Defense Contracts
- Federal Contract — $51.3B (Humana Government Business Inc)
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- SSN 802 and 803 Long Lead Time Material — $34.7B (Electric Boat Corporation)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- KC-X Modernization Program — $32.0B (THE Boeing Company)