DoD's $55M Contract for Threat Systems Management: Intuitive Research & Technology Corp. Secures Deal

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $55,024,909 ($55.0M)

Contractor: Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2019-09-30

End Date: 2024-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,827 days

Daily Burn Rate: $30.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: THREAT SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT OFFICE OPERATIONAL TEST&EVALUATION

Place of Performance

Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35805

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $55.0 million to INTUITIVE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION for work described as: THREAT SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT OFFICE OPERATIONAL TEST&EVALUATION Key points: 1. Contract Value: $55.02 million over 5 years. 2. Competition: Awarded under full and open competition. 3. Risk: Cost-plus fixed fee contract type may pose cost overrun risks. 4. Sector: Defense sector, specifically missile and space vehicle parts manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) type, which can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar CPFF contracts for specialized R&D and testing services is recommended to ensure fair pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. However, the CPFF structure means the government pays costs plus a fixed fee, which could be less price-sensitive than fixed-price contracts.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for R&D and operational testing. While competition aims for efficiency, the CPFF structure warrants close monitoring to prevent unnecessary cost escalation.

Public Impact

Supports critical Department of Defense operational test and evaluation efforts. Enhances national security by ensuring the effectiveness of threat systems. Contributes to technological advancement in defense capabilities. Potential for job creation within the aerospace and defense industry.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Cost-plus fixed fee contract type
  • Long contract duration (5 years)
  • Potential for scope creep in R&D

Positive Signals

  • Full and open competition
  • Supports critical national security mission
  • Experienced contractor in the field

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically supporting the manufacturing and testing of missile and space vehicle parts. Spending in this niche area is driven by national security requirements and technological advancements.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Air Force is responsible for oversight. Given the CPFF structure, rigorous oversight and performance monitoring are crucial to ensure cost control and effective delivery of services.

Related Government Programs

  • Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

  • Cost Overruns
  • Scope Creep
  • Performance Below Expectations
  • Contractor Dependency
  • Technological Obsolescence

Tags

other-guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-p, department-of-defense, al, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $55.0 million to INTUITIVE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION. THREAT SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT OFFICE OPERATIONAL TEST&EVALUATION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INTUITIVE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION.

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 $55.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-09-30. End: 2024-09-30.

What is the typical profit margin for Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts in the defense sector for similar services?

Profit margins for CPFF contracts in the defense sector can vary significantly based on contract complexity, risk, and specific service requirements. Generally, fixed fees are negotiated and aim to provide a reasonable profit for the contractor while incentivizing efficient performance. Benchmarking against industry standards and historical data for similar specialized R&D and testing services is essential for ensuring the fee is fair and competitive.

How will the government mitigate potential cost overruns associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type?

Mitigation strategies for CPFF contracts typically involve robust government oversight, detailed cost tracking, and performance metrics. The government should establish clear milestones, require regular reporting on expenditures and progress, and conduct thorough audits. Incentive clauses or award-fee structures could also be incorporated to reward efficient performance and cost savings, further aligning contractor and government interests.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the effectiveness of this contract?

Key performance indicators for this contract would likely focus on the successful completion of operational test and evaluation objectives for threat systems. This could include metrics such as the accuracy and completeness of test reports, adherence to testing schedules, the identification of system vulnerabilities, and the overall contribution to improving weapon system readiness and effectiveness. Feedback from end-users and program managers would also be critical.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingAerospace Product and Parts ManufacturingOther Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5030 BRADFORD DR NW STE 205, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35805

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $55,099,789

Exercised Options: $55,099,789

Current Obligation: $55,024,909

Actual Outlays: $1,802,960

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 28

Total Subaward Amount: $22,012,055

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA248718D4300

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2019-09-30

Current End Date: 2024-09-30

Potential End Date: 2024-09-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-09-08

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