DoD's $5.98M R&D contract with Matrix Design Group, Inc. for Space Force solutions

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,979,352 ($6.0M)

Contractor: Matrix Design Group, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-09-29

End Date: 2026-09-28

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.4K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: PROVIDES COST EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS AND INNOVATIVE ALTERNATIVES TO MEET UNITED STATES SPACE FORCE (USSF)S REQUIREMENTS, INCLUSIVE OF THE SERVICES TWO FIELD COMMANDS (FLDCOM), SPACE OPERATIONS COMMAND (SPOC) AND SPACE SYSTEMS COMMAND (SSC).

Place of Performance

Location: COLORADO SPRINGS, EL PASO County, COLORADO, 80914

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $6.0 million to MATRIX DESIGN GROUP, INC for work described as: PROVIDES COST EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS AND INNOVATIVE ALTERNATIVES TO MEET UNITED STATES SPACE FORCE (USSF)S REQUIREMENTS, INCLUSIVE OF THE SERVICES TWO FIELD COMMANDS (FLDCOM), SPACE OPERATIONS COMMAND (SPOC) AND SPACE SYSTEMS COMMAND (SSC). Key points: 1. Contract aims to provide cost-effective and innovative solutions for Space Force requirements. 2. Focus on services for Space Operations Command and Space Systems Command. 3. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. 4. Definitive contract with a Firm Fixed Price type. 5. Contract duration of 364 days. 6. Awarded by the Department of the Air Force. 7. Matrix Design Group, Inc. is the contractor.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $5.98 million for a 364-day R&D effort appears within a reasonable range for specialized engineering and scientific services. However, without specific deliverables or performance metrics, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts for space systems would provide better context for pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This approach bypasses the standard competitive bidding process, which typically leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for the government. The rationale for a sole-source award, such as unique capabilities or urgent need, would need further justification.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can limit taxpayer value by potentially foregoing cost savings that competition might have generated. It also raises questions about whether the government received the best possible price.

Public Impact

Benefits the United States Space Force by providing critical R&D support. Delivers innovative solutions and cost-effective alternatives for space operations. Supports the operational capabilities of Space Operations Command and Space Systems Command. Impacts the aerospace and defense technology sector through R&D advancements.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may lead to higher costs for taxpayers.
Limited transparency into the selection process due to sole-source award.
Performance metrics and success criteria are not detailed in the provided data.

Positive Signals

Contract aims to provide innovative solutions, potentially advancing USSF capabilities.
Focus on cost-effectiveness suggests an effort to optimize resource utilization.
Matrix Design Group, Inc. is the contractor, implying specific expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The aerospace and defense industry, particularly segments supporting space operations, relies heavily on such R&D to maintain technological superiority. Comparable spending in this niche often involves significant investment in specialized engineering and scientific expertise.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements for this contract. As a sole-source award, it is less likely to have specific provisions designed to benefit small businesses, potentially limiting their participation in this specific contract's value chain.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Air Force's contracting and program management offices. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature. Accountability would be tied to the contractor's adherence to the contract terms and delivery of specified R&D outcomes, subject to standard government oversight procedures.

Related Government Programs

Space Force Modernization Programs
DoD Research and Development Initiatives
Aerospace Technology Development Contracts
Space Systems Engineering Support

Risk Flags

Sole-source award limits competition and potential cost savings.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes value assessment difficult.
Specific R&D deliverables are not clearly defined in the summary data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $6.0 million to MATRIX DESIGN GROUP, INC. PROVIDES COST EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS AND INNOVATIVE ALTERNATIVES TO MEET UNITED STATES SPACE FORCE (USSF)S REQUIREMENTS, INCLUSIVE OF THE SERVICES TWO FIELD COMMANDS (FLDCOM), SPACE OPERATIONS COMMAND (SPOC) AND SPACE SYSTEMS COMMAND (SSC).

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MATRIX DESIGN 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 $6.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-29. End: 2026-09-28.

What specific R&D projects or technological advancements is Matrix Design Group, Inc. expected to deliver under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'PROVIDES COST EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS AND INNOVATIVE ALTERNATIVES TO MEET UNITED STATES SPACE FORCE (USSF)S REQUIREMENTS'. However, it does not specify the exact R&D projects or technological advancements. Typically, such contracts would detail specific research areas, prototypes, or feasibility studies. Without this information, it's difficult to assess the precise nature of the innovation or the expected outcomes beyond general support for USSF's Field Commands (SPOC and SSC).

How does the $5.98 million contract value benchmark against similar R&D contracts for space systems within the DoD?

Benchmarking this $5.98 million contract requires access to a database of similar R&D efforts. However, for a 364-day definitive contract focused on specialized R&D for space systems, this value appears moderate. Larger, multi-year R&D programs for advanced space technologies can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars. Smaller, targeted research efforts or specific component developments might be in the low millions. The 'fair' rating suggests it's not exceptionally high or low, but a direct comparison with contracts having identical scope and duration would be more definitive.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis to Matrix Design Group, Inc.?

The provided data states the contract was 'NOT COMPETED', indicating a sole-source award. The specific justification for this sole-source designation is not included in the data. Common reasons for sole-source awards include the existence of only one responsible source capable of providing the required service, urgent and compelling needs, or specific national security requirements. Without the official justification document (e.g., a Justification and Approval for Other Than Full and Open Competition), it's impossible to verify the necessity of this approach.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or deliverables Matrix Design Group, Inc. must meet to be considered successful under this contract?

The provided data does not explicitly list the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or specific deliverables for this contract. For R&D contracts, success is often measured by the successful completion of research phases, delivery of technical reports, development of prototypes, or demonstration of new capabilities. The contract's firm fixed-price nature suggests that the contractor is obligated to deliver the agreed-upon scope of work for the stated price, but the precise metrics for success are not detailed here.

What is the historical spending pattern with Matrix Design Group, Inc. by the Department of the Air Force or Space Force for similar R&D services?

The provided data does not include historical spending information with Matrix Design Group, Inc. To assess historical patterns, one would need to query federal procurement databases (like FPDS or USASpending) for previous contracts awarded to this entity by the Department of the Air Force or Space Force, specifically looking for R&D services in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. This would reveal if they are a frequent or new contractor for such services and the typical value of their awards.

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: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2435 RESEARCH PKWY STE 300, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, 80920

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $20,681,341

Exercised Options: $5,979,352

Current Obligation: $5,979,352

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline