DoD's $20.5M Robotics Contract for Airbase Systems Awarded to Applied Research Associates

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,547,554 ($20.5M)

Contractor: Applied Research Associates, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2015-05-06

End Date: 2020-05-05

Contract Duration: 1,826 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGY FOR AIRBASE SYSTEMS

Place of Performance

Location: PANAMA CITY, BAY County, FLORIDA, 32403

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $20.5 million to APPLIED RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGY FOR AIRBASE SYSTEMS Key points: 1. Contract focuses on R&D for physical and engineering sciences, specifically robotics and automation for airbase systems. 2. Applied Research Associates, Inc. secured the definitive contract, indicating a specific need for their expertise. 3. The contract duration of 5 years suggests a significant, long-term project. 4. Full and open competition was utilized, implying a broad search for qualified contractors.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The total award amount of $20.5M over 5 years needs to be benchmarked against similar R&D contracts for robotics and automation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The use of full and open competition suggests a robust price discovery process. However, the CPFF contract type might limit the incentive for the contractor to control costs aggressively.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in advanced technology development, which could yield long-term benefits in defense capabilities, but carries inherent R&D risks.

Public Impact

Enhances Air Force operational efficiency and safety through automation. Drives innovation in robotics for defense applications. Potential for dual-use technology applicable to civilian infrastructure. Supports research and development sector within the defense industrial base.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes value assessment difficult.
No clear indication of small business participation.

Positive Signals

Utilizes full and open competition for broad market access.
Focuses on critical R&D for national security.
Long-term contract duration allows for in-depth development.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology) sector. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority but often involves high risk and uncertainty in outcomes.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a factor in this contract award (ss: false, sb: false). Efforts should be made to ensure future R&D contracts include provisions for small business involvement where appropriate.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract's duration and CPFF structure warrant close oversight to ensure cost control and adherence to research objectives. Regular reviews by the Department of the Air Force are essential.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

Cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
Lack of defined performance metrics for R&D.
Potential for technology obsolescence if development timelines are extended.
Limited visibility into specific technological advancements.
No small business participation noted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $20.5 million to APPLIED RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGY FOR AIRBASE SYSTEMS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is APPLIED RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, 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 $20.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2015-05-06. End: 2020-05-05.

What specific performance metrics are in place to measure the success and value of the robotics and automation technology developed under this contract?

The provided data does not detail specific performance metrics. For a comprehensive value assessment, it is crucial to understand the defined objectives, milestones, and key performance indicators (KPIs) established within the contract's statement of work. Without these, evaluating the return on investment and the actual effectiveness of the R&D becomes challenging.

How will the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure be managed to mitigate potential cost overruns and ensure fiscal responsibility?

Managing a CPFF contract requires stringent oversight. The Air Force must implement robust cost tracking, regular audits, and clear communication channels with Applied Research Associates, Inc. Establishing realistic fixed-fee targets and incentivizing efficiency, perhaps through performance bonuses tied to cost savings or early completion, can help mitigate risks associated with this contract type.

What is the anticipated impact of this robotics and automation technology on future Air Force operational effectiveness and personnel safety?

The anticipated impact is significant, aiming to enhance efficiency and reduce risks for personnel in hazardous airbase environments. This could include automating routine tasks, improving response times, and enabling operations in conditions unsafe for humans. The success of this R&D will determine the extent to which these benefits are realized and integrated into future Air Force operations.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH

Solicitation ID: FA481915B0005

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4300 SAN MATEO BLVD NE STE A220, ALBUQUERQUE, NM, 87110

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,358,478

Exercised Options: $21,358,478

Current Obligation: $20,547,554

Actual Outlays: $266,237

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 19

Total Subaward Amount: $16,815,216

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline