Naval Postgraduate School awards $18.9M for unmanned and robotic systems research to Adams Communication & Engineering Technology

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,893,676 ($18.9M)

Contractor: Adams Communication & Engineering Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-06-29

End Date: 2025-12-31

Contract Duration: 2,011 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL UNMANNED AND ROBOTIC SYSTEMS RESEARCH

Place of Performance

Location: MONTEREY, MONTEREY County, CALIFORNIA, 93943

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $18.9 million to ADAMS COMMUNICATION & ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL UNMANNED AND ROBOTIC SYSTEMS RESEARCH Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advanced research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Competition was full and open, indicating a broad market search. 3. Contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can present cost control challenges. 4. The contract duration extends over five years, suggesting a long-term research need. 5. The award is a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger contract vehicle. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541715 points to specialized R&D services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract is challenging without detailed cost breakdowns. CPFF contracts can sometimes lead to higher costs if not managed closely, as the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs plus a fixed fee. Comparing this to similar R&D contracts for unmanned systems would require access to more granular pricing data. The total award amount of $18.9 million over approximately five years suggests a significant investment in this research area.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. With four bidders identified, this indicates a reasonable level of competition for this specialized research and development service. The presence of multiple bidders generally supports price discovery and can lead to more competitive pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs and encouraging innovation among potential contractors.

Public Impact

The Naval Postgraduate School benefits from advanced research capabilities in unmanned and robotic systems. This contract supports the development of cutting-edge technologies relevant to national defense. The research conducted could have implications for various sectors, including defense, logistics, and autonomous operations. The project is located in California, potentially impacting the local high-tech and research workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight to manage potential cost overruns.
The long duration of the contract necessitates ongoing performance monitoring to ensure research objectives are met.
The specialized nature of R&D means that outcomes can be uncertain, posing a risk to achieving desired technological advancements.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition suggests a robust market engagement and potential for innovative solutions.
The award to a specific company indicates a selection based on perceived capability in unmanned and robotic systems.
The contract's focus on advanced R&D aligns with strategic technological development goals.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for unmanned and robotic systems research is highly specialized and competitive, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, sensor technology, and automation. Spending in this area is often concentrated within defense and technology-focused government agencies and their contractors. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within broader R&D spending reports for the Department of Defense or specific technology research initiatives.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information about subcontracting plans. Given the specialized nature of advanced R&D in unmanned and robotic systems, it is possible that larger, more established firms or those with specific technological expertise are more likely to compete and win such awards. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are participating as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Defense's contracting and program management structures, likely involving the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA). Accountability measures would be tied to the performance metrics and deliverables outlined in the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific research progress details may be sensitive.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
Unmanned Systems Research Initiatives
Robotics and Automation Technology Development
Naval Postgraduate School Research Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires close monitoring.
Long contract duration necessitates sustained oversight.
R&D outcomes are inherently uncertain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $18.9 million to ADAMS COMMUNICATION & ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY, INC.. NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL UNMANNED AND ROBOTIC SYSTEMS RESEARCH

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ADAMS COMMUNICATION & ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $18.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-06-29. End: 2025-12-31.

What is the track record of Adams Communication & Engineering Technology, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly in R&D?

Adams Communication & Engineering Technology, Inc. has a history of federal contracting, primarily within the Department of Defense. While specific details on their R&D performance and success rates require deeper database analysis, their selection for this significant contract suggests they possess the requisite capabilities and experience in areas relevant to unmanned and robotic systems. Examining past performance reviews and contract awards would provide a clearer picture of their reliability and effectiveness in delivering on complex research and development projects for the government.

How does the $18.9 million award compare to typical R&D spending for unmanned systems within the DoD?

The $18.9 million award for unmanned and robotic systems research represents a substantial investment, but its relative size depends on the specific research scope and the broader context of DoD R&D budgets. The DoD invests billions annually in research and development across various domains, including advanced materials, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems. This particular contract, awarded over approximately five years, suggests a focused, long-term effort. To benchmark effectively, one would need to compare it against other contracts for similar R&D efforts in unmanned systems, considering factors like research objectives, technological maturity, and the specific service or capability being developed.

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

The primary risks associated with a CPFF contract for advanced R&D revolve around cost control and contractor incentive. In a CPFF structure, the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee. This can incentivize contractors to incur higher costs, as their profit (the fixed fee) remains constant regardless of the final cost. For the government, the risk is that the total project cost could exceed initial estimates if not rigorously managed and audited. In R&D, where outcomes are inherently uncertain, managing scope creep and ensuring efficient resource utilization is critical to mitigate these risks and achieve value for taxpayer money.

How might the research funded by this contract impact future defense capabilities?

The research into unmanned and robotic systems has the potential to significantly transform future defense capabilities. Advancements in this area can lead to more autonomous platforms for surveillance, reconnaissance, logistics, and combat operations, reducing risk to human personnel. Improved robotic systems could enhance situational awareness, enable operations in hazardous environments, and provide greater flexibility in force projection. The specific impact will depend on the breakthroughs achieved in areas such as AI-driven decision-making, swarm robotics, human-robot teaming, and advanced sensor integration, ultimately shaping the future of military operations and strategy.

What is the historical spending trend for NAICS code 541715 (R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences) by the Department of Defense?

Historical spending data for NAICS code 541715 by the Department of Defense indicates a consistent and significant investment in research and development across physical, engineering, and life sciences. While specific year-over-year figures fluctuate based on strategic priorities and budget allocations, the DoD is a major driver of federal spending within this category. Trends often show increasing investment in areas like advanced materials, AI, robotics, and biotechnology, reflecting a commitment to maintaining technological superiority. Analyzing aggregated spending data for this NAICS code can reveal patterns of investment and highlight areas of sustained focus within the DoD's R&D portfolio.

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 › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 45310 ABELL HOUSE LN STE 150, CALIFORNIA, MD, 20619

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $45,498,562

Exercised Options: $45,498,562

Current Obligation: $18,893,676

Actual Outlays: $2,069,605

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA807518D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline