DoD awards $7.6M for blast booth robot systems to Titan Robotics Inc. at Robins AFB

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,638,880 ($7.6M)

Contractor: Titan Robotics Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-05-31

End Date: 2027-01-31

Contract Duration: 975 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.8K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ALL THE BLAST BOOTH ROBOT SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS LISTED IN THE ATTACHED PURCHASE DESCRIPTION TO COMMODITIES MAINTENANCE GROUP (CMXG) AT ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE (AFB), GEORGIA.

Place of Performance

Location: WARNER ROBINS, HOUSTON County, GEORGIA, 31098

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $7.6 million to TITAN ROBOTICS INC for work described as: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ALL THE BLAST BOOTH ROBOT SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS LISTED IN THE ATTACHED PURCHASE DESCRIPTION TO COMMODITIES MAINTENANCE GROUP (CMXG) AT ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE (AFB), GEORGIA. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for specialized robotic systems, indicating a need for advanced manufacturing or maintenance capabilities. 2. The fixed-price contract structure aims to control costs for the specified robotic system. 3. The award to Titan Robotics Inc. suggests a competitive process that identified them as a capable provider. 4. The duration of the contract (over 2.5 years) implies a sustained requirement for these systems. 5. The geographic location of the delivery (Robins AFB, Georgia) points to specific operational needs within the Air Force. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 339999 suggests a focus on miscellaneous manufacturing, potentially for specialized equipment.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $7.6M for a blast booth robot system appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the equipment. Benchmarking against similar advanced robotics or industrial automation contracts would provide further context. The firm fixed-price structure suggests a defined scope, which aids in cost predictability. Without specific details on the system's capabilities, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the award suggests the government believes it is a fair price for the required solution.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a limited number of quotes or proposals. While not a full and open competition, SAP is designed for smaller dollar value procurements where competition is still sought. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation implies that multiple sources were likely solicited, aiming for price discovery within that framework.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, competing under SAP generally offers a balance between efficiency for smaller procurements and achieving competitive pricing, though it may not yield the same level of price optimization as a full and open competition for larger contracts.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of the Air Force, specifically units at Robins AFB, Georgia, requiring advanced blast booth robot systems. The services delivered involve the provision of specialized robotic systems designed for blast booth operations, likely for maintenance, repair, or manufacturing processes. The geographic impact is concentrated at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia, supporting its operational readiness and maintenance capabilities. Workforce implications may include the need for trained personnel to operate and maintain these advanced robotic systems, potentially upskilling existing staff or requiring new hires.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition due to specialized nature of the robotic system.
Reliance on a single contractor for a critical system could pose supply chain risks.
Ensuring long-term maintainability and availability of spare parts for the robot system.

Positive Signals

Award to Titan Robotics Inc. indicates they met technical and price requirements.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Delivery to a major Air Force base suggests alignment with strategic operational needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the miscellaneous manufacturing sector, specifically related to industrial machinery and automation. The market for specialized robotics, particularly for defense applications, is growing. Companies like Titan Robotics Inc. operate in a niche that requires significant R&D and engineering expertise. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other procurements for automated systems, industrial robots, or specialized maintenance equipment within the defense sector.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Titan Robotics Inc.'s size is not specified, but the procurement method (COMPETED UNDER SAP) does not preclude small businesses from participating. However, the specialized nature of blast booth robot systems might favor larger, more established manufacturers. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program management office within the Department of the Air Force at Robins AFB. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified systems. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like SAM.gov. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Robotic Systems Procurement
Industrial Automation Equipment
Defense Maintenance and Repair Equipment
Air Force Logistics and Sustainment Contracts
Manufacturing Equipment for Defense

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition
Reliance on specialized technology
Long-term maintenance and supportability

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $7.6 million to TITAN ROBOTICS INC. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ALL THE BLAST BOOTH ROBOT SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS LISTED IN THE ATTACHED PURCHASE DESCRIPTION TO COMMODITIES MAINTENANCE GROUP (CMXG) AT ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE (AFB), GEORGIA.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TITAN ROBOTICS 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 $7.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-05-31. End: 2027-01-31.

What is Titan Robotics Inc.'s track record with government contracts, particularly for robotic systems?

Information regarding Titan Robotics Inc.'s specific track record with government contracts, especially for robotic systems, is not detailed in the provided data. A thorough analysis would require searching federal procurement databases (e.g., SAM.gov, FPDS) for past awards, contract performance history, and any reported issues or successes. Understanding their experience with similar defense procurements, their financial stability, and their capacity to deliver complex robotic solutions would be crucial for assessing their reliability as a contractor for this $7.6 million award.

How does the $7.6 million contract value compare to similar blast booth robot system procurements?

The $7.6 million value for a blast booth robot system is a significant investment, suggesting a complex and highly specialized piece of equipment. To benchmark this value, one would need to compare it against other recent federal or even large commercial procurements for similar automated industrial systems, particularly those involving robotic arms, containment booths, and material handling. Factors such as the system's automation level, throughput capacity, environmental controls, and integration requirements would influence pricing. Without access to detailed specifications of comparable systems, it's difficult to definitively state if $7.6 million represents excellent or fair value, but it indicates a substantial technological acquisition.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks include potential technical challenges in integrating the robotic system, contractor performance issues (delays, quality), and the long-term sustainability of the system (maintenance, obsolescence). Mitigation strategies likely involve detailed technical specifications in the contract, performance monitoring by the Air Force, and the firm fixed-price structure which incentivizes the contractor to deliver on time and within budget. The contract duration of over two years also allows for phased delivery and testing. However, the limited competition aspect under SAP could pose a risk if the chosen contractor underperforms and alternatives are scarce.

How effective is the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' approach for procuring specialized robotic systems like this?

Competing under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) is intended for procurements below certain thresholds (currently $250,000, but historically higher for certain defense items) and aims to streamline the acquisition process while still encouraging competition. For specialized robotic systems, SAP might be effective if there are a reasonable number of qualified vendors capable of meeting the technical requirements and if the dollar value falls within SAP limits. However, if the system is highly complex or expensive, a full and open competition might yield better pricing and a wider range of innovative solutions. The effectiveness hinges on whether SAP allowed for sufficient price discovery and vendor engagement for this specific $7.6 million requirement.

What is the historical spending pattern for blast booth robot systems or similar automation within the Department of the Air Force?

Historical spending patterns for blast booth robot systems or similar automation within the Department of the Air Force would require analyzing past contract awards over several fiscal years. This would involve searching databases for relevant NAICS codes (like 339999) and keywords related to robotics, automation, and blast booths. Understanding trends in spending, the types of contractors previously awarded these systems, and the average contract values would provide context for the current $7.6 million award. Significant increases or decreases in spending could indicate shifts in technological adoption, operational needs, or budget priorities within the Air Force.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing › All Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: FA857124R0005

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2516 JANE ST, PITTSBURGH, PA, 15203

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,638,880

Exercised Options: $7,638,880

Current Obligation: $7,638,880

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline