DoD's $9.27M contract for Advanced Battle Management Systems awarded to Gapingvoid Culture Design Group LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $9,267,278 ($9.3M)

Contractor: Gapingvoid Culture Design Group LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-10-01

End Date: 2026-09-14

Contract Duration: 1,079 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: ADVANCED BATTLE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Place of Performance

Location: MIAMI, MIAMI-DADE County, FLORIDA, 33133

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $9.3 million to GAPINGVOID CULTURE DESIGN GROUP LLC for work described as: ADVANCED BATTLE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS Key points: 1. Contract focuses on R&D for physical, engineering, and life sciences, excluding nanotechnology and biotechnology. 2. Awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a specific procurement process. 3. The contract duration is over 3 years, suggesting a significant project timeline. 4. Firm Fixed Price contract type implies predictable costs for the government. 5. The contract is a Definitive Contract, typically used for complex or long-term requirements. 6. Awarded by the Department of the Air Force, highlighting a specific branch's investment in this technology.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

Benchmarking the value of this $9.27 million contract is challenging without more specific details on the deliverables and the nature of the R&D. The contract is for Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, which can have highly variable outcomes and costs. Comparing it to similar contracts for advanced battle management systems would require understanding the scope of work, the maturity of the technology being developed, and the specific research objectives. The firm fixed price nature provides cost certainty, but the overall value for money depends entirely on the successful development and eventual application of the research outcomes.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This indicates that while the competition was intended to be open, certain sources were excluded prior to the solicitation. The specific reasons for exclusion are not detailed, but this approach can sometimes limit the pool of potential bidders. Without knowing how many sources were initially considered or why others were excluded, it's difficult to definitively assess the level of competition. However, the 'after exclusion of sources' phrasing suggests a more tailored approach than a completely open bid.

Taxpayer Impact: This procurement method, while potentially efficient for specific needs, may limit the number of innovative solutions considered and could potentially lead to higher prices if the excluded sources offered more competitive bids.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and specifically the Department of the Air Force, which will receive advancements in battle management systems. The services delivered are research and development aimed at improving physical, engineering, and life sciences related to defense capabilities. The geographic impact is likely concentrated within the United States, particularly where the contractor, Gapingvoid Culture Design Group LLC, operates and where the research is conducted. Workforce implications may include specialized R&D roles for scientists, engineers, and technical personnel involved in the project.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition due to exclusion of sources may reduce price discovery.
R&D contracts inherently carry risk of not achieving desired outcomes.
The specific nature of 'Advanced Battle Management Systems' is broad and requires further definition for risk assessment.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Awarded by the Department of the Air Force, indicating strategic alignment with military needs.
The contract duration suggests a commitment to developing a potentially critical capability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced technologies for defense applications. The market for defense R&D is substantial, driven by continuous innovation needs in military capabilities. Advanced Battle Management Systems are a critical component of modern warfare, integrating various sensors, communication platforms, and decision-making tools. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within the broader defense R&D budget, often categorized under systems development and technology base investments.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific impacts on the small business ecosystem stemming from a set-aside provision. The prime contractor, Gapingvoid Culture Design Group LLC, is likely a larger entity capable of undertaking this research and development effort independently.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of the Air Force's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures would be tied to the achievement of milestones and deliverables outlined in the Definitive Contract. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, though specific R&D details may be sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Advanced Battle Management Systems
Department of Defense Research and Development
Air Force Systems Command
Military Technology Development

Risk Flags

Limited competition concerns
R&D outcome uncertainty
Contractor specific R&D experience unknown

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $9.3 million to GAPINGVOID CULTURE DESIGN GROUP LLC. ADVANCED BATTLE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GAPINGVOID CULTURE DESIGN GROUP LLC.

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 $9.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-10-01. End: 2026-09-14.

What specific advancements are expected from the 'Advanced Battle Management Systems' R&D contract?

The contract, valued at $9.27 million, is for Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) under the NAICS code 541715. While the term 'Advanced Battle Management Systems' suggests improvements in command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities, the specific advancements are not detailed in the provided data. These could range from enhanced data fusion and processing algorithms to novel sensor integration or improved human-machine interfaces for battlefield commanders. The R&D nature implies that the exact outcomes are not predetermined and are subject to the research process, aiming to explore new technological frontiers rather than deliver a finalized product.

How does the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' procurement method impact cost and innovation?

The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' method suggests that the Department of the Air Force initially considered a broader range of potential offerors but then excluded certain sources before proceeding with the solicitation. This can lead to a more focused competition among a pre-selected group, potentially streamlining the acquisition process. However, it may limit the diversity of innovative approaches that could have been brought forward by the excluded entities. From a cost perspective, if the excluded sources were capable of offering more competitive pricing or superior solutions, their exclusion could result in a less optimal outcome for the government. The rationale behind the exclusion is critical to understanding its full impact on price discovery and the breadth of technological solutions considered.

What is the typical track record of Gapingvoid Culture Design Group LLC in government contracting, particularly for R&D?

Information regarding Gapingvoid Culture Design Group LLC's specific track record in government contracting, especially for Research and Development (R&D) in advanced battle management systems, is not detailed in the provided data snippet. A comprehensive assessment would require examining their past performance on similar contracts, including contract values, performance ratings, and any history of successful or unsuccessful R&D projects. Without this historical context, it is difficult to evaluate their expertise and reliability in executing this particular $9.27 million contract effectively. Further due diligence would involve searching federal procurement databases and performance reports.

How does this $9.27 million contract compare to other DoD spending on similar battle management technologies?

Comparing this $9.27 million contract for Advanced Battle Management Systems (ABMS) to other Department of Defense (DoD) spending requires context on the scope and phase of the R&D. ABMS is a broad initiative, and individual contracts can vary significantly in size and objective, from foundational research to system integration. This particular contract, focused on R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences, might represent a smaller, specialized investment within the larger ABMS portfolio. The DoD's overall investment in ABMS and related C4ISR technologies runs into billions of dollars annually, encompassing numerous contracts for software development, hardware procurement, and further research. Therefore, $9.27 million is likely a component of a larger strategic effort rather than a standalone major expenditure.

What are the potential risks associated with a Firm Fixed Price contract for R&D in this domain?

While a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract offers cost certainty to the government, it can introduce risks for the contractor, especially in R&D. If the research proves more complex or costly than anticipated, the contractor may incur losses. Conversely, if the contractor achieves the objectives more efficiently, they benefit from the fixed price. For the government, the primary risk with FFP in R&D is that the contractor might prioritize meeting the minimum contract requirements to ensure profitability, potentially limiting innovation or the pursuit of more ambitious, albeit riskier, research avenues. There's also a risk that the contractor may not possess the full technical expertise required, leading to subpar deliverables despite the fixed price.

What is the significance of the contract being awarded by the Department of the Air Force?

The award of this contract by the Department of the Air Force (DAF) signifies a specific strategic priority within that branch of the military. The Air Force has been a leading proponent of initiatives like Advanced Battle Management Systems (ABMS) as part of its modernization efforts to enhance joint all-domain command and control (JADC2). This contract likely supports the DAF's vision for integrating networked capabilities across air, space, and cyber domains, enabling faster decision-making and improved operational effectiveness. It indicates that the research and development funded by this contract are considered crucial for the Air Force's future operational concepts and technological superiority.

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 › C – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2959B DAY AVE, MIAMI, FL, 33133

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $9,267,278

Exercised Options: $9,267,278

Current Obligation: $9,267,278

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline