DoD's $18.4M 'Big Bang' R&D contract awarded to Braingu LLC for research and development services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,362,913 ($18.4M)

Contractor: Braingu LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-09-29

End Date: 2026-03-28

Contract Duration: 911 days

Daily Burn Rate: $20.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: KESSEL RUN BIG BANG AS A SERVICE

Place of Performance

Location: HANSCOM AFB, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01731

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $18.4 million to BRAINGU LLC for work described as: KESSEL RUN BIG BANG AS A SERVICE Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract is for Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, a critical sector for innovation. 3. The duration of 911 days indicates a significant, long-term project. 4. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, which shifts cost risk to the contractor. 5. The award was made by the Department of the Air Force, a major component of the DoD. 6. The NAICS code 541715 points to specialized R&D services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific R&D contract is challenging without more granular details on the deliverables and the specific research areas. However, the total value of $18.4 million over approximately 2.5 years suggests a substantial investment. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract is a positive indicator for cost control, as it caps the government's liability. Further analysis would require comparing the scope of work and expected outcomes to similar R&D efforts within the Department of Defense or other federal agencies.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'full and open competition,' indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The number of bidders is not specified, but this method generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and innovation. The open competition suggests that the Department of the Air Force sought the best possible solution and value from the market.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition through potentially lower prices and a wider array of innovative solutions being considered, ensuring that government funds are used efficiently.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and the U.S. Air Force, who will receive advanced research and development services. The services delivered are focused on physical, engineering, and life sciences R&D, aiming to advance technological capabilities. The geographic impact is primarily within the United States, supporting domestic innovation and defense readiness. Workforce implications may include employment opportunities for scientists, engineers, and researchers within Braingu LLC and its potential subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific details on the R&D focus makes it difficult to assess the true value and potential impact.
The broad NAICS code could encompass a wide range of research, making it hard to pinpoint the exact nature of the work.
No information is provided on small business subcontracting, which could be an area for improvement.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process.
Firm Fixed Price contract type helps manage costs and provides budget certainty.
The contract supports critical R&D for the Department of Defense, aligning with national security objectives.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. This sector is crucial for technological advancement and maintaining a competitive edge for defense agencies. Comparable spending in this area can vary widely depending on the specific research domain, but federal investment in R&D is consistently high, with agencies like DoD, NASA, and NSF being major contributors. The market for specialized R&D services is competitive, with a mix of large corporations and smaller, specialized firms.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). While the primary awardee, Braingu LLC, is not specified as a small business, the lack of a small business set-aside means that subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not guaranteed by the contract terms. Further investigation into Braingu LLC's subcontracting plan would be necessary to understand the potential impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program office within the Department of the Air Force. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to deliver specified outcomes within the agreed price. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of contract awards, though detailed project specifics might be sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
Air Force Science and Technology Investments
Federal R&D Contracts
Physical Sciences Research
Engineering Research Services

Risk Flags

Lack of specific R&D focus
Unclear deliverables and KPIs
Limited information on contractor past performance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $18.4 million to BRAINGU LLC. KESSEL RUN BIG BANG AS A SERVICE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BRAINGU 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 $18.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-29. End: 2026-03-28.

What is the specific research focus of the 'KESSEL RUN BIG BANG AS A SERVICE' contract?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)' under NAICS code 541715. However, the specific research focus or 'Big Bang' aspect of the service is not detailed. This could range from advanced materials, complex systems engineering, novel energy solutions, or other scientific and technical endeavors. Without further documentation or a detailed statement of work, the precise nature of the R&D remains unspecified, making it difficult to assess its direct application or potential breakthroughs.

How does the $18.4 million contract value compare to similar R&D contracts awarded by the Department of the Air Force?

Comparing the $18.4 million value requires context on the typical scale of R&D contracts within the Department of the Air Force. R&D investments can span a wide spectrum, from small, targeted research grants to multi-billion dollar platform development programs. A $18.4 million contract over approximately 2.5 years for specialized R&D services is a significant award, suggesting a project of considerable scope and importance. However, without knowing the specific technological area or the maturity of the research, it's difficult to definitively benchmark it against other R&D efforts. Larger, more established R&D programs, especially those involving hardware development or system integration, often exceed this value considerably.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or deliverables expected under this contract?

The provided data does not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) or detailed deliverables for the 'KESSEL RUN BIG BANG AS A SERVICE' contract. As a Research and Development contract, deliverables could include research reports, prototypes, feasibility studies, technical data packages, or scientific publications. The firm fixed-price nature implies that Braingu LLC is obligated to meet certain defined objectives or milestones. However, the absence of specific KPIs makes it challenging to objectively measure the contractor's performance and the ultimate success of the R&D effort from the government's perspective.

What is the track record of Braingu LLC in performing similar R&D contracts for the federal government?

Information regarding Braingu LLC's specific track record in performing similar R&D contracts for the federal government is not included in the provided data. To assess their capabilities and past performance, one would need to consult federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) for previous contract awards, performance reviews, and any reported issues. A contractor's history of successful delivery, adherence to timelines, and cost management on prior R&D projects is crucial for evaluating their reliability and suitability for new, significant contracts like this one.

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

Potential risks for an R&D contract of this nature include technical challenges, the inherent uncertainty of research outcomes, potential cost overruns (though mitigated by FFP), and schedule delays. The 'Big Bang' nomenclature might suggest an ambitious or novel approach, potentially increasing technical risk. Mitigation strategies would typically involve clear definition of milestones, regular progress reviews, robust technical oversight by the government, and potentially contingency planning within the contractor's approach. The firm fixed-price structure places the primary financial risk on the contractor, incentivizing efficient execution.

How does this contract align with the Department of the Air Force's strategic R&D priorities?

The alignment of this contract with the Department of the Air Force's (DAF) strategic R&D priorities is not explicitly detailed in the provided data. However, the DAF consistently invests in R&D to maintain technological superiority and address evolving threats. Contracts in physical, engineering, and life sciences R&D are fundamental to developing next-generation capabilities, whether in areas like advanced materials, aerospace engineering, cyber technologies, or human performance enhancement. The 'Big Bang' aspect might hint at a transformative technology initiative. A deeper analysis would require reviewing the DAF's official R&D strategies and investment roadmaps.

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

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 934 SCRIBNER AVE NW, GRAND RAPIDS, MI, 49504

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $23,187,280

Exercised Options: $18,362,913

Current Obligation: $18,362,913

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA861223DB015

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline