DoD's $20.6M ANUBIS SBIR Phase III contract awarded to AeroVIRONMENT, Inc. for R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $20,626,003 ($20.6M)
Contractor: Aerovironment, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2010-03-01
End Date: 2016-09-30
Contract Duration: 2,405 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: ANUBIS SBIR PHASE III
Place of Performance
Location: MONROVIA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91016
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $20.6 million to AEROVIRONMENT, INC. for work described as: ANUBIS SBIR PHASE III Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single large business, AeroVIRONMENT, Inc. 2. Significant R&D spending in the physical, engineering, and life sciences sector. 3. Contract duration of over 2000 days suggests a long-term project. 4. Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure, while allowing flexibility for R&D, presents a risk of cost escalation. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. However, the specific award to AeroVIRONMENT, Inc. suggests they were the most advantageous offer.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in advanced R&D, with the potential for significant technological advancements. The CPFF structure necessitates close oversight to ensure value for money.
Public Impact
Investment in cutting-edge research and development by the Department of Defense. Potential for technological advancements with dual-use applications. Long-term commitment to a specific research area. Focus on innovation within the aerospace and defense sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Long contract duration
- No small business participation noted
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition
- Supports critical R&D initiatives
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority but can be prone to cost overruns.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates no explicit small business participation in this Phase III SBIR contract. Phase III contracts are intended to bring SBIR-funded technologies to the commercial market, and typically involve larger entities.
Oversight & Accountability
The long duration and CPFF structure of this contract necessitate robust oversight from the Department of the Air Force to ensure project milestones are met and costs remain controlled. Regular performance reviews are critical.
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
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure
- Long contract duration may indicate slow progress or scope creep
- Lack of explicit small business involvement in Phase III
- Dependence on a single contractor for technology maturation
- R&D projects inherently carry technical and programmatic risks
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ca, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $20.6 million to AEROVIRONMENT, INC.. ANUBIS SBIR PHASE III
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AEROVIRONMENT, 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 $20.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-03-01. End: 2016-09-30.
What specific technological advancements or deliverables were achieved through this $20.6M investment?
The ANUBIS SBIR Phase III contract aimed to mature and transition technologies developed in earlier SBIR phases. Specific deliverables would likely include prototypes, advanced testing results, and potentially integrated systems relevant to Air Force needs, such as advanced sensor systems or unmanned aerial vehicle technologies.
What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this R&D project?
The primary risks with CPFF for R&D include potential cost overruns if the scope is not well-defined or if unforeseen technical challenges arise, leading to increased costs beyond the initial fixed fee. Contractor incentives may lean towards maximizing costs to ensure a higher fee, necessitating strong government oversight.
How effectively did this contract transition SBIR-developed technology into a viable defense capability?
Assessing effectiveness requires examining the final deliverables against the initial Phase III objectives. Success would be measured by the technology's integration into Air Force systems, its performance in operational environments, and its contribution to mission capabilities, as well as potential commercialization.
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 › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 181 W HUNTINGTON DR STE 202, MONROVIA, CA, 91016
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $23,411,436
Exercised Options: $20,738,266
Current Obligation: $20,626,003
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-03-01
Current End Date: 2016-09-30
Potential End Date: 2016-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2016-06-15
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