DoD's $22.6M R&D Contract for Circuit Analysis Tools Awarded to Carl Zeiss NTS, LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $22,609,827 ($22.6M)
Contractor: Carl Zeiss NTS, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2010-12-09
End Date: 2015-04-03
Contract Duration: 1,576 days
Daily Burn Rate: $14.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: CIRCUIT ANALYSIS TOOLS (CAT)
Place of Performance
Location: THORNWOOD, WESTCHESTER County, NEW YORK, 10594, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
State: New York Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $22.6 million to CARL ZEISS NTS, LLC for work described as: CIRCUIT ANALYSIS TOOLS (CAT) Key points: 1. Contract value of $22.6 million for specialized R&D tools. 2. Carl Zeiss NTS, LLC, a single entity, secured the award. 3. The contract falls under R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 4. Full and open competition was utilized for this procurement.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $22.6 million appears reasonable for specialized R&D equipment. Benchmarking against similar advanced analytical tools would provide a more precise assessment, but the fixed-price structure suggests a degree of cost certainty.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests that taxpayer funds were likely used efficiently, with pricing driven by market forces rather than sole-source limitations.
Public Impact
Enhances Department of Defense's research capabilities in physical and engineering sciences. Supports advanced technological development critical for national security. Potential for spin-off technologies benefiting civilian research and industry.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- Potential for cost overruns if R&D proves more complex than anticipated.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.
- Supports critical R&D for the Department of Defense.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, excluding biotechnology. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement and national security, often involving significant investment in specialized equipment and expertise.
Small Business Impact
The provided data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. The contract was awarded to a single entity, Carl Zeiss NTS, LLC, and further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Department of the Air Force, a branch of the Department of Defense. Standard government oversight processes for R&D contracts would apply, focusing on technical progress, adherence to specifications, and financial management.
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
- Contract duration is substantial (1576 days).
- R&D projects inherently carry a risk of failure or unmet objectives.
- Potential for cost escalation if not managed tightly, despite fixed price.
- Dependence on a single contractor for specialized tools.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ny, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $22.6 million to CARL ZEISS NTS, LLC. CIRCUIT ANALYSIS TOOLS (CAT)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CARL ZEISS NTS, 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 $22.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-12-09. End: 2015-04-03.
What specific advancements in circuit analysis tools are expected from this R&D contract, and how will they be measured?
The provided data does not detail the specific advancements expected or the metrics for measuring success. Further review of the contract's SOW (Statement of Work) and performance reports would be necessary to understand the technical objectives and evaluation criteria. This information is crucial for assessing the true value and effectiveness of the R&D investment.
What is the potential risk of technological obsolescence for these circuit analysis tools given the rapid pace of R&D?
The risk of technological obsolescence is inherent in R&D contracts. While the contract duration is 1576 days (approximately 4.3 years), the rapid evolution of circuit analysis technology could mean the tools become outdated before or shortly after development. Mitigation strategies might include modular design, continuous feedback loops, and flexible contract modifications.
How does the $22.6 million investment in these specific circuit analysis tools align with broader DoD R&D priorities and expected operational effectiveness?
The alignment of this investment with broader DoD R&D priorities is not explicitly detailed in the provided data. Understanding the strategic importance of advanced circuit analysis for current and future defense systems is key. Assessing the expected increase in operational effectiveness, such as improved system reliability or faster diagnostics, would require further analysis of the contract's objectives and anticipated outcomes.
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: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Schott North America, Inc. (UEI: 551049732)
Address: 1 CORPORATION WAY STE 3, PEABODY, MA, 01960
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: $22,609,827
Exercised Options: $22,609,827
Current Obligation: $22,609,827
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-12-09
Current End Date: 2015-04-03
Potential End Date: 2015-04-03 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2014-12-19
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