DoD Awards $7.7M for Airborne Coherence Research to Matrix Research Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $7,737,381 ($7.7M)
Contractor: Matrix Research Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2022-08-18
End Date: 2027-04-01
Contract Duration: 1,687 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 40
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: DISTRIBUTED AIRBORNE COHERENCE
Place of Performance
Location: BEAVERCREEK, GREENE County, OHIO, 45430
State: Ohio Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $7.7 million to MATRIX RESEARCH INC for work described as: DISTRIBUTED AIRBORNE COHERENCE Key points: 1. Contract awarded for R&D in physical sciences, a critical area for defense. 2. Matrix Research Inc. is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. Potential for cost overruns exists given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure. 4. The contract duration of over 3 years suggests a significant project scope.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more specific cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the award to a single entity implies they were the most qualified or offered the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced research, with the ultimate benefit depending on the successful development of the technology.
Public Impact
Advancement in distributed airborne coherence technology could have significant military applications. Investment in R&D supports technological superiority for the U.S. Air Force. The long-term nature of the contract indicates a commitment to sustained research efforts.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize contractor to increase costs.
- Long contract duration may lead to scope creep or cost escalation.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes it hard to assess value.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Focus on critical R&D area for national security.
- Contract awarded to a single entity, potentially indicating specialized expertise.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for maintaining technological advantage, with significant government investment typically directed towards defense and innovation.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Matrix Research Inc., and there is no indication of small business participation or subcontracting in the provided data. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is a definitive contract, suggesting a more formal and potentially more scrutinized award process. Oversight will be critical to manage costs and ensure deliverables are met.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure.
- Long contract duration.
- Potential for cost overruns.
- Lack of detailed performance metrics.
- Limited information on competition effectiveness.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, oh, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $7.7 million to MATRIX RESEARCH INC. DISTRIBUTED AIRBORNE COHERENCE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MATRIX RESEARCH 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 $7.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-08-18. End: 2027-04-01.
What specific technological advancements are expected from this research, and how will they translate into tangible benefits for the Air Force?
The research aims to advance distributed airborne coherence, a technology potentially crucial for advanced sensing, communication, or navigation systems. Tangible benefits could include enhanced situational awareness, secure communication channels, or improved targeting capabilities for the Air Force, ultimately contributing to mission effectiveness and national security.
What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract structure in this R&D context, and how are they being mitigated?
The primary risk is that the contractor may not have sufficient incentive to control costs, potentially leading to overspending. Mitigation strategies could include robust oversight, clear performance milestones, and regular reviews of expenditures to ensure the fixed fee remains appropriate for the work performed and the value delivered.
How will the effectiveness of the research be measured, given the inherent uncertainties in R&D projects?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through a combination of technical milestones, prototype development, and successful demonstration of the core coherence principles. Regular progress reports, peer reviews, and independent technical assessments will be crucial to gauge the project's advancement towards its stated objectives and its potential for future application.
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: BASIC RESEARCH
Solicitation ID: FA865021S1180
Offers Received: 40
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3844 RESEARCH BLVD, BEAVERCREEK, OH, 45430
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $9,129,127
Exercised Options: $9,129,127
Current Obligation: $7,737,381
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-08-18
Current End Date: 2027-04-01
Potential End Date: 2027-04-01 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-05
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