DoD's $15.6M Materials Research Contract Awarded to Azimuth Corporation for Survivability Studies

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,596,720 ($15.6M)

Contractor: Azimuth Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2027-10-29

End Date: 2027-12-09

Contract Duration: 41 days

Daily Burn Rate: $380.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: MATERIALS RESEARCH AND SURVIVABILITY STUDIES II

Place of Performance

Location: BEAVERCREEK, GREENE County, OHIO, 45324

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $15.6 million to AZIMUTH CORPORATION for work described as: MATERIALS RESEARCH AND SURVIVABILITY STUDIES II Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advanced materials research and survivability, critical for defense applications. 2. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration of approximately 41 months allows for in-depth research. 4. The specific NAICS code (541715) indicates a focus on physical and engineering sciences research. 5. Awarded by the Department of the Air Force, highlighting its strategic importance. 6. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) allows for flexibility in research but requires careful cost oversight.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without more specific cost breakdowns and comparisons to similar materials research projects. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure means the final cost can fluctuate based on actual expenses incurred during the research. While the total award is $15.6 million, the efficiency and value derived will depend heavily on the successful completion of research objectives and the innovation achieved. Further analysis would require comparing the cost per research task or deliverable against industry standards.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This suggests a robust bidding environment, which typically leads to better price discovery and potentially more competitive pricing for the government. The number of bidders is not specified, but the open competition framework is a positive sign for market engagement.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down costs and encourage innovation, leading to better value for public funds.

Public Impact

The Department of the Air Force is the primary beneficiary, receiving critical research for enhancing material survivability. The research aims to improve the resilience and performance of defense materials in challenging environments. The geographic impact is primarily within the United States, where the research and development activities will take place. Potential workforce implications include specialized roles for scientists, engineers, and research technicians.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.
The specific deliverables and success metrics for the research are not detailed, making performance assessment challenging.
The long-term applicability and transition of research findings into fielded systems require further monitoring.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process.
Focus on materials research and survivability addresses a critical defense need.
The contract duration allows for comprehensive study and development.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences. The market for defense-related materials research is characterized by specialized firms and academic institutions competing for government contracts. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority and ensuring the effectiveness of military assets. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other R&D contracts awarded by the DoD for materials science and engineering.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans is not provided for this contract. Given the specialized nature of materials research, it is possible that larger, more established firms with extensive R&D capabilities are the primary awardees. Further investigation would be needed to determine if small businesses have opportunities to participate as subcontractors or if specific set-aside goals were established.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the contracting officer and program management office within the Department of the Air Force. Accountability measures will be tied to the achievement of research milestones and deliverables outlined in the contract. Transparency can be assessed through publicly available contract data, though detailed research progress reports are typically not disclosed for security reasons. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
Air Force Materials Science Initiatives
Advanced Materials Research Contracts
Survivability Studies Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent cost oversight.
Specific research deliverables and success metrics are not publicly detailed.
Potential for cost overruns inherent in R&D contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $15.6 million to AZIMUTH CORPORATION. MATERIALS RESEARCH AND SURVIVABILITY STUDIES II

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AZIMUTH CORPORATION.

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 $15.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2027-10-29. End: 2027-12-09.

What is Azimuth Corporation's track record with the Department of Defense, particularly in materials research?

Azimuth Corporation's specific track record with the Department of Defense in materials research would require a detailed review of their contract history. This would involve searching databases like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or USAspending.gov for previous awards, performance evaluations, and any reported issues. A strong track record would typically include successful completion of similar R&D projects, positive past performance reviews, and a history of meeting cost and schedule requirements. Without this specific data, it's difficult to definitively assess their suitability beyond the current award.

How does the $15.6 million award compare to similar materials research contracts awarded by the Air Force or DoD?

Comparing the $15.6 million award requires identifying comparable contracts based on scope, duration, and research area. Materials research contracts can vary significantly in value depending on the complexity and scale of the R&D. For instance, contracts for basic research might be smaller, while those involving advanced prototyping or testing of novel materials could be substantially larger. Benchmarking would involve analyzing the average award value for 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' (NAICS 541715) over a similar timeframe and for similar agencies. The current award appears to be a mid-range value for a significant R&D effort.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or deliverables expected under this contract, and how will they be measured?

The specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and deliverables for this 'MATERIALS RESEARCH AND SURVIVABILITY STUDIES II' contract are not publicly detailed in the provided data. Typically, such R&D contracts would outline specific research objectives, milestones, technical reports, prototypes, or experimental data sets. Performance measurement would likely involve periodic reviews by the Air Force technical point of contact to assess progress against these defined objectives. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure implies that the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee, incentivizing efficient completion of the defined scope.

What is the potential risk associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this research?

The primary risk associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for research is the potential for cost overruns. While the 'fixed fee' provides a ceiling for the contractor's profit, the 'cost' portion is reimbursable. If the research proves more complex or time-consuming than initially estimated, the total cost to the government could exceed initial projections. Effective oversight, detailed cost tracking, and clear definition of the scope of work are crucial to mitigate this risk. The CPFF structure is often used when the scope of work is not precisely defined, allowing flexibility for R&D, but it places a greater burden on the government to monitor expenditures.

How does this contract align with the Department of the Air Force's broader strategic goals in materials science and survivability?

This contract directly aligns with the Department of the Air Force's strategic goals by investing in advanced materials research and survivability studies. Enhancing the resilience of aircraft, equipment, and personnel against various threats is a core component of maintaining air and space superiority. Research in this area can lead to lighter, stronger, and more adaptive materials that improve performance, reduce maintenance, and increase operational effectiveness in contested environments. Such investments are critical for future force modernization and technological advantage.

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: TWO STEP

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2970 PRESIDENTIAL DR STE 200, BEAVERCREEK, OH, 45324

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,955,108

Exercised Options: $19,955,108

Current Obligation: $15,596,720

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 16

Total Subaward Amount: $9,973,274

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA865022D5406

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline