DoD's $19.9M Materials Research Contract Awarded to Azimuth Corporation for Optical Studies

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,945,729 ($19.9M)

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: $486.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: MATERIALS RESEARCH AND SURVIVABILITY STUDIES STRUCTURED OPTICAL MATERIALS AND PROCESSING

Place of Performance

Location: BEAVERCREEK, GREENE County, OHIO, 45324

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $19.9 million to AZIMUTH CORPORATION for work described as: MATERIALS RESEARCH AND SURVIVABILITY STUDIES STRUCTURED OPTICAL MATERIALS AND PROCESSING Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advanced materials research for survivability. 2. Competition method was full and open, suggesting market availability. 3. Risk appears moderate given the R&D nature and fixed fee structure. 4. Sector is R&D, specifically physical and engineering sciences.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $19.9M for a 41-day duration appears reasonable for specialized research. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts in optical materials is difficult without more specific data, but the award amount seems within a typical range for this type of study.

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 were likely considered. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives fair value by leveraging market forces.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to secure the best possible price for taxpayers by fostering a competitive bidding environment.

Public Impact

Advancement in optical materials could lead to improved defense technologies. Research into survivability enhances the resilience of military assets. Potential for spin-off technologies benefiting commercial sectors. Investment in R&D supports innovation and future technological capabilities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Research and Development projects inherently carry uncertainty.
Fixed fee structure may limit contractor incentive for cost efficiency.
Short duration might indicate a focused, preliminary study.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition suggests a healthy market.
Focus on survivability aligns with critical defense needs.
Award to a single entity implies specialized expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical sciences and engineering. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement but can be subject to long lead times and unpredictable outcomes. Benchmarks are difficult without specific sub-field data.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses participated in or benefited from this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Air Force is the awarding agency, suggesting internal oversight mechanisms are in place. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) requires careful monitoring of costs and performance to ensure value.

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

R&D inherent uncertainty.
Potential for cost overruns if not closely managed.
Limited duration may not capture long-term material performance.
Dependence on contractor's specialized expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $19.9 million to AZIMUTH CORPORATION. MATERIALS RESEARCH AND SURVIVABILITY STUDIES STRUCTURED OPTICAL MATERIALS AND PROCESSING

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 $19.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

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

What specific survivability challenges are being addressed by this materials research, and how will the findings be integrated into existing defense systems?

The contract details are limited, but 'survivability studies' in optical materials likely address resilience against environmental factors, battlefield damage, or electronic countermeasures. Integration into defense systems would depend on the research outcomes, potentially informing the design of new components or protective coatings for aircraft, sensors, or communication equipment.

Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, what are the primary cost drivers, and how is the 'fixed fee' determined to ensure fair compensation without excessive profit?

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts typically cover direct costs, indirect costs, and a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. Cost drivers would likely include specialized labor, advanced materials, testing equipment, and facility usage. The fixed fee is usually negotiated based on the complexity, risk, and estimated effort, aiming to provide reasonable profit for the contractor's performance.

How does the $19.9M investment in this specific area of optical materials research compare to broader DoD investments in materials science and survivability technologies?

Without broader DoD budget data for materials science and survivability, a direct comparison is challenging. However, $19.9M represents a significant, albeit focused, investment. It suggests a strategic priority within the Air Force for advancing optical material capabilities critical for future operational effectiveness and platform resilience.

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: $19,945,729

Exercised Options: $19,945,729

Current Obligation: $19,945,729

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 8

Total Subaward Amount: $2,447,366

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