DoD's $27M C-ISR TMRR contract with Applied Research Associates aims to counter adversaries

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,019,654 ($27.0M)

Contractor: Applied Research Associates, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-02-13

End Date: 2025-09-24

Contract Duration: 954 days

Daily Burn Rate: $28.3K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: C-ISR TMRR IS IN SUPPORT OF THE PURSUIT OF CAPABILITIES AND TECHNOLOGIES TO COUNTER ADVERSARY ISR AND BRING COMPETITIVE EDGE TO THE WARFIGHTER.

Place of Performance

Location: ALBUQUERQUE, BERNALILLO County, NEW MEXICO, 87110

State: New Mexico Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $27.0 million to APPLIED RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC. for work described as: C-ISR TMRR IS IN SUPPORT OF THE PURSUIT OF CAPABILITIES AND TECHNOLOGIES TO COUNTER ADVERSARY ISR AND BRING COMPETITIVE EDGE TO THE WARFIGHTER. Key points: 1. Focuses on advanced ISR capabilities for a competitive warfighter edge. 2. Contract awarded to Applied Research Associates, Inc. 3. Significant investment in R&D for defense technology. 4. Potential for technological advancements impacting national security.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $27M for a 954-day duration appears reasonable for specialized R&D. However, without specific deliverables or performance metrics, a precise value assessment is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may result in a higher cost than a competitive process would yield.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are allocated without the benefit of competitive bidding, potentially leading to less cost-efficiency.

Public Impact

Enhances national security by developing advanced intelligence capabilities. Supports technological superiority for the U.S. military. Invests in research that could have dual-use applications.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may lead to inflated costs.
Limited transparency on specific technological advancements.
Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.

Positive Signals

Addresses critical national security needs.
Invests in cutting-edge research and development.
Aims to maintain a technological advantage over adversaries.

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 superiority but often involves higher risk and less predictable outcomes.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded to a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Air Force awarded this contract. Oversight will be critical to ensure the R&D objectives are met efficiently and effectively, especially given the sole-source nature.

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

Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
R&D contracts inherently carry technical and schedule risks.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes value assessment challenging.
Potential for cost overruns in complex research projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $27.0 million to APPLIED RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC.. C-ISR TMRR IS IN SUPPORT OF THE PURSUIT OF CAPABILITIES AND TECHNOLOGIES TO COUNTER ADVERSARY ISR AND BRING COMPETITIVE EDGE TO THE WARFIGHTER.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is APPLIED RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, 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 $27.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-02-13. End: 2025-09-24.

What specific technological advancements are expected from this C-ISR TMRR contract, and how will they directly counter adversary ISR capabilities?

The contract aims to develop capabilities and technologies to counter adversary ISR. Specific advancements are not detailed but likely include enhanced sensor fusion, improved data analysis algorithms, and novel collection platforms. The goal is to provide warfighters with a competitive edge by disrupting or evading enemy intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance efforts.

Given the sole-source nature of this award, what measures are in place to ensure cost-effectiveness and prevent potential overspending on this R&D effort?

While sole-source awards limit competitive pressure, cost-effectiveness can be managed through rigorous contract oversight, milestone-based payments tied to demonstrable progress, and clear performance metrics. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires the contractor to justify all costs, and the government can negotiate fee adjustments based on performance and market research.

How will the success of this R&D contract be measured, and what are the key performance indicators for assessing its contribution to warfighter effectiveness?

Success will likely be measured by the successful development and demonstration of specific counter-ISR technologies and capabilities. Key performance indicators could include the system's ability to detect, track, and identify targets while remaining undetected, its integration into existing platforms, and its measurable impact on mission success rates in simulated or real-world scenarios.

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: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4300 SAN MATEO BLVD NE, ALBUQUERQUE, NM, 87110

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $102,075,148

Exercised Options: $45,104,761

Current Obligation: $27,019,654

Actual Outlays: $2,178,523

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 17

Total Subaward Amount: $2,574,260

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline