DoD's $11.8M C-ISR Radar Modeling Contract Accelerates Multispectral Asset Development

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,845,479 ($11.8M)

Contractor: Applied Research Associates, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-02-16

End Date: 2025-12-09

Contract Duration: 1,027 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.5K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: THE GOAL OF C-ISR RADAR MODELING IS TO CREATE SOFTWARE THAT WILL AID IN ACCELERATING AND IMPROVING THE DESIGN-BUILD-TEST-DEPLOY CYCLE OF MULTISPECTRAL ASSETS TO MEET THE DEMAND OF INTEGRATED BASE DEFENSE.

Place of Performance

Location: ALBUQUERQUE, BERNALILLO County, NEW MEXICO, 87110

State: New Mexico Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $11.8 million to APPLIED RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC. for work described as: THE GOAL OF C-ISR RADAR MODELING IS TO CREATE SOFTWARE THAT WILL AID IN ACCELERATING AND IMPROVING THE DESIGN-BUILD-TEST-DEPLOY CYCLE OF MULTISPECTRAL ASSETS TO MEET THE DEMAND OF INTEGRATED BASE DEFENSE. Key points: 1. Focuses on R&D for integrated base defense, aiming to speed up the design-build-test-deploy cycle. 2. Contract awarded to Applied Research Associates, Inc. for a definitive contract. 3. Significant investment in advanced radar modeling technology for the Department of the Air Force. 4. The sector is Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. Benchmarking is difficult without more specific cost breakdowns for similar R&D efforts.

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 potentially increases costs for taxpayers as competitive pressure is absent.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in a higher overall cost to taxpayers for this critical R&D.

Public Impact

Enhances national defense capabilities through advanced radar modeling. Supports technological advancement in multispectral asset development. Aims to improve the efficiency of military asset lifecycle management. Potential for dual-use technology applications beyond defense.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure
Potential for cost overruns

Positive Signals

Addresses critical defense need
Accelerates technology development
Supports innovation in R&D

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority but requires careful oversight due to inherent uncertainties.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further investigation may be needed to assess potential small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight from the Department of Defense to ensure the contractor is meeting milestones and managing costs effectively. Transparency in reporting is essential.

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.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract increases risk of cost overruns.
Lack of transparency on specific performance metrics.
Potential for contractor to dictate terms due to lack of competition.
Limited visibility into small business subcontracting opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $11.8 million to APPLIED RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC.. THE GOAL OF C-ISR RADAR MODELING IS TO CREATE SOFTWARE THAT WILL AID IN ACCELERATING AND IMPROVING THE DESIGN-BUILD-TEST-DEPLOY CYCLE OF MULTISPECTRAL ASSETS TO MEET THE DEMAND OF INTEGRATED BASE DEFENSE.

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 $11.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-02-16. End: 2025-12-09.

What specific metrics will be used to evaluate the success of the C-ISR radar modeling software in accelerating the design-build-test-deploy cycle?

Success will likely be measured by comparing the time and resources required for multispectral asset development before and after the implementation of the new modeling software. Key performance indicators could include reduced design iterations, faster simulation times, and improved accuracy in predicting asset performance in integrated base defense scenarios. The Department of the Air Force should establish clear, quantifiable benchmarks for these metrics.

Given the sole-source nature, how will the Department of Defense ensure the cost-effectiveness and prevent potential cost overruns in this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract?

Robust oversight mechanisms are crucial. This includes detailed review of contractor's cost proposals, regular audits of expenditures, and strict adherence to the fixed fee component. The government should establish clear milestones and deliverables tied to payments, and actively manage the scope of work to prevent creep. Independent cost analysis may also be beneficial.

What is the long-term strategy for integrating and utilizing this C-ISR radar modeling capability across different Department of Defense branches or programs?

The long-term strategy should involve a phased rollout and integration plan, potentially starting with pilot programs within the Air Force. Establishing a common data architecture and interoperability standards will be key for broader adoption. Cross-branch collaboration and training initiatives will ensure the effective utilization of this advanced modeling capability to enhance overall defense readiness and technological integration.

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: $11,845,479

Exercised Options: $11,845,479

Current Obligation: $11,845,479

Actual Outlays: $2,638,942

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 3

Total Subaward Amount: $476,312

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline