DoD Awards $47.8M Contract to Apogee Research for Transitioning Stitches to Operational Use
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $47,790,561 ($47.8M)
Contractor: Apogee Research LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2020-06-08
End Date: 2026-03-31
Contract Duration: 2,122 days
Daily Burn Rate: $22.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: TRANSITIONING STITCHES TO OPERATIONAL USE
Place of Performance
Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22203
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $47.8 million to APOGEE RESEARCH LLC for work described as: TRANSITIONING STITCHES TO OPERATIONAL USE Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Apogee Research LLC for $47.8M. 2. Focuses on R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 3. Full and open competition was utilized. 4. Contract duration is 2122 days, ending March 2026.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which allows for flexibility in R&D projects. The award amount seems reasonable for the scope and duration, but a direct comparison to similar R&D contracts is needed for a definitive assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing by allowing all eligible vendors to bid.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by securing the best value.
Public Impact
Advancement of research and development in critical scientific fields. Potential for new operational capabilities within the Department of the Air Force. Supports innovation and technological progress within the defense sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns with Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts in R&D.
- Long contract duration may introduce scope creep or evolving requirements.
- Limited information on specific deliverables and success metrics.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, indicating market responsiveness.
- Focus on operationalizing research suggests a clear path to application.
- Contract supports a critical R&D area for the Air Force.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement, with benchmarks varying widely based on project complexity and duration.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses had an opportunity to participate as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Department of the Air Force. Oversight will be critical to ensure the project stays within budget and meets its research and development objectives, especially given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure.
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 contract type.
- Long contract duration (2122 days).
- Vague project description ('Transitioning Stitches').
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, va, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $47.8 million to APOGEE RESEARCH LLC. TRANSITIONING STITCHES TO OPERATIONAL USE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is APOGEE RESEARCH LLC.
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 $47.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-06-08. End: 2026-03-31.
What are the specific technical objectives and expected outcomes of 'Transitioning Stitches to Operational Use'?
The specific technical objectives and expected outcomes of 'Transitioning Stitches to Operational Use' are not detailed in the provided data. This project likely involves moving a research prototype or concept, referred to metaphorically as 'stitches,' into a deployable and functional system for the Air Force. Further documentation would be required to understand the precise nature of the technology and its intended operational impact.
What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type for this R&D project?
The primary risks with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract in R&D include potential for contractor inefficiencies leading to higher costs, as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee. Scope creep is also a risk, where project requirements expand beyond the initial agreement, potentially increasing costs and extending timelines. Ensuring clear definition of 'allowable costs' and robust oversight is crucial to mitigate these risks.
How will the success of transitioning 'Stitches' to operational use be measured and evaluated?
The success of transitioning 'Stitches' to operational use will likely be measured through a combination of technical performance metrics, successful integration into existing Air Force systems, and user acceptance testing. Key performance indicators (KPIs) related to functionality, reliability, and operational effectiveness would need to be defined and tracked. Formal reviews and milestone achievements throughout the contract period will also serve as evaluation points.
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 › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Solicitation ID: FA875019S7001
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 4075 WILSON BLVD STE 600, ARLINGTON, VA, 22203
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $48,250,998
Exercised Options: $48,250,998
Current Obligation: $47,790,561
Actual Outlays: $3,505,107
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-06-08
Current End Date: 2026-03-31
Potential End Date: 2026-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-08-04
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