Dod's Sharpee Project: $44.1M Contract Awarded to Greensight Inc. for R&D

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,412,004 ($4.4M)

Contractor: Greensight Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-12-12

End Date: 2027-01-06

Contract Duration: 1,121 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 19

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: SURROGATE HARDWARE FOR ACCELERATED PLATFORM EXPLORATION EXPLOITATION (SHARPEE)

Place of Performance

Location: CHARLESTOWN, SUFFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02129

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $4.4 million to GREENSIGHT INC. for work described as: SURROGATE HARDWARE FOR ACCELERATED PLATFORM EXPLORATION EXPLOITATION (SHARPEE) Key points: 1. The contract focuses on Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 2. Awarded under Full and Open Competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 4. The project duration is over 3 years, suggesting a significant R&D effort.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type, while allowing flexibility for R&D, carries inherent risks of cost escalation. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more specific cost breakdowns.

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. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure may still allow for costs to exceed initial estimates.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced R&D, with the potential for significant technological advancements. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates close monitoring to ensure cost efficiency.

Public Impact

Advancement of physical, engineering, and life sciences research through the SHARPEE project. Potential for new technologies and capabilities to emerge from the Air Force's R&D investment. The project duration and funding indicate a substantial commitment to innovation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns.
  • Limited insight into specific deliverables and milestones for the R&D.
  • Potential for scope creep in long-term R&D projects.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded through Full and Open Competition, suggesting fair market pricing.
  • Focus on critical R&D areas for the Department of Defense.
  • Long-term contract allows for sustained research and development.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement but can be subject to cost uncertainties.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to GREENSIGHT INC. and does not indicate any specific subcontracting goals for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved in the supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Air Force is the awarding agency. Oversight will be critical to manage the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure and ensure the R&D objectives are met efficiently and effectively.

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 duration R&D project with potential for evolving requirements.
  • Lack of specific performance metrics or deliverables in the provided data.
  • Potential for contractor cost inefficiencies.

Tags

research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ma, definitive-contract, 1m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $4.4 million to GREENSIGHT INC.. SURROGATE HARDWARE FOR ACCELERATED PLATFORM EXPLORATION EXPLOITATION (SHARPEE)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GREENSIGHT 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 $4.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-12-12. End: 2027-01-06.

What specific technological advancements or capabilities is the SHARPEE project expected to deliver?

The specific technological advancements are not detailed in the provided data. As a Research and Development contract, the SHARPEE project likely aims to explore and exploit new platforms, potentially leading to breakthroughs in areas relevant to the Air Force's mission. Further documentation would be required to ascertain the precise expected outcomes and deliverables.

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 for R&D include potential cost overruns if the contractor's actual costs exceed estimates, and the contractor may have less incentive to control costs compared to fixed-price contracts. Effective government oversight is crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure value for taxpayer money.

How does the $44.1M investment in SHARPEE align with the Air Force's broader R&D strategy and priorities?

The alignment of the $44.1M SHARPEE investment with the Air Force's broader R&D strategy is not explicitly detailed. However, the focus on 'Accelerated Platform Exploration Exploitation' suggests a strategic push towards rapid innovation and capability development in areas critical to future Air Force operations and technological superiority.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesScientific Research and Development ServicesResearch and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENTC – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: HR001123S0025

Offers Received: 19

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 529 MAIN ST STE 600, CHARLESTOWN, MA, 02129

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,175,989

Exercised Options: $5,365,952

Current Obligation: $4,412,004

Actual Outlays: $507,323

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline

Start Date: 2023-12-12

Current End Date: 2027-01-06

Potential End Date: 2027-01-06 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2026-01-06

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