DoD's $10.5M R&D contract with Praeses, LLC aims to enhance geospatial engine resilience and connectivity

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,542,173 ($10.5M)

Contractor: Praeses, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-09-29

End Date: 2027-08-30

Contract Duration: 700 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: FUTURE ORIENTED ROOK GEOSPATIAL ENGINE - THE OBJECTIVE IS TO DEVELOP AND TEST A HIGHLY RESILIENT AND ADAPTABLE SOLUTION THAT DIRECTLY ADDRESSES THE DUAL CHALLENGES OF EXTENSIVE PRE-PLANNING REQUIREMENTS AND TO IMPROVE CONNECTIVITY.

Place of Performance

Location: SHREVEPORT, CADDO County, LOUISIANA, 71101

State: Louisiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $10.5 million to PRAESES, LLC for work described as: FUTURE ORIENTED ROOK GEOSPATIAL ENGINE - THE OBJECTIVE IS TO DEVELOP AND TEST A HIGHLY RESILIENT AND ADAPTABLE SOLUTION THAT DIRECTLY ADDRESSES THE DUAL CHALLENGES OF EXTENSIVE PRE-PLANNING REQUIREMENTS AND TO IMPROVE CONNECTIVITY. Key points: 1. Focus on improving pre-planning requirements and connectivity for geospatial data. 2. Contract duration of 700 days suggests a phased development and testing approach. 3. The definitive contract type indicates a commitment to a specific project outcome. 4. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences is a critical area for technological advancement. 5. The contract's objective aligns with modern military needs for adaptable and resilient systems. 6. The use of Cost Plus Fixed Fee pricing suggests potential for cost overruns if not managed carefully.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $10.5 million for a 700-day R&D effort appears within a reasonable range for developing advanced geospatial capabilities. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts in the defense sector for software and systems development would provide a clearer picture of value for money. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing structure, while common in R&D, carries inherent risks of cost escalation if the scope is not tightly controlled or if unforeseen technical challenges arise. Without specific performance metrics or deliverables outlined, a definitive assessment of value is challenging.

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 had the opportunity to bid. The presence of two bidders suggests a moderate level of competition for this specialized R&D requirement. While more bidders could potentially drive down costs, two offers are sufficient to provide a basis for price and technical evaluation, ensuring the government receives a competitive offer.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to better pricing and innovative solutions, preventing sole-source awards that might be less cost-effective.

Public Impact

The Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force, will benefit from improved geospatial intelligence capabilities. The contract aims to deliver a resilient and adaptable geospatial engine, enhancing operational planning and connectivity. The project is located in Louisiana, potentially creating or sustaining high-skilled jobs in the region. Advancements in geospatial technology can have broader applications in scientific research and infrastructure management.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing can lead to cost overruns if not meticulously managed.
The complexity of R&D projects introduces inherent risks of technical challenges and schedule delays.
Defining clear, measurable performance outcomes for advanced R&D can be difficult, impacting value assessment.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process.
The focus on resilience and adaptability addresses critical modern defense needs.
The contract supports research and development in a key technological area for national security.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for advanced geospatial technology is driven by government defense needs and increasingly by commercial applications in areas like autonomous vehicles, environmental monitoring, and urban planning. Spending in this niche R&D area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority and innovation, with comparable contracts often involving significant investment in software development, data processing, and system integration.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside requirement (ss: false, sb: false). While Praeses, LLC is the prime contractor, there is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses. The impact on the small business ecosystem will depend on whether Praeses engages small businesses for specialized services or components related to the geospatial engine development.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Air Force contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures will be tied to the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, requiring detailed cost reporting and performance reviews. Transparency will be facilitated through contract reporting mechanisms, though specific details of the R&D progress may be subject to security classifications. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Geospatial Intelligence
Defense Research and Development
Air Force R&D Programs
Advanced Software Development
Resilient Systems Engineering

Risk Flags

Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF)
R&D Technical Challenges
Scope Creep Potential

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $10.5 million to PRAESES, LLC. FUTURE ORIENTED ROOK GEOSPATIAL ENGINE - THE OBJECTIVE IS TO DEVELOP AND TEST A HIGHLY RESILIENT AND ADAPTABLE SOLUTION THAT DIRECTLY ADDRESSES THE DUAL CHALLENGES OF EXTENSIVE PRE-PLANNING REQUIREMENTS AND TO IMPROVE CONNECTIVITY.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PRAESES, 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 $10.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-29. End: 2027-08-30.

What is the track record of Praeses, LLC in delivering complex R&D projects for the Department of Defense?

Information regarding Praeses, LLC's specific track record in delivering complex R&D projects for the Department of Defense is not detailed in the provided data. A thorough assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history, and any publicly available project outcomes associated with the company. Understanding their experience with similar geospatial technologies, resilience engineering, and connectivity solutions would be crucial. Without this historical data, it is difficult to definitively assess their capability to successfully execute this particular contract. Further investigation into federal procurement databases and contractor performance systems would be necessary to provide a comprehensive answer.

How does the $10.5 million contract value compare to similar R&D efforts in geospatial technology for defense?

The $10.5 million contract value for a 700-day R&D effort in geospatial technology appears to be within a moderate range for specialized defense projects. However, a precise comparison is difficult without more granular data on the scope of work, specific deliverables, and the technological maturity targeted. Similar R&D contracts can range from a few million dollars for feasibility studies to tens or hundreds of millions for full-scale system development. The 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' NAICS code (541715) encompasses a broad spectrum of activities. To benchmark effectively, one would need to compare this contract against others focused on developing resilient geospatial engines, improving connectivity solutions, and addressing pre-planning requirements within the defense sector, considering factors like contractor size, project complexity, and duration.

What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing structure for this contract?

The primary risk associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing structure for this contract is the potential for cost overruns. While the 'Fixed Fee' component provides a ceiling for the contractor's profit, the 'Cost Plus' element means the government reimburses the contractor for allowable costs incurred. If the R&D project encounters unforeseen technical challenges, requires more resources than initially estimated, or if the scope expands without proper change control, the total cost to the government could exceed initial projections. Effective oversight, rigorous cost tracking, and clear definition of work are essential to mitigate this risk. The contractor has less incentive to control costs compared to fixed-price contracts, as their fee is fixed regardless of the final cost.

How will the success of the 'FUTURE ORIENTED ROOK GEOSPATIAL ENGINE' be measured?

The success of the 'FUTURE ORIENTED ROOK GEOSPATIAL ENGINE' will be measured against the stated objectives within the contract, which include developing and testing a highly resilient and adaptable solution that directly addresses extensive pre-planning requirements and improves connectivity. Specific performance metrics and testing protocols would be detailed in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) or Performance Work Statement (PWS). These metrics likely involve quantifiable measures of resilience (e.g., uptime, data integrity under stress), adaptability (e.g., ease of integration with other systems, modularity), and connectivity performance (e.g., bandwidth, latency, reliability). Regular technical reviews, milestone achievements, and successful completion of defined test phases will also serve as key indicators of progress and ultimate success.

What is the historical spending trend for R&D in geospatial capabilities within the Department of Defense?

Historical spending trends for R&D in geospatial capabilities within the Department of Defense have generally shown a consistent and often increasing investment over the past decade. This is driven by the increasing reliance on accurate, timely, and actionable intelligence for military operations, as well as advancements in sensor technology, data analytics, and cloud computing. The DoD allocates significant resources to developing and modernizing its geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) infrastructure, including platforms, software, and analytical tools. While specific figures fluctuate annually based on strategic priorities and budget allocations, the overall trajectory indicates a sustained commitment to enhancing these critical capabilities to maintain situational awareness and support decision-making across all operational domains.

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: BASIC RESEARCH

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 330 MARSHALL ST SUITE 800, SHREVEPORT, LA, 71101

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,542,173

Exercised Options: $10,542,173

Current Obligation: $10,542,173

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline