DoD Awards $12.9M R&D Contract to Tecolote Research, Inc. for Physical Sciences Research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $12,928,047 ($12.9M)
Contractor: Tecolote Research, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2007-03-23
End Date: 2011-05-15
Contract Duration: 1,514 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: R&D
Official Description: DELIVERY ORDER AWARD
Place of Performance
Location: EL SEGUNDO, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 90245
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $12.9 million to TECOLOTE RESEARCH, INC. for work described as: DELIVERY ORDER AWARD Key points: 1. Significant R&D investment in physical sciences, a critical area for defense innovation. 2. Tecolote Research, Inc. is a known entity in defense contracting, suggesting established capabilities. 3. The contract's Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure can pose cost control risks if not managed diligently. 4. Focus on R&D in physical sciences aligns with broader defense modernization efforts.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a Time and Materials (T&M) award, which can lead to higher costs than fixed-price contracts if not closely monitored. Without specific benchmarks for this type of R&D, assessing 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 a competitive bidding process. However, the T&M nature of the award may limit price discovery compared to fixed-price contracts.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting critical R&D. The T&M structure necessitates robust oversight to ensure cost-effectiveness and prevent overspending.
Public Impact
Supports advancements in physical sciences, potentially leading to new defense technologies. Investment in R&D contributes to the nation's technological competitiveness. Contract duration of over 4 years suggests a substantial and ongoing research effort.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Time and Materials pricing can lead to cost overruns.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes value assessment difficult.
- Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Contractor has experience in defense sector.
- Focus on critical R&D area.
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, with significant government investment annually across various agencies.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, Tecolote Research, Inc., is not typically classified as a small business. There is no indication in the provided data that small businesses were subcontracted for this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The Time and Materials contract type requires diligent oversight from the Air Force to manage costs, track labor hours, and ensure the scope of work aligns with the research objectives. Regular reviews are essential for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Time and Materials pricing structure.
- Lack of defined deliverables or milestones.
- Potential for scope creep in R&D.
- Limited information on specific research objectives.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ca, do, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $12.9 million to TECOLOTE RESEARCH, INC.. DELIVERY ORDER AWARD
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TECOLOTE RESEARCH, 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 $12.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-03-23. End: 2011-05-15.
What specific R&D outcomes are expected from this $12.9M award, and how will their achievement be measured to ensure value for taxpayer money?
The expected outcomes are not detailed in the provided data. Measuring value would require defining clear research milestones, deliverables, and performance metrics tied to the physical sciences R&D objectives. Without these, assessing the return on investment is speculative, relying heavily on the contractor's reporting and the agency's internal evaluation processes.
Given the Time and Materials (T&M) contract type, what risk mitigation strategies are in place to control costs and prevent potential overruns during the contract's duration?
Effective mitigation for T&M contracts involves establishing clear labor categories with pre-negotiated rates, setting cost ceilings, requiring detailed progress reports, and implementing robust government oversight. The Air Force must actively monitor hours, expenses, and project progress against defined objectives to identify and address potential cost escalations early.
How does this contract contribute to the Department of Defense's broader strategic goals in research and development, particularly in the physical sciences domain?
This contract likely supports the DoD's objective of advancing foundational scientific knowledge and developing next-generation technologies critical for national security. Investments in physical sciences R&D can lead to breakthroughs in areas such as materials science, advanced manufacturing, or energy technologies, ultimately enhancing military capabilities and maintaining a technological edge over adversaries.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1 S LOS CARNEROS RD # 125, GOLETA, CA, 24
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $15,448,895
Exercised Options: $15,448,895
Current Obligation: $12,928,047
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS23F0105K
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-03-23
Current End Date: 2011-05-15
Potential End Date: 2011-05-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2012-10-02
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