Air Force Awards $24.5M R&D Contract for Satellite Scheduling Tool to Stottler Henke Associates
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $24,526,696 ($24.5M)
Contractor: Stottler Henke Associates, Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-08-21
End Date: 2026-12-31
Contract Duration: 1,228 days
Daily Burn Rate: $20.0K/day
Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: AIR FORCE SATELLITE CONTRACT NETWORK SCHEDULING TOOL
Place of Performance
Location: SAN MATEO, SAN MATEO County, CALIFORNIA, 94402
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $24.5 million to STOTTLER HENKE ASSOCIATES, INC for work described as: AIR FORCE SATELLITE CONTRACT NETWORK SCHEDULING TOOL Key points: 1. Contract awarded for specialized R&D in physical and engineering sciences. 2. Sole-source award raises questions about competition and potential cost savings. 3. Significant taxpayer investment in advanced satellite network technology. 4. Focus on research and development suggests potential for future innovation.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking is difficult without more specific details on the scope and deliverables.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was awarded sole-source, indicating a lack of competition. This limits price discovery and may result in a higher price than if multiple vendors had competed.
Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source nature of this award means taxpayers may not have received the best possible price due to the absence of competitive bidding.
Public Impact
Enhances critical satellite network scheduling capabilities for the Air Force. Supports advancements in space-based communication and operational efficiency. Potential for dual-use technology applicable to other government agencies or commercial sectors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can be prone to cost overruns.
- Lack of publicly available details on performance metrics.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical need for advanced satellite scheduling.
- Invests in cutting-edge R&D for national security.
- Long-term contract duration suggests sustained program support.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically for physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement but requires careful oversight to ensure value for money.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not awarded to a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the contractor is delivering on objectives and that costs remain reasonable. 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
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Lack of small business participation
- Limited public information on specific deliverables and performance metrics
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ca, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $24.5 million to STOTTLER HENKE ASSOCIATES, INC. AIR FORCE SATELLITE CONTRACT NETWORK SCHEDULING TOOL
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is STOTTLER HENKE 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 $24.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-08-21. End: 2026-12-31.
What specific capabilities will this satellite scheduling tool provide, and how will they improve Air Force operations?
The tool is intended to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of scheduling satellite assets, potentially leading to improved communication, data transmission, and mission execution. Specific capabilities likely include optimizing orbital paths, managing bandwidth, and coordinating communication windows, all crucial for maintaining a robust space-based operational advantage.
Given the sole-source award, what measures are in place to ensure the cost is reasonable and taxpayers are protected?
While sole-source awards limit competitive pressure, the government typically employs robust cost analysis and negotiation techniques. This includes reviewing the contractor's cost proposals, historical pricing, and independent cost estimates. Regular audits and performance reviews are also critical to ensure the fixed fee remains justified by the work performed.
What is the expected return on investment for this $24.5 million R&D contract in terms of technological advancement and operational benefits?
The ROI is expected through enhanced satellite network performance, improved operational readiness, and potential breakthroughs in scheduling algorithms. Quantifying this ROI is challenging for R&D, but benefits could include reduced mission delays, more efficient resource utilization, and the development of intellectual property that could be leveraged for future systems, ultimately bolstering national security.
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 AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: FA880623R0003
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1650 S AMPHLETT BLVD STE 300, SAN MATEO, CA, 94402
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $26,911,880
Exercised Options: $26,911,880
Current Obligation: $24,526,696
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-08-21
Current End Date: 2026-12-31
Potential End Date: 2028-08-20 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-13
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