DoD Awards $9M for CARACAL Imaging Payload to Optimum Technologies LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $9,060,454 ($9.1M)
Contractor: Optimum Technologies LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-10-28
End Date: 2027-06-29
Contract Duration: 974 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: CARACAL IMAGING PAYLOAD OPTECH SBIR III
Place of Performance
Location: KIRTLAND AFB, BERNALILLO County, NEW MEXICO, 87117
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $9.1 million to OPTIMUM TECHNOLOGIES LLC for work described as: CARACAL IMAGING PAYLOAD OPTECH SBIR III Key points: 1. The contract is for research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Optimum Technologies LLC secured the award through full and open competition. 3. The contract has a duration of 974 days, ending in June 2027. 4. This award represents a significant investment in advanced imaging technology for the Air Force.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $9.06 million for a 974-day duration appears reasonable for specialized R&D in imaging technology. Benchmarking against similar complex R&D contracts would provide further validation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and ensures fair market value.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests that taxpayer funds are being used efficiently to procure advanced technology.
Public Impact
Enhances U.S. Air Force's intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. Supports advancements in scientific research and technological innovation. Potential for dual-use applications in civilian sectors requiring advanced imaging.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.
- Dependence on a single contractor for specialized technology.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Clear contract end date and defined duration.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type limits cost overruns.
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 maintaining technological superiority and innovation, with benchmarks varying widely based on project complexity and scope.
Small Business Impact
While this specific award went to Optimum Technologies LLC, the R&D sector often involves subcontracting opportunities for small businesses, particularly in specialized component manufacturing or testing services.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force is responsible for oversight. The firm fixed price contract type provides some cost control, but ongoing monitoring of progress and deliverables is essential for R&D effectiveness.
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
- Risk of R&D project delays.
- Potential for cost overruns if scope changes.
- Technical challenges in achieving desired imaging performance.
- Dependence on contractor's specialized expertise.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, nm, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $9.1 million to OPTIMUM TECHNOLOGIES LLC. CARACAL IMAGING PAYLOAD OPTECH SBIR III
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is OPTIMUM TECHNOLOGIES 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 $9.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-10-28. End: 2027-06-29.
What specific advancements in imaging technology does the CARACAL payload aim to achieve, and how do these align with current Air Force strategic priorities?
The CARACAL imaging payload likely aims to enhance resolution, spectral analysis, or real-time processing capabilities beyond existing systems. These advancements would directly support Air Force priorities in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), enabling more effective threat detection, situational awareness, and decision-making in complex operational environments.
What are the key performance metrics or milestones that will be used to evaluate the success of this R&D contract, and how will they mitigate the inherent risks of developing novel technology?
Success will likely be measured against predefined technical specifications for image quality, data processing speed, and system integration. Milestones might include prototype development, successful field testing, and demonstration of key functionalities. These metrics mitigate risk by providing clear, objective targets, allowing for early identification of deviations and enabling corrective actions.
Beyond the immediate defense application, what is the potential for this CARACAL imaging technology to be transitioned to other government agencies or commercial sectors, and what is the associated ec
Advanced imaging technologies often have dual-use potential. The CARACAL payload could be adapted for applications in environmental monitoring, disaster response, medical imaging, or scientific research. Successful transition could lead to new commercial products, job creation, and economic growth, amplifying the initial investment's return.
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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 103 CARPENTER DR, STERLING, VA, 20164
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $12,360,954
Exercised Options: $12,360,954
Current Obligation: $9,060,454
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-10-28
Current End Date: 2027-06-29
Potential End Date: 2027-06-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-19
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