DoD Awards NOU Systems $20.2M for Miniaturized Fly-Along Sensor Package
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,023,650 ($2.0M)
Contractor: NOU Systems Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-06-09
End Date: 2026-03-13
Contract Duration: 1,008 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 146
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SBIR 23.1 PHASE II, "MINIATURIZED FLY-ALONG SENSOR PACKAGE (MINIFASP)"
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35806
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $2.0 million to NOU SYSTEMS INC for work described as: SBIR 23.1 PHASE II, "MINIATURIZED FLY-ALONG SENSOR PACKAGE (MINIFASP)" Key points: 1. This contract focuses on advanced sensor technology development for the Air Force. 2. The award is part of the SBIR program, aimed at fostering innovation. 3. Competition was limited after exclusion of sources, raising potential value concerns. 4. The R&D sector is critical for defense modernization.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $20.2M for a Phase II SBIR project appears within a reasonable range for specialized R&D. However, without specific benchmarks for miniaturized sensor packages, a precise value assessment is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating a limited competition. This method may restrict price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs compared to full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting advanced R&D, which could yield significant long-term defense capabilities. However, the limited competition warrants scrutiny to ensure cost-effectiveness.
Public Impact
Development of advanced sensor technology for potential military applications. Support for small business innovation through the SBIR program. Potential for enhanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. Investment in cutting-edge research and development within the defense sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may impact cost efficiency.
- SBIR Phase II awards require careful monitoring for successful technology transition.
- Specific performance metrics and deliverables need clear definition.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical defense R&D objectives.
- Leverages small business innovation.
- Focuses on advanced miniaturized sensor technology.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority but requires rigorous oversight to ensure value for money.
Small Business Impact
This award is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, designed to encourage technological innovation by small businesses. While NOU Systems Inc. is the contractor, the SBIR framework itself supports the small business ecosystem.
Oversight & Accountability
The limited competition aspect necessitates robust oversight from the Department of the Air Force to ensure the contractor meets all performance milestones and cost objectives. Post-award reviews will be critical.
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
- Limited competition raises concerns about cost efficiency.
- SBIR Phase II requires careful tracking for successful transition.
- Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.
- Dependence on specific technological advancements.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, al, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $2.0 million to NOU SYSTEMS INC. SBIR 23.1 PHASE II, "MINIATURIZED FLY-ALONG SENSOR PACKAGE (MINIFASP)"
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NOU SYSTEMS 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 $2.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-06-09. End: 2026-03-13.
What is the projected return on investment for this sensor technology development?
The projected return on investment is currently difficult to quantify as this is a Phase II SBIR project focused on research and development. Success will depend on the successful maturation of the technology and its subsequent adoption and deployment by the Air Force or other defense agencies. Future phases and potential commercialization could offer returns, but these are speculative at this stage.
What are the specific risks associated with the limited competition and potential for cost overruns?
The primary risk of limited competition is reduced price pressure, potentially leading to higher costs than if multiple vendors competed. This could result in taxpayer funds being used less efficiently. Cost overruns are a general risk in R&D, but the lack of competitive benchmarking exacerbates this, making it harder to identify and correct deviations from expected spending.
How will the effectiveness of the miniaturized sensor package be measured and validated?
Effectiveness will be measured against specific technical performance requirements outlined in the contract. This typically involves rigorous testing and validation protocols conducted by the Department of the Air Force. Key metrics will likely include sensor accuracy, range, power consumption, size, weight, and operational reliability under simulated or actual mission conditions.
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: 146
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 7047 OLD MADISON PKE, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35806
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $2,023,650
Exercised Options: $2,023,650
Current Obligation: $2,023,650
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $516,519
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-06-09
Current End Date: 2026-03-13
Potential End Date: 2026-03-13 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-07
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