DoD's RISE C3 Contract: $8.25M Awarded to AXIENT LLC for R&D in Alabama
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $8,249,851 ($8.2M)
Contractor: Axient LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2019-06-01
End Date: 2027-03-05
Contract Duration: 2,834 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: RISE - TACTICAL COMMAND, CONTROL. AND COMMUNICATIONS (C3)
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35806
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $8.2 million to AXIENT LLC for work described as: RISE - TACTICAL COMMAND, CONTROL. AND COMMUNICATIONS (C3) Key points: 1. Contract focuses on tactical command, control, and communications (C3) systems. 2. Awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 3. Significant R&D spending in the physical, engineering, and life sciences sector. 4. Long performance period extending to March 2027.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $8.25 million appears reasonable for a multi-year R&D effort in C3 systems. Benchmarking against similar complex R&D contracts would provide further validation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' indicates a competitive process, but the exclusion of specific sources may limit the breadth of competition and potentially impact price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced C3 research, aiming for technological superiority. The competitive process, even if limited, should ensure some level of cost-effectiveness.
Public Impact
Enhances critical tactical communication capabilities for the Air Force. Supports technological advancement in a key defense sector. Potential for spin-off technologies benefiting other industries. Long-term investment in national security infrastructure.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition due to source exclusion.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Positive Signals
- Focus on critical C3 capabilities.
- Awarded to a single vendor, suggesting specialized expertise.
- Long-term contract provides stability for R&D.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically for physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological advantage, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research domain.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. The prime contractor, AXIENT LLC, is not identified as a small business in this context, suggesting the primary focus is on specialized capabilities.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be critical for the Department of the Air Force to ensure the R&D objectives are met efficiently and effectively within the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, managing potential cost escalations.
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
- Potential for cost overruns with Cost Plus Fixed Fee.
- Limited competition may reduce overall value for money.
- Long contract duration increases risk of technology obsolescence.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical C3 R&D.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, al, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $8.2 million to AXIENT LLC. RISE - TACTICAL COMMAND, CONTROL. AND COMMUNICATIONS (C3)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AXIENT 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 $8.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-06-01. End: 2027-03-05.
What specific C3 technologies are being developed under this contract, and how do they align with current and future Air Force operational needs?
The contract details 'RISE - TACTICAL COMMAND, CONTROL. AND COMMUNICATIONS (C3)'. While specific technologies are not listed, the focus is on enhancing tactical C3 systems. This likely includes advancements in secure communication, data integration, situational awareness, and network resilience, crucial for modern air operations and joint force integration.
What were the primary reasons for excluding other sources in this 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' scenario, and how was the necessity justified?
Excluding sources typically occurs when specific capabilities, proprietary technology, or unique expertise are required that only a limited number of entities possess. The justification would likely stem from the specialized nature of tactical C3 R&D, potentially involving classified information or unique integration requirements that AXIENT LLC uniquely met.
How will the effectiveness of the R&D outcomes be measured, and what are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract?
Effectiveness measurement for R&D contracts often involves technical performance milestones, successful prototype demonstrations, and validation against defined operational requirements. KPIs would likely focus on achieving specific technical objectives, system integration success, and demonstrating enhanced command, control, and communication capabilities under simulated or real-world 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
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 360A QUALITY CIRCLE, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35806
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $8,401,304
Exercised Options: $8,401,304
Current Obligation: $8,249,851
Actual Outlays: $24,696
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 9
Total Subaward Amount: $2,813,052
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA945319D0002
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-06-01
Current End Date: 2027-03-05
Potential End Date: 2027-03-05 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-15
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