DoD Awards $5.3M for Autonomous Imaging R&D to Spectral Sciences, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $5,285,107 ($5.3M)
Contractor: Spectral Sciences, Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-08-12
End Date: 2026-11-12
Contract Duration: 1,918 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: PERFORMANCE MODELING TOOLKIT FOR AUTONOMOUS ELECTRO-OPTICAL IMAGING SOLUTIONS TO F2T FROM PLEO
Place of Performance
Location: BURLINGTON, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01803
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $5.3 million to SPECTRAL SCIENCES, INC for work described as: PERFORMANCE MODELING TOOLKIT FOR AUTONOMOUS ELECTRO-OPTICAL IMAGING SOLUTIONS TO F2T FROM PLEO Key points: 1. The contract focuses on advanced R&D in electro-optical imaging, a specialized field. 2. Spectral Sciences, Inc. is the sole awardee under a full and open competition. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can carry cost overrun risks. 4. The sector is Research and Development, specifically physical and engineering sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type allows for cost flexibility but requires careful monitoring to prevent overruns. The fixed fee component provides some incentive for the contractor to manage costs effectively.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the specific awardee is Spectral Sciences, Inc., indicating they were the chosen entity from the competitive pool.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being allocated to advanced research and development, with the potential for significant technological advancements. Oversight is crucial to ensure value for money.
Public Impact
Advancement in autonomous imaging technology could have dual-use applications. Investment in R&D supports innovation and potential future defense capabilities. The project duration of nearly 2000 days suggests a long-term research commitment.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed properly.
- Long contract duration increases the risk of scope creep or changing technological landscapes.
- Sole awardee, despite full and open competition, warrants scrutiny of the selection process.
Positive Signals
- Focus on cutting-edge R&D in a critical technology area.
- Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a structured procurement process.
- Potential for significant technological advancements benefiting national security.
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 technological advancement but can be subject to long development cycles and uncertain outcomes.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Spectral Sciences, Inc. and there is no indication of small business subcontracting requirements or participation in this award notice.
Oversight & Accountability
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates robust oversight to ensure costs remain within budget and that the contractor meets performance milestones. Regular reporting and 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
- Cost overrun potential
- Long-term project duration
- Uncertainty of R&D outcomes
- Reliance on a single contractor for a critical technology
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ma, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $5.3 million to SPECTRAL SCIENCES, INC. PERFORMANCE MODELING TOOLKIT FOR AUTONOMOUS ELECTRO-OPTICAL IMAGING SOLUTIONS TO F2T FROM PLEO
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SPECTRAL SCIENCES, 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 $5.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-08-12. End: 2026-11-12.
What is the expected return on investment for this R&D funding?
The return on investment for R&D funding is inherently uncertain and long-term. Success in developing advanced autonomous electro-optical imaging solutions could lead to significant technological advantages, potentially reducing future costs or enhancing mission effectiveness. However, the primary goal is innovation, and direct financial ROI may not be the most appropriate metric.
What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type in this R&D context?
The primary risks with CPFF in R&D include potential cost overruns if the research proves more complex or expensive than anticipated. The fixed fee provides less incentive for cost control compared to fixed-price contracts. Effective oversight and clear performance metrics are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure the government receives value for its investment.
How will the effectiveness of the developed imaging solutions be measured and validated?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through a series of defined performance milestones and testing protocols outlined in the contract. This could involve laboratory demonstrations, simulated operational environments, and potentially field tests. Validation will depend on achieving specific technical objectives related to image quality, autonomy, and operational reliability under various 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
Solicitation Procedures: TWO STEP
Solicitation ID: FA945319S0002
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 30 4TH AVE STE 2, BURLINGTON, MA, 01803
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $10,570,214
Exercised Options: $10,570,214
Current Obligation: $5,285,107
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-08-12
Current End Date: 2026-11-12
Potential End Date: 2026-11-12 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-05
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