DoD's $11.18M PICS/CBMS SBIR Phase III Contract Awarded to Advanced Systems Supportability Engineering Technologies and Tools, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,181,078 ($11.2M)

Contractor: Advanced Systems Supportability Engineering Technologies and Tools, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-03-01

End Date: 2028-03-02

Contract Duration: 1,462 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: PLATFORM INTEGRATED CONTROL SYSTEM (PICS) & CRITICAL BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (CBMS) SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION & RESEARCH (SBIR) PHASE III

Place of Performance

Location: MANASSAS, PRINCE WILLIAM County, VIRGINIA, 20109

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $11.2 million to ADVANCED SYSTEMS SUPPORTABILITY ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES AND TOOLS, INC for work described as: PLATFORM INTEGRATED CONTROL SYSTEM (PICS) & CRITICAL BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (CBMS) SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION & RESEARCH (SBIR) PHASE III Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical battery management and platform integration systems. 2. Advanced Systems Supportability Engineering Technologies and Tools, Inc. is the sole awardee. 3. Potential risks include vendor lock-in and reliance on a single provider. 4. Spending falls within the Computer Systems Design Services sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $11.18M for a 4-year period appears reasonable for specialized SBIR Phase III development. Benchmarking against similar complex system integration contracts is difficult without more detailed scope information.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process to select the best value. However, the specific awardee is Advanced Systems Supportability Engineering Technologies and Tools, Inc., indicating they won the competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced technology development, aiming for improved defense capabilities. The competitive award process should ensure reasonable pricing.

Public Impact

Enhances critical operational capabilities for U.S. Special Operations Command. Supports innovation through the Small Business Innovation Research program. Could lead to improved system reliability and performance in demanding environments. Potential for technology transfer and broader application in defense systems.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

SBIR Phase III awards can sometimes lack clear performance metrics.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical systems.
Potential for cost overruns if scope expands beyond initial SBIR goals.

Positive Signals

Leverages innovative technology developed through SBIR.
Awarded under full and open competition.
Supports a small business with a specialized technology.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Computer Systems Design Services, a sector crucial for modern defense operations. Benchmarks for similar SBIR Phase III contracts are highly variable, depending on the specific technology and development phase.

Small Business Impact

This award supports a small business that has successfully progressed through the SBIR program. Phase III awards aim to commercialize technologies developed in earlier phases, providing a pathway for small business innovation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be critical to ensure the successful development and integration of the PICS and CBMS. The Department of Defense and U.S. Special Operations Command will monitor performance against contract requirements.

Related Government Programs

Computer Systems Design Services
Department of Defense Contracting
U.S. Special Operations Command Programs

Risk Flags

Vendor lock-in potential
Reliance on a single small business for critical systems
Complexity of system integration
Scope creep risk in SBIR Phase III

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $11.2 million to ADVANCED SYSTEMS SUPPORTABILITY ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES AND TOOLS, INC. PLATFORM INTEGRATED CONTROL SYSTEM (PICS) & CRITICAL BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (CBMS) SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION & RESEARCH (SBIR) PHASE III

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ADVANCED SYSTEMS SUPPORTABILITY ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES AND TOOLS, INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (U.S. Special Operations Command).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-03-01. End: 2028-03-02.

What specific performance improvements are expected from the PICS and CBMS under this contract?

The contract aims to enhance the reliability, efficiency, and interoperability of critical battery management and platform integrated control systems. Expected improvements include extended battery life, faster system response times, and reduced maintenance requirements, ultimately boosting operational readiness and effectiveness for special operations forces in diverse and demanding environments.

What are the primary risks associated with relying on a single vendor for these critical systems?

The primary risks include potential vendor lock-in, where the government becomes dependent on a single supplier, leading to limited negotiation power and potentially higher future costs. There's also a risk of supply chain disruption if the vendor faces financial or operational difficulties, impacting the availability of critical components and support for these essential defense systems.

How will the effectiveness of the SBIR Phase III investment be measured?

Effectiveness will be measured by the successful integration and operational performance of the PICS and CBMS within the intended platforms. Key metrics will likely include system uptime, failure rates, power management efficiency, and user feedback from operational units. Successful technology transition and potential for broader adoption within DoD will also indicate effectiveness.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: H9240524RSBIR

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 11220 ASSETT LOOP, MANASSAS, VA, 20109

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,764,610

Exercised Options: $12,726,457

Current Obligation: $11,181,078

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline