DoD's $7.9M R&D contract for advanced X-ray transport and radiation response toolkit development awarded to Fifth Gait Technologies

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,903,145 ($7.9M)

Contractor: Fifth Gait Technologies, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2021-09-28

End Date: 2026-09-29

Contract Duration: 1,827 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: ADVANCE X-RAY TRANSPORT AND RADIATION RESPONSE ANALYSIS TOOLKIT DEVELOPMENTS & ENHANCEMENTS

Place of Performance

Location: SANTA BARBARA, SANTA BARBARA County, CALIFORNIA, 93110

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $7.9 million to FIFTH GAIT TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: ADVANCE X-RAY TRANSPORT AND RADIATION RESPONSE ANALYSIS TOOLKIT DEVELOPMENTS & ENHANCEMENTS Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical research and development in physical sciences, specifically related to radiation response. 2. The award represents a significant investment in enhancing national security capabilities. 3. Fifth Gait Technologies, Inc. is the sole contractor for this specific development effort. 4. The contract duration of 1827 days indicates a long-term commitment to the project's success. 5. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) suggests potential for cost overruns if not managed carefully. 6. This award falls under the broad category of Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this R&D contract is challenging due to its specialized nature and the lack of directly comparable public data. The fixed fee component provides some cost control, but the cost-plus structure inherently carries risk. Without more detailed cost breakdowns or comparisons to similar R&D efforts, a definitive value assessment is difficult. The total award amount of approximately $7.9 million over five years suggests a moderate investment for a specialized research project.

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 that while competition was sought, specific circumstances led to the exclusion of certain potential bidders. The number of bidders is not specified, making it difficult to assess the intensity of competition. This procurement method suggests a deliberate decision to limit the pool of competitors, potentially impacting price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The 'after exclusion of sources' clause warrants further scrutiny to ensure taxpayers received the best possible value. While competition was initially considered, the exclusion may have limited the range of innovative solutions and potentially inflated costs.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and its associated agencies, which will gain enhanced capabilities in radiation response. The services delivered include the development and enhancement of advanced X-ray transport and radiation response toolkits. The geographic impact is primarily national, focusing on defense and emergency preparedness within the United States. Workforce implications may include specialized roles for scientists, engineers, and technicians involved in R&D.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can lead to higher costs if contractor efficiencies are not rigorously monitored.
The 'exclusion of sources' in the competition process may limit competitive pricing and innovation.
The specialized nature of the R&D makes it difficult to benchmark against standard market rates.

Positive Signals

The contract is awarded to a single entity, suggesting specialized expertise required for the task.
The long contract duration indicates a strategic investment in a critical capability.
The R&D focus aligns with evolving national security needs in radiation threat mitigation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical sciences and engineering related to radiation. The market for such specialized R&D is often niche, with a limited number of firms possessing the requisite expertise. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without more specific details on the technology being developed, but R&D investments in defense are substantial across various agencies.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication of small business set-asides for this contract, nor are there explicit subcontracting requirements mentioned. This suggests that the primary focus is on securing specialized R&D capabilities, potentially from larger or more established research firms, rather than specifically fostering small business participation in this particular award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Defense's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures would be tied to the achievement of R&D milestones and deliverables outlined in the contract. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases, though specific R&D details might be sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Defense Threat Reduction Agency Research Programs
Advanced Radiation Detection and Monitoring Systems
Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency (HSARPA) Initiatives
Department of Energy National Laboratory Research

Risk Flags

Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF contract type)
Limited Competition Impact on Price
Specialized R&D - Benchmarking Difficulty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $7.9 million to FIFTH GAIT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. ADVANCE X-RAY TRANSPORT AND RADIATION RESPONSE ANALYSIS TOOLKIT DEVELOPMENTS & ENHANCEMENTS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FIFTH GAIT TECHNOLOGIES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Threat Reduction Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $7.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-09-28. End: 2026-09-29.

What is Fifth Gait Technologies, Inc.'s track record with government R&D contracts, particularly in radiation response?

Assessing Fifth Gait Technologies, Inc.'s specific track record in radiation response R&D requires a deep dive into their contract history with the government. While this contract is for $7.9 million, information on their past performance, successful delivery of similar projects, and any past performance issues would be crucial. Publicly available data may be limited for highly specialized R&D firms. A review of their past awards, contract close-outs, and any performance evaluations (if accessible) would provide insight into their reliability and expertise in this niche area. Without this specific historical data, it's difficult to definitively assess their capability beyond the current award.

How does the $7.9 million value compare to similar R&D efforts in radiation detection and response?

Directly comparing the $7.9 million value of this contract to similar R&D efforts is challenging due to the specialized nature of 'ADVANCE X-RAY TRANSPORT AND RADIATION RESPONSE ANALYSIS TOOLKIT DEVELOPMENTS & ENHANCEMENTS.' R&D costs can vary significantly based on the technology's maturity, complexity, and the specific research questions being addressed. However, for a five-year development project focused on advanced defense capabilities, $7.9 million appears to be a moderate investment. Larger, more established programs in areas like nuclear non-proliferation or advanced sensor development could easily run into tens or hundreds of millions. Conversely, smaller, more focused feasibility studies might cost less than $1 million. This contract's value suggests a significant but not massive undertaking within its specific domain.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for advanced R&D?

The primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for advanced R&D, like this one, revolve around cost control and contractor efficiency. While the fixed fee provides the contractor with a defined profit margin, the 'cost-plus' element means the government reimburses allowable costs incurred by the contractor. If the contractor's cost management is poor, or if unforeseen technical challenges significantly increase expenses, the total cost to the government can escalate beyond initial projections. The government bears the risk of cost overruns, while the contractor is incentivized to complete the work within the estimated cost to maximize their fee relative to effort. Rigorous oversight and detailed cost tracking are essential to mitigate these risks.

What does 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' imply for taxpayer value?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' clause implies a complex procurement scenario. While the initial intent was to allow all responsible sources to compete, specific reasons led to the exclusion of certain potential bidders. This exclusion could stem from unique capabilities required, proprietary technology, or national security considerations. However, it also raises questions about whether the full spectrum of potential solutions and competitive pricing was achieved. If the exclusion was narrowly justified and the remaining competition was robust, taxpayer value could still be good. Conversely, if the exclusion was overly broad or poorly justified, it might have limited price discovery and potentially led to higher costs for taxpayers than a truly open competition would have yielded.

How does this contract align with broader Department of Defense R&D priorities in radiation defense?

This contract aligns with broader Department of Defense (DoD) R&D priorities by focusing on enhancing capabilities related to radiation threats. The DoD consistently invests in research to counter emerging threats, including those involving radiological and nuclear materials. Developing advanced toolkits for X-ray transport and radiation response directly supports the DoD's mission to protect personnel, assets, and allies from the effects of radiation. Such advancements are crucial for operational readiness, consequence management, and maintaining a strategic advantage in environments where radiation hazards may be present. This specific contract likely contributes to a larger portfolio of efforts aimed at improving situational awareness, protective measures, and response protocols.

What are the potential long-term implications of this R&D for radiation threat mitigation?

The long-term implications of this R&D for radiation threat mitigation could be substantial. Successful development of advanced toolkits could significantly improve the military's ability to operate in or respond to radiological incidents, whether from deliberate attacks or accidents. Enhanced analysis capabilities might lead to faster, more accurate threat assessments, better-informed decision-making during crises, and more effective deployment of protective measures. Furthermore, the technologies developed could potentially have dual-use applications, benefiting civilian emergency response agencies and contributing to overall national resilience against radiation hazards. This investment signifies a commitment to staying ahead of evolving threats in this critical domain.

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

Solicitation ID: HDTRA120R0049

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 835 PUENTE DR, SANTA BARBARA, CA, 93110

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $9,054,051

Exercised Options: $8,494,450

Current Obligation: $7,903,145

Actual Outlays: $413,186

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline