DoD's $17.8M SERC Task 2403 for AMBIT Spectrum Training Awarded to Stevens Institute of Technology

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,829,886 ($17.8M)

Contractor: THE Trustees of the Stevens Institute of Technology

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-09-30

End Date: 2026-09-26

Contract Duration: 726 days

Daily Burn Rate: $24.6K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: SYSTEMS ENGINEERING RESEARCH CENTER (SERC) TASK 2403, AMERICA'S MIDBAND INITIATIVE TEAM (AMBIT) SPECTRUM AND ADVANCED TRAINING TECHNOLOGY LABORATORY (ATTL)

Place of Performance

Location: HOBOKEN, HUDSON County, NEW JERSEY, 07030

State: New Jersey Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $17.8 million to THE TRUSTEES OF THE STEVENS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: SYSTEMS ENGINEERING RESEARCH CENTER (SERC) TASK 2403, AMERICA'S MIDBAND INITIATIVE TEAM (AMBIT) SPECTRUM AND ADVANCED TRAINING TECHNOLOGY LABORATORY (ATTL) Key points: 1. Awarded to a single entity, Stevens Institute of Technology, for specialized R&D. 2. Focuses on spectrum and advanced training technology, critical for defense modernization. 3. Potential risk of limited innovation due to sole-source nature. 4. Sector is Research and Development, with a specific NAICS code for physical and engineering sciences.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially reduces competitive pressure on the contractor to offer the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being spent without the benefit of competitive bidding, which may result in a higher overall cost than a competed contract.

Public Impact

Enhances critical defense capabilities in spectrum management and advanced training. Supports the 'America's Midband Initiative' (AMBIT) for technological superiority. Investment in R&D for future military readiness and operational effectiveness.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent cost risk.
Lack of competition may impact innovation and value.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical defense need for spectrum and training technology.
Supports a key initiative (AMBIT) for modernization.
Awarded to an established institution (Stevens Institute of Technology).

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for maintaining technological advantage, but requires careful oversight to ensure value for money, especially in sole-source awards.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, as it is a sole-source delivery order to a large institution. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the contractor is performing efficiently and that costs are reasonable. The Department of Defense should verify the necessity of a sole-source approach and monitor performance closely.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Department of Defense Contracting
Washington Headquarters Services Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award limits competitive pricing.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns.
Lack of competition may stifle innovation.
Potential for contractor lock-in.
Need for robust oversight to ensure value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $17.8 million to THE TRUSTEES OF THE STEVENS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. SYSTEMS ENGINEERING RESEARCH CENTER (SERC) TASK 2403, AMERICA'S MIDBAND INITIATIVE TEAM (AMBIT) SPECTRUM AND ADVANCED TRAINING TECHNOLOGY LABORATORY (ATTL)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE TRUSTEES OF THE STEVENS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Washington Headquarters Services).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $17.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-30. End: 2026-09-26.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and what steps are being taken to ensure fair and reasonable pricing?

The justification for a sole-source award typically stems from unique capabilities or circumstances where only one source can meet the requirement. To ensure fair and reasonable pricing, the procuring agency should conduct thorough market research, obtain cost and technical proposals, and perform detailed cost and price analyses. Independent government cost estimates and negotiation strategies are also crucial.

How will the effectiveness of the advanced training technology developed under this contract be measured and validated?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through a combination of technical performance metrics, user feedback from training exercises, and objective assessments of skill acquisition and retention by military personnel. Milestones within the contract should include validation phases where the developed technologies are tested in simulated or real-world scenarios to confirm their impact on training outcomes and operational readiness.

What is the long-term strategy for ensuring continued innovation and competition in the area of spectrum and advanced training technology beyond this specific contract?

The long-term strategy should involve breaking down future requirements into smaller, more competitive contract vehicles where feasible. Encouraging industry innovation through R&D grants, prototyping efforts, and fostering a competitive ecosystem will be key. Periodic market research and strategic sourcing initiatives can help identify emerging technologies and potential new sources for future procurements.

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: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: HQ003424R0003

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1 CASTLEPOINT ON HUDSON, HOBOKEN, NJ, 07030

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $17,829,886

Exercised Options: $17,829,886

Current Obligation: $17,829,886

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $8,208,976

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HQ003424D0023

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline