DoD's Missile Defense Agency awards $27.9M for Truth Models sustainment to Decibel Research, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $27,871,620 ($27.9M)
Contractor: Decibel Research, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2019-06-21
End Date: 2022-01-15
Contract Duration: 939 days
Daily Burn Rate: $29.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE FEE
Sector: IT
Official Description: THIS TASK ORDER PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT DEFINES THE EFFORTS REQUIRED TO TRANSITION AN SUSTAIN THE CURRENT PORTFOLIO OF TRUTH MODELS.
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35806
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $27.9 million to DECIBEL RESEARCH, INC. for work described as: THIS TASK ORDER PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT DEFINES THE EFFORTS REQUIRED TO TRANSITION AN SUSTAIN THE CURRENT PORTFOLIO OF TRUTH MODELS. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for sustainment of Truth Models portfolio. 2. Decibel Research, Inc. is the prime contractor. 3. Significant contract value of $27.9M over its period of performance. 4. Custom Computer Programming Services sector. 5. Missile Defense Agency is the contracting agency.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Incentive Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The total award amount is $27.9M.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The competition method was 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES', indicating a limited competition. This method may not have resulted in the most competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for this contract. The limited competition raises questions about whether the best possible price was achieved.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operation of critical Truth Models for the Missile Defense Agency. Supports national defense capabilities by maintaining advanced modeling systems. Potential for cost efficiencies or overruns depending on incentive fee structure and performance.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may impact price.
- Cost Plus Incentive Fee contract type requires careful oversight.
Positive Signals
- Sustains critical defense modeling capabilities.
- Awarded to a specific company for specialized services.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Custom Computer Programming Services sector, a key area for defense technology. Spending benchmarks in this sector vary widely based on complexity and duration.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the prime contractor is Decibel Research, Inc. There is no specific information provided regarding small business subcontracting in this data snippet.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract type and limited competition suggest a need for robust oversight to ensure cost control and effective performance. The Missile Defense Agency is responsible for monitoring this contract.
Related Government Programs
- Custom Computer Programming Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Missile Defense Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition may result in suboptimal pricing.
- Cost Plus Incentive Fee contracts require diligent oversight to control costs.
- Potential for scope creep or cost overruns if performance metrics are not clearly defined.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical modeling sustainment.
Tags
custom-computer-programming-services, department-of-defense, al, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $27.9 million to DECIBEL RESEARCH, INC.. THIS TASK ORDER PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT DEFINES THE EFFORTS REQUIRED TO TRANSITION AN SUSTAIN THE CURRENT PORTFOLIO OF TRUTH MODELS.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is DECIBEL RESEARCH, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Missile Defense Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $27.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-06-21. End: 2022-01-15.
What is the specific function and criticality of the 'Truth Models' being sustained under this contract?
The 'Truth Models' likely refer to sophisticated simulation or analytical tools used by the Missile Defense Agency to validate and assess the performance of missile defense systems. Their criticality stems from ensuring the effectiveness and reliability of national security assets, requiring continuous updates and maintenance to remain accurate and relevant against evolving threats.
How does the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' method impact the overall value for money compared to unrestricted full and open competition?
This method, while technically 'full and open' among a pre-selected group, inherently limits the pool of potential bidders. This restriction can reduce competitive pressure, potentially leading to higher prices than if all qualified vendors were allowed to compete. The agency must justify why other sources were excluded to ensure fair value.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and incentive structures within the Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) model for this contract?
The CPIF model ties the contractor's profit to achieving specific performance targets, often related to cost, schedule, and technical objectives. For this contract, KPIs would likely focus on the successful sustainment and potential enhancement of the Truth Models. The incentive structure would define how deviations from target costs and performance levels affect the final fee, encouraging efficiency and effectiveness.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Custom Computer Programming Services
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: HQ014718R0022
Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE FEE (V)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 325 BOB HEATH DR, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35806
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $29,153,220
Exercised Options: $29,153,220
Current Obligation: $27,871,620
Actual Outlays: $3,018,476
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 2
Total Subaward Amount: $9,469,584
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HQ014719D0003
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-06-21
Current End Date: 2022-01-15
Potential End Date: 2022-01-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-08-29
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