DoD Awards $20M for Advanced Core Truth Model Development to Decibel Research, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $19,977,389 ($20.0M)
Contractor: Decibel Research, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-05-13
End Date: 2024-06-13
Contract Duration: 1,127 days
Daily Burn Rate: $17.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE FEE
Sector: IT
Official Description: PERFORM EFFORTS REQUIRED TO CONDUCT ENHANCEMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING FOR ADVANCED CORE TRUTH MODEL (CTM) CAPABILITIES.
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35806
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $20.0 million to DECIBEL RESEARCH, INC. for work described as: PERFORM EFFORTS REQUIRED TO CONDUCT ENHANCEMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING FOR ADVANCED CORE TRUTH MODEL (CTM) CAPABILITIES. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical AI/ML development for missile defense. 2. Decibel Research, Inc. is the sole awardee. 3. Potential for significant technological advancement in defense capabilities. 4. Spending is within the custom computer programming services sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is Cost Plus Incentive Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. Benchmarking against similar AI/ML development contracts is difficult due to the specialized nature of the 'Core Truth Model'.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES', suggesting a limited competition. This method may not have yielded the most competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced defense technology development, with the ultimate benefit being enhanced national security.
Public Impact
Enhances national security through advanced AI/ML capabilities. Supports technological innovation in the defense sector. Potential for future applications beyond missile defense.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may impact price efficiency.
- Cost-plus contract type requires close oversight.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical defense need.
- Invests in advanced technology development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under IT services, specifically custom computer programming, within the defense sector. Spending benchmarks for highly specialized AI/ML development are scarce, but the award amount is substantial for a single task order.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses had opportunities to participate as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The Cost Plus Incentive Fee structure necessitates robust oversight from the Missile Defense Agency to ensure cost control and performance targets are met effectively.
Related Government Programs
- Custom Computer Programming Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Missile Defense Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Cost-plus contract type
- Lack of small business participation
- Specialized technology with unclear benchmarks
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 $20.0 million to DECIBEL RESEARCH, INC.. PERFORM EFFORTS REQUIRED TO CONDUCT ENHANCEMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING FOR ADVANCED CORE TRUTH MODEL (CTM) CAPABILITIES.
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 $20.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-05-13. End: 2024-06-13.
What is the specific definition and expected outcome of the 'Advanced Core Truth Model'?
The 'Advanced Core Truth Model' (CTM) likely refers to a sophisticated artificial intelligence or machine learning system designed to process and validate vast amounts of data, distinguishing truth from misinformation or identifying critical patterns in complex scenarios. Its expected outcome is enhanced decision-making speed and accuracy for the Missile Defense Agency, potentially improving threat assessment and response.
What are the primary risks associated with the limited competition and cost-plus contract type?
The primary risks include potential for inflated costs due to lack of competitive pressure and the inherent cost-plus structure, which incentivizes spending rather than cost savings. There's also a risk that the chosen vendor may not be the most innovative or cost-effective solution available, as broader competition was excluded.
How will the effectiveness of the CTM development be measured and ensured?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through predefined performance metrics and milestones outlined in the contract. The Missile Defense Agency will need to conduct rigorous testing and validation of the developed CTM capabilities against simulated and real-world scenarios to ensure it meets the intended operational requirements and provides a tangible improvement in defense capabilities.
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: $19,979,964
Exercised Options: $19,979,964
Current Obligation: $19,977,389
Actual Outlays: $15,219,614
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 4
Total Subaward Amount: $9,772,376
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: 2021-05-13
Current End Date: 2024-06-13
Potential End Date: 2024-06-13 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-25
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