DoD awards $13.6M for MEDDS services to CORVID TECHNOLOGIES, LLC over two years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,635,093 ($13.6M)

Contractor: Corvid Technologies, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-02-14

End Date: 2027-02-13

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: 24 MONTHS OF MISSION EXECUTION AND DISPLAY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM (MEDDS)SERVICES.

Place of Performance

Location: MOORESVILLE, IREDELL County, NORTH CAROLINA, 28117

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $13.6 million to CORVID TECHNOLOGIES, LLC for work described as: 24 MONTHS OF MISSION EXECUTION AND DISPLAY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM (MEDDS)SERVICES. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on research and development for physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Awarded via full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a competitive process. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee, which incentivizes performance but requires careful oversight. 4. Duration of 24 months suggests a medium-term need for these specialized services. 5. The Missile Defense Agency is the specific office within DoD procuring these services. 6. North Carolina is the state where the contractor is located.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $13.6 million over 24 months for specialized R&D services appears within a reasonable range for this type of work. However, without specific benchmarks for MEDDS services or comparable contracts, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. The Cost Plus Award Fee structure allows for performance incentives, but the final cost will depend on achieved award fees, necessitating close monitoring of contractor performance against defined objectives to ensure optimal value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' This suggests that while the competition was intended to be broad, specific sources may have been excluded for particular reasons, potentially limiting the pool of bidders. The number of bidders is not provided, making it difficult to fully assess the level of competition. This procurement method warrants further investigation to understand the rationale behind excluding certain sources and its impact on competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: While the competition was not entirely unrestricted, the 'after exclusion of sources' approach suggests an effort to ensure a competitive landscape. Taxpayers benefit from a structured bidding process, but the exclusion of potential bidders could have implications for achieving the lowest possible price.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense, specifically the Missile Defense Agency, which will receive critical MEDDS services. The services delivered are related to research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences, likely supporting advanced defense capabilities. The geographic impact is primarily within the United States, with the contractor based in North Carolina. Workforce implications include potential employment opportunities for specialized researchers and technical staff at CORVID TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The 'Cost Plus Award Fee' contract type can lead to costs exceeding initial estimates if award criteria are not tightly managed.
The 'after exclusion of sources' competition method raises questions about the breadth of competition and potential for higher pricing.
Lack of specific performance metrics or award fee criteria in the provided data makes it difficult to assess how performance will be incentivized and controlled.

Positive Signals

The contract was awarded through a competitive process, indicating that multiple entities were considered.
The focus on R&D in specialized scientific fields suggests investment in critical national security capabilities.
The contractor, CORVID TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, is receiving a significant award, implying a level of trust and capability recognized by the agency.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences (NAICS 541715). This sector is crucial for technological advancement and national security. Spending in this area often involves high-risk, high-reward projects. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within other DoD R&D contracts for similar specialized services, which are often substantial due to the complexity and innovation required.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation (sb: false) and set-asides (ss: false) were not applicable to this contract. Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or impacts on the small business ecosystem stemming from this specific award. The focus appears to be on larger, specialized firms capable of meeting the R&D requirements.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this Cost Plus Award Fee contract will likely be managed by the Missile Defense Agency's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures will be tied to the achievement of performance objectives outlined in the contract's award fee plan. Transparency is facilitated through contract award announcements and reporting requirements, though detailed performance data may be sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Missile Defense Systems R&D
Advanced Technology Development
Department of Defense Research Contracts
Information Systems Development
Scientific and Technical Services

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to source exclusion.
Cost overruns possible with Cost Plus Award Fee structure if not managed tightly.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in provided data hinders full value assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $13.6 million to CORVID TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. 24 MONTHS OF MISSION EXECUTION AND DISPLAY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM (MEDDS)SERVICES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CORVID TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Missile Defense Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $13.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-02-14. End: 2027-02-13.

What is the specific nature of the MEDDS services being procured, and how do they contribute to the Missile Defense Agency's mission?

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) procures Mission Execution and Display Distribution System (MEDDS) services to support the operational readiness and effectiveness of missile defense systems. While the provided data does not detail the exact functionalities of MEDDS, such systems typically involve the integration, management, and visualization of complex data streams related to threat detection, tracking, and engagement. This includes processing sensor data, command and control information, and providing real-time situational awareness to operators. The $13.6 million contract awarded to CORVID TECHNOLOGIES, LLC over 24 months suggests a significant investment in ensuring these systems are robust, reliable, and capable of supporting the MDA's critical mission of defending against ballistic missile threats.

How does the 'Cost Plus Award Fee' (CPAF) contract type compare to other contract types in terms of cost control and performance incentives for R&D services?

Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contracts are a type of cost-reimbursement contract where the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs plus a fixed fee, and an additional award fee based on performance against specific criteria. For R&D services, CPAF is often used when the scope of work is not precisely defined or when innovation and flexibility are paramount. Compared to fixed-price contracts, CPAF offers greater flexibility for the contractor to adapt to unforeseen technical challenges, which is common in R&D. However, it places a greater burden on the government to establish clear, measurable performance standards and to diligently monitor the contractor's progress to ensure the award fee is justified. This contrasts with Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), where the fee is fixed regardless of performance, or firm-fixed-price contracts, which offer the most cost certainty but can stifle innovation if not structured carefully.

What are the potential risks associated with the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' procurement method for this contract?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method, while aiming for competition, introduces specific risks. The primary risk is that excluding certain sources, even if justified by the agency, may inadvertently limit the competitive pool, potentially leading to higher prices or reduced innovation compared to a truly unrestricted competition. The justification for exclusion needs to be robust to ensure fairness and prevent potential protests. If the excluded sources possessed unique capabilities or offered more competitive pricing, the government might not achieve the best value. Furthermore, the complexity of justifying exclusions can add administrative burden and potential delays to the procurement process. Understanding the specific reasons for exclusion is critical to assessing whether this method truly served the government's best interest in this instance.

What is CORVID TECHNOLOGIES, LLC's track record with government contracts, particularly within the Department of Defense or R&D sectors?

Information regarding CORVID TECHNOLOGIES, LLC's specific track record with government contracts, especially within the Department of Defense or R&D sectors, is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their contract history, past performance evaluations, and any reported issues or successes on previous awards. Companies operating in the R&D space often have specialized expertise, and their ability to secure a $13.6 million contract from the Missile Defense Agency suggests they possess relevant capabilities and have likely met certain performance standards in prior engagements. Further due diligence would involve examining public contract databases and performance reports to gauge their reliability and effectiveness.

How does the $13.6 million contract value compare to historical spending on similar MEDDS or related R&D services by the Department of Defense?

Without specific historical spending data for MEDDS or directly comparable R&D services within the Department of Defense (DoD), it is challenging to benchmark the $13.6 million contract value. However, R&D contracts, particularly those supporting advanced defense systems like missile defense, are often substantial due to the complexity, specialized personnel, and cutting-edge technology involved. The 24-month duration suggests a significant, ongoing need. To provide a precise comparison, one would need to analyze historical contract awards for similar system development, integration, and sustainment services within the MDA and other DoD branches, looking at both value and duration to establish a relevant market rate.

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: HQ085521R0004

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Chickasaw Nation

Address: 153 LANGTREE CAMPUS DRIVE, MOORESVILLE, NC, 28117

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $25,937,653

Exercised Options: $25,937,653

Current Obligation: $13,635,093

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HQ085522D0002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline