DoD Awards $17.3M SBIR Phase III Contract to Valt Enterprizes for R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $17,307,609 ($17.3M)
Contractor: Valt Enterprizes, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-09-11
End Date: 2027-09-15
Contract Duration: 1,099 days
Daily Burn Rate: $15.7K/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: SBIR PHASE III
Place of Performance
Location: PRESQUE ISLE, AROOSTOOK County, MAINE, 04769
State: Maine Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $17.3 million to VALT ENTERPRIZES, INC. for work described as: SBIR PHASE III Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Valt Enterprizes, Inc. for $17.3 million. 2. Focuses on Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 3. Competition method: Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources. 4. Contract type: Cost Plus Fixed Fee. 5. Duration: Approximately 3.6 years.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more specific project details.
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,' suggesting a competitive process but with specific criteria for participation. This method aims for fair pricing through competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced R&D, with the potential for significant technological advancements. The cost-plus structure requires diligent oversight to ensure value for money.
Public Impact
Supports innovation in critical defense research areas. Potential for new technologies to enhance national security. Investment in a specific R&D sector with long-term implications.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires careful monitoring.
- Limited detail on specific R&D outcomes and their direct application.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Supports critical defense research and development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement and national security, often involving significant investment with long lead times.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate if Valt Enterprizes, Inc. is a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources' suggests a structured procurement process. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee nature necessitates robust oversight from the Department of Defense to ensure efficient use of funds.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Missile Defense Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Limited information on specific R&D deliverables.
- Potential for cost overruns without strict oversight.
- Small business status of awardee is unknown.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, me, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $17.3 million to VALT ENTERPRIZES, INC.. SBIR PHASE III
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is VALT ENTERPRIZES, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Missile Defense Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $17.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-09-11. End: 2027-09-15.
What specific technological advancements are expected from this SBIR Phase III contract, and how do they align with the Missile Defense Agency's strategic goals?
The contract aims to advance research in physical, engineering, and life sciences relevant to missile defense. Specific expected advancements would likely include improved sensor technology, advanced materials for defense systems, or enhanced data processing capabilities for threat detection and interception. These align with the MDA's strategic goals of developing and deploying effective missile defense capabilities to protect against ballistic and other advanced threats.
What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type for this R&D project, and what mitigation strategies are in place?
The primary risk with Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts is the potential for cost overruns if the contractor's actual costs exceed estimates, even though the fee is fixed. Mitigation strategies typically involve detailed cost tracking, regular audits, strong project management oversight by the agency, and clear definition of contract scope to prevent scope creep. The agency must ensure efficient resource utilization and prevent unnecessary expenditures.
How will the effectiveness of the R&D outcomes be measured to ensure a return on the $17.3 million investment for the Department of Defense?
Effectiveness will be measured through a combination of technical milestones, performance metrics, and successful integration into existing or future defense systems. The Missile Defense Agency will likely conduct rigorous testing and evaluation of the developed technologies. Key performance indicators will be defined in the contract, focusing on the technology's ability to meet specific defense requirements, enhance operational capabilities, and provide a demonstrable improvement over current solutions.
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
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Valt Enterprizes Inc.
Address: 1030 AIRPORT DRIVE, PRESQUE ISLE, ME, 04769
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $17,307,609
Exercised Options: $17,307,609
Current Obligation: $17,307,609
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-09-11
Current End Date: 2027-09-15
Potential End Date: 2027-09-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-25
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