DoD's $13.17M HAVOC program aims to develop advanced millimeter wave vacuum electronics for mobile platforms

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,174,479 ($13.2M)

Contractor: Microwave Power Products, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2016-05-26

End Date: 2022-12-07

Contract Duration: 2,386 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 26

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF THE HIGH POWER AMPLIFIER USING VACUUM ELECTRONICS FOR OVERMATCHED CAPABILITY (HAVOC) PROGRAM WILL DEVELOP AND DEMONSTRATE A NEW CLASS OF COMPACT, HIGH POWER, AND WIDE BANDWIDTH MILLIMETER WAVE VACUUM ELECTRON DEVICES CAPABLE OF LINEAR AMPLIFICATION, IN A FORM FACTOR COMPATIBLE WITH MOBILE AND AIRBORNE PLATFORMS.

Place of Performance

Location: PALO ALTO, SANTA CLARA County, CALIFORNIA, 94304

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $13.2 million to MICROWAVE POWER PRODUCTS, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF THE HIGH POWER AMPLIFIER USING VACUUM ELECTRONICS FOR OVERMATCHED CAPABILITY (HAVOC) PROGRAM WILL DEVELOP AND DEMONSTRATE A NEW CLASS OF COMPACT, HIGH POWER, AND WIDE BANDWIDTH MILLIMETER WAVE VACUUM ELECTRON DEVICES CAPABLE OF LINEAR AMPLIFICATION, IN A FORM FACTOR … Key points: 1. Focuses on developing novel vacuum electronic devices for enhanced military capabilities. 2. Contract awarded to Microwave Power Products, Inc. for R&D in physical sciences. 3. Significant duration of 2386 days suggests a complex, multi-phase research effort. 4. Awarded under full and open competition, indicating broad market engagement. 5. The program's success hinges on technological breakthroughs in miniaturization and power efficiency. 6. Potential for significant advancements in electronic warfare and communication systems.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $13.17 million for a research and development program of this duration appears reasonable, though a direct comparison to similar specialized vacuum electronics development contracts is challenging due to the niche nature of the technology. The cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure allows for flexibility but requires careful oversight to manage costs effectively. Benchmarking value is difficult without specific performance metrics and comparable project outcomes.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple companies had the opportunity to bid. With 26 offers received, this indicates a healthy level of interest and competition for this advanced technology development. The competitive process should theoretically lead to a more favorable price and selection of the most capable contractor.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process is beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages multiple vendors to offer their best pricing and technical solutions, potentially reducing overall program costs and ensuring the government receives the best value.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense, seeking to enhance its technological superiority. The program aims to deliver new classes of compact, high-power, wide-bandwidth millimeter wave vacuum electronic devices. These devices are intended for integration into mobile and airborne platforms, enhancing operational flexibility. Potential workforce implications include specialized roles in advanced electronics engineering and manufacturing. The development could lead to improved capabilities in areas like electronic warfare, radar, and secure communications.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The CPFF contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.
Technological risks associated with developing novel vacuum electronics are inherent.
Long contract duration may indicate potential for schedule delays or scope creep.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.
The program addresses a critical need for advanced electronic capabilities.
DARPA's involvement indicates a focus on cutting-edge, high-impact research.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced physical sciences and engineering related to vacuum electronics. The market for such specialized components is niche, often driven by defense and high-frequency communication applications. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of millimeter wave vacuum electronics, but investments in advanced materials and high-power RF systems are generally substantial within the defense R&D landscape.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not specify any small business set-asides. Given the highly specialized nature of the technology, it is likely that larger, established defense contractors or specialized R&D firms were the primary bidders. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist but are not explicitly detailed in the provided information.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this DARPA contract would typically involve program managers monitoring technical progress, cost expenditures, and adherence to milestones. DARPA has a strong reputation for rigorous oversight of its research programs. Accountability is managed through contract deliverables and performance reviews. Transparency is generally maintained through program reviews and public disclosures, though specific technical details may remain classified.

Related Government Programs

Advanced Electronic Warfare Systems
Millimeter Wave Technology Development
High-Power Vacuum Electronics
DARPA Research Programs
Mobile and Airborne Platform Integration

Risk Flags

Technological Risk
Cost Overrun Potential (CPFF)
Schedule Delay Risk
Integration Complexity

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $13.2 million to MICROWAVE POWER PRODUCTS, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF THE HIGH POWER AMPLIFIER USING VACUUM ELECTRONICS FOR OVERMATCHED CAPABILITY (HAVOC) PROGRAM WILL DEVELOP AND DEMONSTRATE A NEW CLASS OF COMPACT, HIGH POWER, AND WIDE BANDWIDTH MILLIMETER WAVE VACUUM ELECTRON DEVICES CAPABLE OF LINEAR AMPLIFICATION, IN A FORM FACTOR COMPATIBLE WITH MOBILE AND AIRBORNE PLATFORMS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MICROWAVE POWER PRODUCTS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $13.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-05-26. End: 2022-12-07.

What is the track record of Microwave Power Products, Inc. in developing similar advanced electronic components?

Microwave Power Products, Inc. (MPP) has a history of developing and manufacturing high-frequency power sources and components, including traveling wave tubes (TWTs) and related vacuum electronic devices. Their expertise often lies in specialized applications requiring high power and specific frequency ranges. While specific details on their involvement in millimeter wave vacuum electronics for mobile platforms prior to this contract would require deeper investigation into their project portfolio and past performance, their core business aligns with the technological domain of the HAVOC program. Assessing their track record would involve reviewing their success rates on previous government contracts, their ability to meet stringent technical specifications, and their history of on-time and within-budget delivery for comparable R&D efforts.

How does the $13.17 million contract value compare to similar R&D efforts in advanced vacuum electronics?

Directly comparing the $13.17 million value is challenging due to the highly specialized and niche nature of millimeter wave vacuum electronics for mobile platforms. Such programs often involve significant upfront research, complex design, prototyping, and testing phases. Contracts for developing novel defense technologies can range widely, from a few million to tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the program's scope, duration, and technological ambition. Given that this is a DARPA program focused on developing a 'new class' of devices, the allocated funding appears to be within a reasonable range for a multi-year R&D effort aiming for a technological breakthrough. However, without specific benchmarks for comparable millimeter wave vacuum electronic development programs, a definitive value assessment is difficult.

What are the primary technical risks associated with the HAVOC program?

The primary technical risks associated with the HAVOC program likely revolve around achieving the desired performance metrics within the constraints of a compact, mobile form factor. Key challenges include miniaturizing high-power vacuum electronic devices while maintaining efficiency and linearity, especially at millimeter wave frequencies. Developing materials and manufacturing processes capable of supporting these demanding specifications is another significant risk. Ensuring the reliability and robustness of these advanced devices for deployment on mobile and airborne platforms, which often experience harsh environmental conditions and vibrations, also presents a considerable technical hurdle. Furthermore, integrating these new devices seamlessly with existing platform systems introduces potential compatibility and performance risks.

What is the expected program effectiveness and how will it be measured?

The expected effectiveness of the HAVOC program lies in its potential to deliver a new generation of compact, high-power, wide-bandwidth millimeter wave vacuum electronic devices. These devices are anticipated to significantly enhance capabilities in areas such as electronic warfare, advanced radar systems, and high-speed communications for mobile and airborne platforms. Program effectiveness will likely be measured through a series of rigorous technical demonstrations and performance evaluations. Key metrics would include achieved power output, frequency range, bandwidth, linearity, size, weight, power consumption, and reliability under simulated operational conditions. DARPA typically sets stringent milestones and success criteria that the contractor must meet to demonstrate the program's advancement and ultimate effectiveness.

What has been the historical spending trend for similar DARPA programs in advanced electronics?

DARPA's historical spending on advanced electronics programs, particularly those focused on next-generation capabilities like high-frequency devices, has been substantial and consistent. While specific figures for 'millimeter wave vacuum electronics for mobile platforms' are not readily available as a distinct category, DARPA consistently invests in areas such as electronic warfare, advanced materials, miniaturization, and high-power systems. These investments often span multiple years and involve contracts ranging from a few million to tens of millions of dollars per project. Trends show a continuous push towards smaller, more powerful, and more efficient electronic systems for defense applications, indicating a sustained commitment to R&D in this domain.

What are the implications of the 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' (CPFF) contract type for this R&D effort?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is common for research and development efforts where the scope of work can be uncertain or evolve. Under CPFF, the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. For the HAVOC program, this structure provides flexibility for MPP to explore innovative solutions and adapt to technical challenges without being penalized for unforeseen costs. However, it places a significant emphasis on government oversight to ensure that costs remain reasonable and that the contractor exercises due diligence in managing expenses. The fixed fee incentivizes the contractor to complete the work efficiently, but the government bears the primary risk of cost overruns if initial estimates prove inaccurate or if unexpected technical hurdles arise.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH

Offers Received: 26

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 811 HANSEN WAY, PALO ALTO, CA, 94304

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $13,174,479

Exercised Options: $13,174,479

Current Obligation: $13,174,479

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline