DoD's $26.6M contract for optical aperture building blocks awarded to Analog Photonics LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $26,579,196 ($26.6M)
Contractor: Analog Photonics LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2016-08-03
End Date: 2023-02-28
Contract Duration: 2,400 days
Daily Burn Rate: $11.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 16
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF MODULAR OPTICAL APERTURE BUILDING BLOCKS (MOABB), ARRAYED RAPID GIGASCALE OPTICAL SYSTEM (ARGOS)
Place of Performance
Location: HINGHAM, PLYMOUTH County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02043
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $26.6 million to ANALOG PHOTONICS LLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF MODULAR OPTICAL APERTURE BUILDING BLOCKS (MOABB), ARRAYED RAPID GIGASCALE OPTICAL SYSTEM (ARGOS) Key points: 1. The contract supports the ARGOS program, focusing on advanced optical systems. 2. Analog Photonics LLC is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. Research and Development in Physical Sciences is the primary sector. 4. The fixed-price contract aims to control costs for this R&D effort.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $26.6 million for R&D in advanced optics appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the technology. Benchmarking is difficult without specific details on the components and research scope.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. However, the sole awardee indicates Analog Photonics was the most competitive or only capable bidder.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting cutting-edge research with potential long-term defense applications. The fixed-price nature helps manage cost overruns.
Public Impact
Advancement in optical technology for potential defense applications. Investment in specialized R&D capabilities within the US. Potential for future technological spin-offs and commercialization.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- Limited insight into the competitive landscape beyond 'full and open'.
Positive Signals
- Focus on critical R&D for national security.
- Use of a fixed-price contract type.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically focusing on advanced optical systems. Spending in this area is crucial for technological superiority but can be highly variable and project-dependent.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses. The specialized nature of advanced optical systems may limit small business participation in such prime contracts.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically be managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) through contract milestones and technical reviews to ensure progress and proper use of funds.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole awardee despite full and open competition.
- Long contract duration (2400 days) for R&D.
- Lack of detailed performance metrics in the provided data.
- Potential for technology obsolescence in a rapidly evolving field.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ma, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $26.6 million to ANALOG PHOTONICS LLC. IGF::OT::IGF MODULAR OPTICAL APERTURE BUILDING BLOCKS (MOABB), ARRAYED RAPID GIGASCALE OPTICAL SYSTEM (ARGOS)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ANALOG PHOTONICS LLC.
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 $26.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2016-08-03. End: 2023-02-28.
What are the specific technological advancements expected from the MOABB and ARGOS programs, and how do they align with current defense modernization priorities?
The MOABB and ARGOS programs likely aim to develop next-generation optical systems with enhanced capabilities such as higher resolution, faster data processing, and increased resilience in challenging environments. These advancements are critical for modern defense needs, including improved surveillance, targeting, and communication systems, directly supporting efforts to maintain a technological edge over adversaries.
Given the sole award to Analog Photonics, what measures were in place to ensure fair pricing and prevent potential cost overruns throughout the contract's duration?
While awarded under full and open competition, the sole awardee necessitates robust oversight. The firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type is a primary mechanism to control costs, as the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns. DARPA would likely employ stringent technical reviews and milestone tracking to ensure the contractor is meeting performance objectives efficiently.
What is the projected long-term impact of this R&D investment on the broader scientific and technological landscape, beyond immediate defense applications?
Investments in advanced optical systems like MOABB and ARGOS often yield significant spillover benefits. Discoveries and innovations in materials science, fabrication techniques, and signal processing can find applications in commercial sectors such as telecommunications, medical imaging, and scientific instrumentation, driving broader technological progress and economic growth.
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: 16
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 5 STEVENS WAY, HINGHAM, MA, 02043
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $26,579,196
Exercised Options: $26,579,196
Current Obligation: $26,579,196
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2016-08-03
Current End Date: 2023-02-28
Potential End Date: 2023-02-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-05-04
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