DoD's $19M FENCE Project Seeks Low-Power Neuromorphic Camera for Intelligent Sensors
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $18,981,699 ($19.0M)
Contractor: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-06-13
End Date: 2026-07-19
Contract Duration: 1,862 days
Daily Burn Rate: $10.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 9
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: FAST EVENT-BASED NEUROMORPHIC CAMERA AND ELECTRONICS (FENCE) AIMS TO DEVELOP AND DEMONSTRATE A LOW LATENCY, LOW POWER, EVENT-BASED CAMERA AND A NEW CLASS OF SIGNAL PROCESSING AND LEARNING ALGORITHMS THAT ENABLE INTELLIGENT SENSORS.
Place of Performance
Location: LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, ANNE ARUNDEL County, MARYLAND, 21090
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $19.0 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION for work described as: FAST EVENT-BASED NEUROMORPHIC CAMERA AND ELECTRONICS (FENCE) AIMS TO DEVELOP AND DEMONSTRATE A LOW LATENCY, LOW POWER, EVENT-BASED CAMERA AND A NEW CLASS OF SIGNAL PROCESSING AND LEARNING ALGORITHMS THAT ENABLE INTELLIGENT SENSORS. Key points: 1. Focuses on advanced AI hardware and algorithms for intelligent sensors. 2. Northrop Grumman is the sole contractor, raising questions about competition. 3. Significant investment in R&D for next-generation sensing technology. 4. Potential for broad applications in defense and beyond.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. Benchmarking is difficult due to the novel nature of the technology.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition. However, Northrop Grumman is the sole awardee, suggesting potential for limited future competition or a highly specialized niche.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting cutting-edge R&D, which could yield significant long-term benefits but carries inherent risks of technological failure or limited adoption.
Public Impact
Development of advanced AI-powered sensors could revolutionize surveillance and data processing. Low-power, low-latency technology has potential applications in autonomous systems and robotics. Investment in neuromorphic computing could drive innovation in artificial intelligence.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole contractor for a novel technology.
- Cost-plus contract type.
- Long project duration.
Positive Signals
- Cutting-edge R&D.
- Potential for significant technological advancement.
- Low-power and low-latency focus.
Sector Analysis
This project falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement but often involves high risk and long development cycles.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not awarded to a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The project is managed by DARPA, known for its rigorous oversight of high-risk, high-reward research. However, the long duration and novel nature require continuous monitoring.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole awardee for a novel technology.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Long project duration (over 5 years).
- High R&D risk.
- No explicit small business participation.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, md, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $19.0 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION. FAST EVENT-BASED NEUROMORPHIC CAMERA AND ELECTRONICS (FENCE) AIMS TO DEVELOP AND DEMONSTRATE A LOW LATENCY, LOW POWER, EVENT-BASED CAMERA AND A NEW CLASS OF SIGNAL PROCESSING AND LEARNING ALGORITHMS THAT ENABLE INTELLIGENT SENSORS.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION.
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 $19.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-06-13. End: 2026-07-19.
What is the projected return on investment for this advanced sensor technology?
The return on investment is difficult to quantify at this early R&D stage. Success hinges on the successful development and adoption of the neuromorphic camera and algorithms. Potential benefits include enhanced intelligence gathering, improved autonomous system capabilities, and advancements in AI, which could translate to significant long-term cost savings and operational advantages for the DoD.
What are the primary risks associated with the development of this neuromorphic camera system?
Key risks include technological feasibility, as neuromorphic computing is still an evolving field. Integration challenges with existing systems, potential for cost overruns due to the R&D nature, and the long development timeline are also significant concerns. Furthermore, the market adoption and long-term viability of this specific technology remain uncertain.
How will the effectiveness of the FENCE project be measured and validated?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through a series of technical milestones and demonstrations outlined in the contract. This includes achieving specific performance metrics for latency, power consumption, and processing capabilities. DARPA's oversight will ensure the technology meets its intended objectives, with final validation likely occurring through operational testing and integration into defense systems.
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
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Solicitation ID: HR001121S0001
Offers Received: 9
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Northrop Grumman Corporation
Address: 1580B W NURSERY RD, LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MD, 21090
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $18,981,699
Exercised Options: $18,981,699
Current Obligation: $18,981,699
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 7
Total Subaward Amount: $1,176,733
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-06-13
Current End Date: 2026-07-19
Potential End Date: 2026-07-19 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-07-18
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