Raytheon Company awarded $30M for advanced neuromorphic camera and AI research by DARPA

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $30,042,680 ($30.0M)

Contractor: Raytheon Company

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2021-06-16

End Date: 2025-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,567 days

Daily Burn Rate: $19.2K/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: EL SEGUNDO, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 90245

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $30.0 million to RAYTHEON COMPANY 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. Contract focuses on developing low-latency, low-power event-based cameras and novel signal processing algorithms. 2. Research aims to enable intelligent sensors with advanced learning capabilities. 3. This contract represents a significant investment in cutting-edge sensor technology and artificial intelligence. 4. The duration of the contract suggests a long-term commitment to research and development. 5. The project aligns with national security interests in advanced surveillance and data processing.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $30 million over approximately 4 years for advanced R&D in neuromorphic computing and sensor technology appears reasonable. Benchmarking against similar large-scale research initiatives by DARPA, which often involve high technical risk and specialized expertise, suggests this pricing is within an expected range. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure allows for flexibility in research while providing a defined profit margin for the contractor.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified offerors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of 9 bidders suggests a competitive environment for this advanced technology research. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensures that the government selects from a range of innovative solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process for advanced R&D helps ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently, driving innovation and potentially leading to more cost-effective solutions in the long run.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and national security, through advancements in sensor and AI capabilities. The project will deliver a novel event-based camera system and advanced signal processing algorithms. The geographic impact is centered in California, where Raytheon Company is located. This contract will likely involve highly skilled researchers and engineers in the fields of AI, computer vision, and hardware development.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The complexity of developing novel neuromorphic hardware and algorithms carries inherent technical risks.
Long-term sustainment and integration of such advanced technology into existing defense systems may present challenges.

Positive Signals

Focus on low-latency and low-power processing addresses critical needs for efficient data handling in defense applications.
The development of event-based sensing could lead to significant breakthroughs in autonomous systems and intelligent surveillance.
DARPA's involvement signifies a commitment to high-impact, transformative research.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced physical sciences and engineering. The market for neuromorphic computing and event-based sensing is rapidly evolving, driven by demand for more efficient and intelligent processing in areas like AI, robotics, and autonomous systems. DARPA is a key player in funding foundational research in these cutting-edge fields, often pushing the boundaries of current technological capabilities.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. Given the specialized nature of advanced R&D in neuromorphic computing, it is likely that large, established defense contractors like Raytheon are best positioned to execute such a complex project. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses within the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be provided by the Department of Defense, specifically the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). DARPA typically employs rigorous program management and technical oversight for its research contracts, including regular reviews and milestone assessments. Transparency is generally maintained through public reports on research progress and outcomes, though specific details of classified advancements may be restricted.

Related Government Programs

DARPA Advanced Sensor Research
Neuromorphic Computing Initiatives
Artificial Intelligence Research Contracts
Defense Electronics Development
Event-Based Vision Systems

Risk Flags

High Technical Risk
Novel Technology Development
Long-Term Research Effort

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $30.0 million to RAYTHEON COMPANY. 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 RAYTHEON COMPANY.

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 $30.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-06-16. End: 2025-09-30.

What is Raytheon Company's track record with DARPA and similar advanced research contracts?

Raytheon Company, now part of RTX, has a long and extensive history of working with the Department of Defense and its various agencies, including DARPA. They have been involved in numerous complex research and development programs across a wide spectrum of defense technologies, including advanced sensors, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, and aerospace systems. Their track record includes successfully delivering on challenging R&D contracts that require significant technical expertise and innovation. Specific to DARPA, Raytheon has participated in and led many initiatives aimed at developing next-generation capabilities. While specific project details are often proprietary, their consistent engagement with DARPA suggests a strong capability to meet the agency's demanding research objectives and a proven ability to manage high-risk, high-reward projects.

How does the $30 million contract value compare to other DARPA R&D investments in AI and sensor technology?

The $30 million award for the FENCE program is a substantial investment, but it falls within the typical range for significant DARPA research initiatives, particularly those involving the development of novel hardware and complex algorithms. DARPA often funds projects in the tens to hundreds of millions of dollars, especially for programs aiming for transformative technological advancements. For instance, major AI research efforts or advanced materials development programs can easily exceed this amount. The value reflects the multi-year effort required for cutting-edge research, the specialized expertise needed, and the inherent risks associated with developing entirely new classes of technology. Compared to contracts for more mature technologies or system integration, this value is appropriate for foundational R&D with high potential impact.

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

The FENCE program faces several significant technical risks inherent in developing groundbreaking technology. Firstly, the development of a novel class of event-based cameras that achieve both low latency and low power consumption presents substantial hardware engineering challenges. Achieving these performance metrics simultaneously requires innovative sensor design and fabrication. Secondly, creating new signal processing and learning algorithms that can effectively leverage the unique data streams from event-based sensors is a complex software and theoretical problem. These algorithms must be robust, efficient, and capable of enabling true 'intelligent' sensor functionality. Finally, integrating these novel camera and processing components into a cohesive, functional system introduces system-level integration risks. The success of the program hinges on overcoming these interlinked hardware, software, and integration challenges.

What is the expected program effectiveness and impact on future defense capabilities?

The FENCE program aims to significantly enhance future defense capabilities by enabling intelligent sensors that can process information faster, more efficiently, and with greater autonomy. The development of low-latency, low-power event-based cameras could revolutionize surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting systems. These sensors would be able to operate effectively in challenging environments with limited power budgets, such as on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or small robotic platforms. The associated AI algorithms will allow these sensors to identify and react to critical events in real-time, reducing the burden on human operators and enabling faster decision-making. Ultimately, the program's success could lead to more capable autonomous systems, improved situational awareness, and a significant advantage in information processing for defense applications.

How does this contract fit into DARPA's broader strategy for AI and sensor development?

The FENCE program aligns perfectly with DARPA's long-standing strategic focus on developing disruptive technologies that provide a decisive advantage to the U.S. military. DARPA has consistently invested in advanced sensor technologies and artificial intelligence, recognizing their critical role in modern warfare. This program specifically targets the intersection of these two domains by exploring neuromorphic computing principles for sensor data processing. It represents a forward-looking approach to overcome the limitations of traditional sensing and processing methods, which often struggle with high data volumes, power constraints, and real-time analysis. By funding research into event-based sensing and novel AI algorithms, DARPA aims to foster breakthroughs that could redefine the capabilities of future defense platforms and 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: Rockwell Collins Australia PTY Limited

Address: 2000 E EL SEGUNDO BLVD, EL SEGUNDO, CA, 90245

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: $30,042,680

Exercised Options: $30,042,680

Current Obligation: $30,042,680

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 11

Total Subaward Amount: $3,324,685

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline