DoD's $14.7M ELGAR contract aims to advance G-band RF electronics for communication and sensing

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,756,548 ($14.8M)

Contractor: Teledyne Scientific & Imaging, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-07-11

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,542 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: ELECTRONICS FOR G-BAND ARRAYS (ELGAR) - DEVELOP THE INTEGRATION TECHNOLOGIES NEEDED TO CREATE COMPACT, HIGH-PERFORMANCE RF ELECTRONICS,ENABLE COMMUNICATION AND SENSING SYSTEMS AT G-BAND FREQUENCIES.

Place of Performance

Location: THOUSAND OAKS, VENTURA County, CALIFORNIA, 91360

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $14.8 million to TELEDYNE SCIENTIFIC & IMAGING, LLC for work described as: ELECTRONICS FOR G-BAND ARRAYS (ELGAR) - DEVELOP THE INTEGRATION TECHNOLOGIES NEEDED TO CREATE COMPACT, HIGH-PERFORMANCE RF ELECTRONICS,ENABLE COMMUNICATION AND SENSING SYSTEMS AT G-BAND FREQUENCIES. Key points: 1. Focuses on developing integration technologies for compact, high-performance RF electronics. 2. Aims to enable advanced communication and sensing systems at G-band frequencies. 3. Contract awarded to Teledyne Scientific & Imaging, LLC. 4. Significant investment in R&D for next-generation electronic capabilities. 5. Potential for broad applications in defense and civilian sectors. 6. Contract duration extends over four years, indicating a complex development cycle.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $14.7 million for research and development in advanced RF electronics appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts in advanced electronics is challenging due to the specific focus on G-band frequencies and integration technologies. However, the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure suggests that while the contractor is incentivized to control costs, the government bears the risk of cost overruns. The duration of the contract (over four years) also suggests a substantial scope of work.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. The presence of 8 bidders suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this advanced research and development effort. This competitive process is expected to have driven a more favorable price and ensured the selection of a capable contractor.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to better pricing and innovative solutions, ensuring that government funds are used efficiently.

Public Impact

Advances U.S. technological superiority in radio frequency (RF) electronics. Enables development of next-generation communication and sensing systems. Supports innovation in the defense sector, potentially enhancing military capabilities. Could lead to advancements in areas like high-speed wireless communication and advanced radar. Benefits the scientific and engineering workforce involved in cutting-edge R&D.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.
The specialized nature of G-band frequencies may limit the pool of experienced personnel.
Long contract durations increase the risk of technological obsolescence or shifting priorities.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
Multiple bidders (8) indicate strong market interest and potential for innovation.
Focus on advanced R&D positions the U.S. at the forefront of communication technology.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader Information Technology and Defense sectors, specifically focusing on research and development of advanced radio frequency (RF) electronics. The market for specialized RF components and integration technologies is highly technical and often driven by government defense needs and emerging commercial applications. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining a technological edge in areas like secure communications, advanced sensing, and electronic warfare. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the niche nature of G-band frequencies and integration technologies, but significant R&D investments are common in advanced electronics.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. This suggests that the primary focus was on securing the most capable large contractor for this specialized R&D. Further analysis would be needed to determine if Teledyne Scientific & Imaging, LLC has a history of subcontracting with small businesses on similar projects.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), known for its rigorous oversight of advanced research projects. As a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract, financial oversight will be crucial to monitor expenditures against the fixed fee. Transparency will depend on DARPA's reporting practices for R&D contracts and the potential involvement of an Inspector General for audits and investigations if any issues arise.

Related Government Programs

Advanced RF Systems Research
Next-Generation Communication Technologies
Electronic Warfare Systems Development
High-Frequency Electronics Research
DARPA Research and Development Programs

Risk Flags

Long-term R&D project risks
Technological obsolescence
Cost control in CPFF contracts
Dependence on specialized expertise

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $14.8 million to TELEDYNE SCIENTIFIC & IMAGING, LLC. ELECTRONICS FOR G-BAND ARRAYS (ELGAR) - DEVELOP THE INTEGRATION TECHNOLOGIES NEEDED TO CREATE COMPACT, HIGH-PERFORMANCE RF ELECTRONICS,ENABLE COMMUNICATION AND SENSING SYSTEMS AT G-BAND FREQUENCIES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TELEDYNE SCIENTIFIC & IMAGING, 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 $14.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-07-11. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the specific technological advantage expected from developing G-band RF electronics?

Developing RF electronics for G-band frequencies (typically 110-170 GHz) is expected to offer significant technological advantages, primarily related to increased bandwidth and data rates. This higher frequency range allows for much wider communication channels compared to lower frequency bands, enabling faster data transmission and higher resolution sensing. These advancements are crucial for next-generation communication systems, such as ultra-high-speed wireless networks, and for sophisticated sensing applications like advanced radar and imaging systems that require precise detail and rapid data acquisition. The ELGAR program specifically aims to overcome the integration challenges associated with creating compact, high-performance electronics at these frequencies, which is a key hurdle for practical deployment.

How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) contract structure impact value for money in this R&D context?

The Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract structure for the ELGAR program means that the contractor, Teledyne Scientific & Imaging, LLC, is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This structure is often used for research and development where the scope of work can be uncertain and innovation is paramount. For value for money, it shifts the cost risk to the government, as the final cost can exceed initial estimates if actual expenses are higher. However, the fixed fee incentivizes the contractor to manage costs efficiently to maximize their profit margin. The government's oversight and negotiation of the fixed fee are critical to ensuring fair pricing. The value is ultimately realized if the R&D successfully yields the desired technological advancements.

What are the potential risks associated with the long duration of this contract (over 4 years)?

The extended duration of the ELGAR contract, spanning from July 2022 to September 2026, introduces several potential risks. Firstly, technological obsolescence is a significant concern; the field of RF electronics is rapidly evolving, and advancements made by competitors or in other research areas could potentially render the project's outcomes less impactful by its completion. Secondly, shifting strategic priorities within the Department of Defense or DARPA could lead to a re-evaluation of the program's importance, potentially resulting in reduced funding or scope changes. Thirdly, maintaining contractor focus and technical expertise over such a long period can be challenging, and key personnel might move on to other projects. Finally, the longer the project, the greater the exposure to economic fluctuations or unforeseen global events that could impact resource availability or project feasibility.

What is Teledyne Scientific & Imaging, LLC's track record in advanced RF electronics R&D?

Teledyne Scientific & Imaging, LLC, as part of the broader Teledyne Technologies conglomerate, has a substantial history and established reputation in advanced technology development, including areas relevant to RF electronics, imaging, and sensing. While specific details of their G-band RF integration experience would require deeper research into their project portfolio and past performance on government contracts, Teledyne entities have consistently been involved in high-technology R&D for defense and aerospace applications. Their involvement in complex projects suggests a capacity for innovation and execution. A thorough review of their past performance on similar DARPA or DoD contracts, including any awards or commendations for technical achievement, would provide a more definitive assessment of their suitability for the ELGAR program.

How does this contract compare to other federal spending in advanced electronics R&D?

The $14.7 million allocated to the ELGAR contract is a significant but not exceptionally large sum within the context of overall federal R&D spending, particularly within the Department of Defense. Agencies like DARPA, ONR, AFRL, and others frequently fund advanced electronics research programs that can range from a few million to tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the scope and maturity of the technology. This contract's focus on the specific niche of G-band frequency integration technologies positions it as a targeted investment aimed at achieving a specific technological leap. It is comparable to other foundational research efforts that seek to push the boundaries of communication and sensing capabilities, often serving as precursors to larger system development programs.

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: HR001121S0042

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Teledyne Technologies Incorporated

Address: 1049 CAMINO DOS RIOS, THOUSAND OAKS, CA, 91360

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: $19,980,559

Exercised Options: $15,089,557

Current Obligation: $14,756,548

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 11

Total Subaward Amount: $1,172,702

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline