DoD Awards $12.7M for Ubiquitous Warfighter Capabilities to Mindstar Global Solutions
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $12,699,329 ($12.7M)
Contractor: Mindstar Global Solutions LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-08-08
End Date: 2027-08-06
Contract Duration: 1,459 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 999
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: UBIQUITOUS WARFIGHTER OPERATING CAPABILITIES
Place of Performance
Location: LEESBURG, LOUDOUN County, VIRGINIA, 20175
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $12.7 million to MINDSTAR GLOBAL SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: UBIQUITOUS WARFIGHTER OPERATING CAPABILITIES Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single entity, Mindstar Global Solutions LLC. 2. Focuses on Research and Development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 3. Potential for significant technological advancements impacting warfighter capabilities. 4. Contract duration extends to August 2027, indicating a long-term project.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking CPFF contracts in R&D is challenging due to unique project scopes.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the specific price discovery mechanisms and their effectiveness are not detailed.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in R&D for defense, with the ultimate impact on national security and technological superiority yet to be fully realized.
Public Impact
Enhances warfighter effectiveness through advanced technology. Supports innovation in critical defense research and development sectors. Potential for dual-use technologies benefiting both military and civilian applications.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost uncertainty.
- Long contract duration may require ongoing oversight for performance.
- Specific performance metrics and deliverables are not detailed.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Focuses on critical R&D for national security.
- Potential for significant technological advancement.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS code 541715. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining a technological edge, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research domain.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Mindstar Global Solutions LLC. Information regarding small business subcontracting or participation is not provided in the data.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is a definitive contract with a substantial duration, necessitating robust oversight from the Department of the Navy to ensure performance, cost control, and adherence to research objectives.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Long contract duration.
- Limited detail on specific deliverables.
- Potential for scope creep in R&D.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, va, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $12.7 million to MINDSTAR GLOBAL SOLUTIONS LLC. UBIQUITOUS WARFIGHTER OPERATING CAPABILITIES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MINDSTAR GLOBAL SOLUTIONS LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $12.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-08-08. End: 2027-08-06.
What specific technological advancements are anticipated from this R&D contract, and how will they directly improve warfighter capabilities?
The contract aims to develop 'Ubiquitous Warfighter Operating Capabilities,' suggesting advancements in areas like integrated communication, situational awareness, and potentially AI-driven decision support. The specific technologies are likely classified but are intended to provide seamless, pervasive operational advantages across various combat environments, enhancing survivability and mission effectiveness.
Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, what mechanisms are in place to mitigate potential cost overruns and ensure value for taxpayer money?
While CPFF contracts offer flexibility for R&D, effective oversight is crucial. The Department of the Navy likely employs Earned Value Management (EVM) or similar techniques to track progress against cost and schedule. Regular reviews of contractor expenditures, performance metrics, and milestone achievements are essential to identify and address potential cost escalations proactively.
How will the success of this R&D effort be measured, and what are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for evaluating its effectiveness?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through a combination of technical performance milestones, successful prototype demonstrations, and operational testing in simulated or real-world scenarios. KPIs could include metrics related to system reliability, integration ease, data processing speed, user feedback from warfighters, and the achievement of specific operational capability enhancements outlined in the contract's statement of work.
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: N0001423SB001
Offers Received: 999
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1001 SYCOLIN RD SE STE 5A, LEESBURG, VA, 20175
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $18,161,720
Exercised Options: $18,161,720
Current Obligation: $12,699,329
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-08-08
Current End Date: 2027-08-06
Potential End Date: 2027-08-06 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-09
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