DoD's $2.64M contract for autonomous UUV launch/recovery system by SUBUAS LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,640,961 ($2.6M)
Contractor: Subuas LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-11-08
End Date: 2025-11-12
Contract Duration: 735 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 999
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THIS EFFORT WILL DEVELOP AND DEMONSTRATE LAUNCH AND RECOVERY CAPABILITIES OF THE NAVIATOR FROM AND TO AN UUV (USING A UUV SURROGATE) WITHOUT A HUMAN-IN-THE-LOOP, WHICH WE DUBBED THE SUBSURFACE AUTONOMOUS NAVIATOR DELIVERY (SAND) SYSTEM, OR SAND SYSTE
Place of Performance
Location: BRIDGEWATER, SOMERSET County, NEW JERSEY, 08807
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $2.6 million to SUBUAS LLC for work described as: THIS EFFORT WILL DEVELOP AND DEMONSTRATE LAUNCH AND RECOVERY CAPABILITIES OF THE NAVIATOR FROM AND TO AN UUV (USING A UUV SURROGATE) WITHOUT A HUMAN-IN-THE-LOOP, WHICH WE DUBBED THE SUBSURFACE AUTONOMOUS NAVIATOR DELIVERY (SAND) SYSTEM, OR SAND SYSTE Key points: 1. Focuses on advanced R&D for unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) operations. 2. SUBUAS LLC, a small business, is the sole awardee. 3. Contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, indicating potential cost overruns. 4. The project aims to develop the Subsurface Autonomous Navigator Delivery (SAND) System.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type, while common for R&D, offers less price certainty than fixed-price contracts. Benchmarking against similar R&D efforts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process. However, SUBUAS LLC is the sole awardee, which warrants further investigation into the selection criteria and potential for future sole-source awards.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting advanced R&D in naval autonomous systems, with potential long-term defense benefits.
Public Impact
Enhances U.S. Navy's autonomous underwater capabilities. Potential for increased operational efficiency and reduced human risk in underwater missions. Development of the SAND system could lead to new defense technologies.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type may lead to cost overruns.
- Sole awardee despite full and open competition raises questions about the process.
- R&D projects inherently carry technical and performance risks.
Positive Signals
- Focus on cutting-edge autonomous technology.
- Potential for significant advancements in naval warfare capabilities.
- Development by a small business could foster innovation.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement but can be subject to high uncertainty and long development cycles.
Small Business Impact
SUBUAS LLC is a small business that received this contract. Supporting small businesses in R&D can foster innovation, but it's important to ensure they have the capacity and expertise for complex projects.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Navy is overseeing this R&D effort. Standard contract oversight mechanisms should be in place, but the R&D nature requires monitoring technical progress and cost control.
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 overrun risk due to CPFF contract type.
- Technical feasibility and performance risk inherent in R&D.
- Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.
- Dependence on a single small business for critical technology development.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, nj, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $2.6 million to SUBUAS LLC. THIS EFFORT WILL DEVELOP AND DEMONSTRATE LAUNCH AND RECOVERY CAPABILITIES OF THE NAVIATOR FROM AND TO AN UUV (USING A UUV SURROGATE) WITHOUT A HUMAN-IN-THE-LOOP, WHICH WE DUBBED THE SUBSURFACE AUTONOMOUS NAVIATOR DELIVERY (SAND) SYSTEM, OR SAND SYSTE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SUBUAS 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 $2.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-11-08. End: 2025-11-12.
What specific metrics will be used to evaluate the success of the SAND system's autonomous launch and recovery capabilities?
Success will likely be evaluated based on the system's ability to reliably and repeatedly perform autonomous launches and recoveries under various simulated operational conditions. Key performance indicators may include success rates, time to complete operations, accuracy of navigation and docking, and system resilience to environmental factors or simulated malfunctions. Detailed performance benchmarks and testing protocols should be clearly defined in the contract's statement of work.
How will the government ensure cost control and prevent significant overruns with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for this R&D effort?
The government will likely employ rigorous oversight of SUBUAS LLC's expenditures and progress. This includes regular audits, detailed cost reporting, and milestone reviews. Establishing clear performance metrics and fee structures tied to achieving specific R&D objectives can incentivize efficiency. The fixed fee component provides some cost certainty, but the government must actively manage the 'cost' portion through close monitoring and potentially negotiating ceilings or adjustments based on performance.
What is the long-term strategic value of the SAND system to the Department of Defense beyond the initial development phase?
The SAND system's long-term value lies in enhancing the U.S. Navy's operational flexibility and reducing risk for personnel. Autonomous launch and recovery of UUVs can enable persistent surveillance, mine countermeasures, and intelligence gathering in contested or hazardous environments without direct human intervention. This technology could significantly expand the reach and effectiveness of unmanned systems, contributing to a more agile and technologically superior naval force.
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: 33 LINBERGER DR, BRIDGEWATER, NJ, 08807
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $23,002,159
Exercised Options: $3,687,852
Current Obligation: $2,640,961
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-11-08
Current End Date: 2025-11-12
Potential End Date: 2025-11-12 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-05
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