DoD's $14.9M APB Display Development Services contract awarded to In-Depth Engineering Corporation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,899,000 ($14.9M)

Contractor: In-Depth Engineering Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2008-12-08

End Date: 2013-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,849 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: BASE - APB DISPLAY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22030

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $14.9 million to IN-DEPTH ENGINEERING CORPORATION for work described as: BASE - APB DISPLAY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded for display development services, indicating a need for specialized technical expertise. 2. The contract's duration of over 5 years suggests a long-term requirement for these services. 3. Awarded under full and open competition, implying a broad search for qualified vendors. 4. The 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' NAICS code points to innovation-focused work. 5. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can incentivize cost control while allowing for flexibility. 6. The contractor, In-Depth Engineering Corporation, has secured this significant award, suggesting a strong performance record or specialized capabilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific performance metrics or comparable project data. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure means the final cost could fluctuate based on actual expenses, plus a predetermined fee. While CPFF can be appropriate for R&D where scope is uncertain, it carries inherent risks of cost overruns if not managed tightly. Without more detailed cost breakdowns or comparisons to similar display development projects, assessing the true value-for-money is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that the Department of Defense sought proposals from all responsible sources. This approach typically fosters a competitive environment, encouraging multiple bidders to offer their best pricing and technical solutions. The fact that it was competed broadly suggests that the agency aimed to secure the most advantageous offer available in the market for these specialized display development services.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down prices through market forces and ensuring that the government receives competitive offers, potentially leading to cost savings compared to less competitive procurement methods.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the Department of Defense, which receives advanced display development capabilities. The services delivered are expected to enhance or create new display technologies for defense applications. The geographic impact is primarily within the defense sector, potentially supporting military operations or research facilities. Workforce implications may include employment for engineers, designers, and technicians specializing in display technology.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can lead to higher final costs if not meticulously managed due to the reimbursement of actual costs.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the true value and effectiveness of the services rendered.
The long duration of the contract could pose a risk if technology evolves rapidly, making the developed displays obsolete before the contract ends.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust and fair procurement process.
The NAICS code indicates a focus on research and development, potentially leading to technological advancements.
The contractor, In-Depth Engineering Corporation, has secured a significant contract, implying a level of trust and capability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences, excluding biotechnology. The market for specialized display development is driven by advancements in materials science, electronics, and user interface design. Comparable spending in this area can vary widely depending on the complexity and application, but R&D contracts often represent significant investments in future capabilities for various industries, including defense, aerospace, and consumer electronics.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses mentioned in the provided data. The award to In-Depth Engineering Corporation, a presumably larger entity given the contract value, suggests that the competition likely favored established firms with extensive R&D capabilities. This could limit opportunities for smaller, specialized firms to participate directly in this particular contract, though they might be involved as suppliers or partners to the prime contractor.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), which is responsible for ensuring contractor performance and compliance. Accountability measures are inherent in the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, requiring detailed cost reporting and justification. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific project details and performance data may be sensitive.

Related Government Programs

Defense Research and Development Programs
Advanced Materials Research
Engineering Services Contracts
Technology Development Contracts
Department of Defense Procurement

Risk Flags

Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF)
Technological Obsolescence
Performance Measurement Difficulty (R&D)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $14.9 million to IN-DEPTH ENGINEERING CORPORATION. BASE - APB DISPLAY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is IN-DEPTH ENGINEERING CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $14.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-12-08. End: 2013-12-31.

What is the track record of In-Depth Engineering Corporation with government contracts, particularly within the Department of Defense?

Information on In-Depth Engineering Corporation's specific track record with government contracts, especially within the Department of Defense, is not detailed in the provided data snippet. However, securing a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract valued at $14.9 million for R&D services suggests a demonstrated capability and a level of trust from the awarding agency. Further investigation into contract databases like FPDS or SAM.gov would be necessary to ascertain their history of performance, past performance ratings, any past disputes or terminations, and the types of services they have previously provided to the government. This would offer a clearer picture of their reliability and expertise in fulfilling complex R&D requirements.

How does the $14.9 million contract value compare to similar display development R&D contracts within the DoD?

Comparing the $14.9 million value of this APB Display Development Services contract to similar contracts requires access to a broader dataset of DoD R&D procurements. However, for a multi-year R&D effort in a specialized field like display technology, this value appears to be within a reasonable range, particularly if it involves significant innovation, advanced materials, or complex integration. Contracts for cutting-edge R&D can vary substantially based on the scope, duration, and technological risk. Without specific benchmarks for display development R&D, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents high or low spending, but it signifies a substantial investment in developing new capabilities.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for R&D services?

The primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for R&D services include potential cost overruns and reduced incentive for the contractor to control costs aggressively. While the fixed fee provides the contractor with a guaranteed profit margin, the government bears the risk of actual costs exceeding initial estimates. For R&D, where the scope and technical challenges are often uncertain, this can lead to significant budget increases. Effective oversight, detailed cost tracking, and clear performance milestones are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure the government receives value for its investment. The CPFF structure is often used when the scope of work is not well-defined, but it necessitates robust government management.

What specific technological advancements or capabilities are expected from this APB Display Development Services contract?

The provided data does not specify the exact technological advancements or capabilities expected from the APB Display Development Services contract. The NAICS code 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)' and the contract title suggest work related to the creation or improvement of display technologies. This could encompass areas such as enhanced resolution, improved durability, reduced power consumption, novel display materials, integration with other systems, or specialized interfaces for military applications. The 'APB' acronym might also hint at a specific program or application area within the DoD that requires these advanced display capabilities.

How has spending on display development R&D by the Department of Defense trended over the past decade?

Analyzing the historical spending trends for display development R&D by the Department of Defense over the past decade requires comprehensive data analysis of federal procurement records. Generally, defense spending on R&D, including areas like display technology, tends to fluctuate based on strategic priorities, technological advancements, and geopolitical factors. Periods of rapid technological change or perceived threats often see increased investment. Without specific data on display development R&D, it's difficult to provide a precise trend, but it's reasonable to assume that the DoD consistently invests in advanced display technologies to maintain a technological edge for its personnel 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 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: N0002408R5213

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 11350 RANDOM HILLS RD STE 110, FAIRFAX, VA, 11

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Federally Funded Research and Development Corp, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,749,373

Exercised Options: $14,899,000

Current Obligation: $14,899,000

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline