Naval Research Lab contract for electronics and communication R&D awarded to Innovative Technical Solutions for $1.14M

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,430,552 ($11.4M)

Contractor: Innovative Technical Solutions, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2003-09-29

End Date: 2007-11-30

Contract Duration: 1,523 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: 200312!004061!1700!E3230 !NAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORY !N0017303C2059 !A!N! !N! !20030929!20040531!043448575!043448575!043448575!N!INNOVATIVE TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS!1100 ALAKEA STREET !HONOLULU !HI!96813!17000!003!15!HONOLULU !HONOLULU !HAWAII !+000002000000!N!N!000012345004!AD92!RDTE/OTHER DEFENSE-APPLIED RESEARCH !A7 !ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION !2000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !A!N!U!2!002!E! !A!Y!Z! ! !N!B!N!N! ! !Z! !A!A!000!A!B!N! ! ! ! ! ! !0001! !

Place of Performance

Location: HONOLULU, HONOLULU County, HAWAII, 96813

State: Hawaii Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $11.4 million to INNOVATIVE TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS, INC. for work described as: 200312!004061!1700!E3230 !NAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORY !N0017303C2059 !A!N! !N! !20030929!20040531!043448575!043448575!043448575!N!INNOVATIVE TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS!1100 ALAKEA STREET !HONOLULU !HI!96813!17000!003!15!HONOLULU !HONOL… Key points: 1. Contract awarded for research and development in electronics and communication. 2. The contract was competed under full and open competition. 3. The contractor, Innovative Technical Solutions, Inc., has a track record with this agency. 4. The contract duration is over 4 years, suggesting a need for sustained effort. 5. The contract falls under the broader category of Defense Applied Research. 6. The primary place of performance is Hawaii.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $1.14 million for a duration of over 4 years appears reasonable for specialized R&D in electronics and communication. However, without specific deliverables or performance metrics, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts in defense applied research would provide better context for pricing and overall value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. The presence of multiple bidders generally promotes competitive pricing and allows the government to select the offer that best meets its technical and cost requirements. The specific number of bids received is not detailed, but the competition type suggests a healthy market response.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is favorable for taxpayers as it typically leads to more competitive pricing and a wider range of innovative solutions being considered, potentially reducing overall costs.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Naval Research Laboratory, which receives advanced research and development services. Services delivered include research and development in electronics and communication technologies. The geographic impact is centered in Hawaii, where the contractor is located and likely where some performance will occur. The contract supports specialized technical expertise within the defense sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness of the R&D.
The specific nature of 'Electronics and Communication' R&D can be broad, requiring clarity on the exact focus areas.
Potential for cost overruns in R&D contracts if not closely managed.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process.
Contractor has prior experience, potentially indicating familiarity with agency needs.
The contract is for applied research, which can lead to technological advancements.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on 'Electronics and Communication' within Defense Applied Research. The market for defense R&D is characterized by specialized firms competing for government contracts. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other contracts for similar R&D services awarded by the Department of Defense or other federal agencies, particularly those focused on advanced electronics and communication systems.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. The contractor, Innovative Technical Solutions, Inc., is a private entity, and its size relative to small business definitions is not provided. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Department of the Navy, with potential involvement from the Naval Research Laboratory's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures would be tied to the contract's performance clauses and reporting requirements. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract databases, though specific R&D details might be classified or proprietary.

Related Government Programs

Naval Research Laboratory Contracts
Department of Defense Research and Development
Electronics and Communication Research
Applied Defense Research

Risk Flags

Contract duration exceeds 4 years, requiring sustained oversight.
R&D contracts can have inherent risks related to achieving desired outcomes.
Specific technical details of the R&D are not publicly disclosed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $11.4 million to INNOVATIVE TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS, INC.. 200312!004061!1700!E3230 !NAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORY !N0017303C2059 !A!N! !N! !20030929!20040531!043448575!043448575!043448575!N!INNOVATIVE TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS!1100 ALAKEA STREET !HONOLULU !HI!96813!17000!003!15!HONOLULU !HONOLULU !HAWAII !+000002000000!N!N!000012345004!AD92!RDTE/OTHER DEFENSE-APPLIED RESEARCH !A7 !ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION !2000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INNOVATIVE TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2003-09-29. End: 2007-11-30.

What specific research and development projects were undertaken under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract was for 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences,' specifically within 'Electronics and Communication.' However, the precise nature of the R&D projects is not detailed in the extract. Typically, such contracts would involve tasks like developing new communication protocols, enhancing electronic warfare capabilities, designing advanced sensor systems, or improving signal processing techniques. The Naval Research Laboratory often focuses on foundational and applied research to maintain technological superiority for the Navy and Marine Corps. Further details would likely be found in the contract statement of work (SOW) or technical reports associated with the contract.

How does the contract value of $1.14 million compare to similar R&D contracts for electronics and communication within the Department of Defense?

Benchmarking this $1.14 million contract against similar Department of Defense (DoD) R&D contracts for electronics and communication requires access to a broader dataset of federal procurements. However, for a contract spanning over four years (approximately 1523 days), this value suggests a focused effort rather than a large-scale program. Smaller, specialized R&D efforts in niche areas of electronics or communication can range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars. Larger, more comprehensive R&D programs, especially those involving hardware development or system integration, often exceed tens or hundreds of millions. Without knowing the specific technical scope and deliverables, it's difficult to definitively state if $1.14 million is high or low, but it appears to be in the range for targeted applied research.

What is the track record of Innovative Technical Solutions, Inc. with the Department of the Navy?

Innovative Technical Solutions, Inc. (ITS) has a history of contracting with the Department of the Navy, as evidenced by this contract (N0017303C2059). The data indicates this was not their only contract. Analyzing ITS's broader contract history with the Navy would reveal the types of services they have provided, their performance ratings (if available), and the total value of contracts awarded to them over time. A positive performance history with the Navy suggests familiarity with agency requirements and processes, which can be a positive indicator for future contract performance. Conversely, a history of issues or underperformance would raise concerns.

What were the key performance indicators (KPIs) or deliverables expected under this contract?

The provided data does not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) or detailed deliverables for this contract. For R&D contracts, KPIs often relate to achieving specific technical milestones, successful prototype development, delivery of research reports, or demonstration of new technologies. The contract type, 'COST PLUS FIXED FEE' (though the data shows 'A' which often implies other types, the 'pt' field is 'COST PLUS FIXED FEE'), suggests that the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. Performance would be measured against the agreed-upon scope of work, technical objectives, and delivery schedules outlined in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW).

How has spending on 'Electronics and Communication' R&D by the Naval Research Laboratory evolved over time?

To assess the evolution of spending on 'Electronics and Communication' R&D by the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), one would need to analyze historical contract data over multiple fiscal years. This specific contract from 2003-2007 represents a snapshot. Trends could reveal whether NRL is increasing or decreasing its investment in this area, potentially due to emerging threats, technological advancements, or shifts in strategic priorities. Analyzing spending patterns across different R&D categories within NRL would also provide context on resource allocation and focus areas.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Contractor Details

Address: 1100 ALAKEA STREET, HONOLULU, HI, 01

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $12,345,004

Exercised Options: $11,454,426

Current Obligation: $11,430,552

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline