DoD Awards $12.1M for Electronics & Communication R&D to Interferometrics Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $12,099,184 ($12.1M)
Contractor: Interferometrics, Incorporated
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2003-09-16
End Date: 2011-06-30
Contract Duration: 2,844 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: 200312!003548!1700!E3250 !NAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORY !N0017303C6019 !A!N! !N! !20030916!20080915!077563690!077563690!077563690!N!INTERFEROMETRICS INCORPORATED !14120 PARKE LONG COURT SUI!CHANTILLY !VA!20151!50000!001!11!WASHINGTON !DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA !D.C. !+000000553311!N!N!000016002444!AC61!RDTE/ELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATION EQ-BASIC RESEARCH!S1 !SERVICES !2000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !A!N!U!2!001!B! !Z!Y!Z! ! !N!B!N!N! ! !Z! !A!A!000!A!B!N! ! ! ! ! ! !0001! !
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20375
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $12.1 million to INTERFEROMETRICS, INCORPORATED for work described as: 200312!003548!1700!E3250 !NAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORY !N0017303C6019 !A!N! !N! !20030916!20080915!077563690!077563690!077563690!N!INTERFEROMETRICS INCORPORATED !14120 PARKE LONG COURT SUI!CHANTILLY !VA!20151!50000!001!11!WASHINGTON !DISTR… Key points: 1. Contract awarded for basic research in electronics and communication. 2. Interferometrics Inc. is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. The contract duration is over 8 years, indicating a long-term need. 4. Spending falls within the R&D sector, a critical area for defense innovation.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $12.1M over 8 years is substantial for basic research. Without a clear benchmark for similar R&D contracts, assessing its value is difficult. The 'COST PLUS FIXED FEE' pricing structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting limited competition. This method may not have explored all potential sources, potentially impacting price discovery and overall value for money.
Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition raises concerns about whether taxpayers received the best possible price for the research services.
Public Impact
Supports advanced electronics and communication research, potentially leading to technological advancements. Long contract duration may indicate a sustained need for specialized expertise. Focus on basic research suggests investment in future capabilities rather than immediate solutions. Award to a single entity could concentrate expertise but limits broader industry engagement.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition
- Cost-plus pricing structure
- Long contract duration
Positive Signals
- Investment in critical R&D
- Award to established contractor
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on electronics and communication. The $12.1M award over 8 years is a significant investment in basic research, aligning with typical defense spending on innovation.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses had opportunities to participate as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's long duration and cost-plus structure warrant close oversight to ensure funds are used efficiently and effectively towards research objectives.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition raises concerns about value for money.
- Cost-plus pricing can lead to cost overruns if not managed.
- Long contract duration increases exposure to potential changes in research needs or economic conditions.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, dc, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $12.1 million to INTERFEROMETRICS, INCORPORATED. 200312!003548!1700!E3250 !NAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORY !N0017303C6019 !A!N! !N! !20030916!20080915!077563690!077563690!077563690!N!INTERFEROMETRICS INCORPORATED !14120 PARKE LONG COURT SUI!CHANTILLY !VA!20151!50000!001!11!WASHINGTON !DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA !D.C. !+000000553311!N!N!000016002444!AC61!RDTE/ELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATION EQ-BASIC RESEARCH!S1 !SERVICES !2000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is INTERFEROMETRICS, INCORPORATED.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $12.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-09-16. End: 2011-06-30.
What specific technological advancements are expected from this basic research, and how will their impact be measured?
The contract focuses on 'RDTE/ELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATION EQ-BASIC RESEARCH.' While specific advancements are not detailed, basic research aims to expand fundamental knowledge. Measuring impact is challenging but could involve tracking publications, patents, or the eventual integration of developed technologies into defense systems. The Naval Research Laboratory is responsible for overseeing the research outcomes and their potential applications.
Were there any other qualified sources considered, and why was Interferometrics Inc. selected exclusively?
The award notice states 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This implies that while the competition was intended to be open, specific sources may have been excluded or not pursued. A thorough review of the justification for exclusion and market research conducted would clarify why Interferometrics Inc. was the sole awardee.
How does the cost-plus fixed fee structure ensure cost control for this long-term basic research project?
Cost-plus fixed fee contracts reimburse the contractor for allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee. While the fee is fixed, the total cost can vary. Effective oversight is crucial to monitor costs, ensure they are reasonable and allocable to the contract, and prevent scope creep that could inflate expenses beyond the initial estimates.
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 › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 14120 PARKE LONG COURT SUI, CHANTILLY, VA, 90
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $16,002,444
Exercised Options: $16,002,444
Current Obligation: $12,099,184
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2003-09-16
Current End Date: 2011-06-30
Potential End Date: 2011-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2014-01-14
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