DoD's $11.3M RF Research Contract Awarded to Assurance Technology Corp Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $11,324,208 ($11.3M)
Contractor: Assurance Technology Corp
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-09-26
End Date: 2026-09-25
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $31.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: FROST - ADVANCING RF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Place of Performance
Location: CARLISLE, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01741
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $11.3 million to ASSURANCE TECHNOLOGY CORP for work described as: FROST - ADVANCING RF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Key points: 1. The Department of Defense is investing $11.3 million in radio frequency (RF) research and development. 2. Assurance Technology Corp secured the contract through full and open competition. 3. The contract focuses on advancing RF research, a critical area for defense capabilities. 4. This award highlights the importance of specialized R&D in the physical and engineering sciences sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which allows for flexibility in research but requires careful monitoring of costs to ensure value. The fixed fee component provides a baseline for contractor profit.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded using full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a robust price discovery process. This method generally leads to more competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive bidding process that aims to secure the best value for the $11.3 million investment in critical research.
Public Impact
Advancement in RF technology could lead to improved defense communication and sensing capabilities. Investment in R&D supports innovation and technological superiority for the U.S. military. The contract duration of one year suggests a focused project with potential for follow-on work based on results.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-plus contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
- The specific deliverables and milestones for the RF research are not detailed, making it hard to assess immediate impact.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition ensures a broad range of potential bidders, fostering innovation.
- Focus on R&D in a critical defense area like RF is strategically important.
- The contract is awarded to a single entity, suggesting specialized expertise.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically NAICS code 541715. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological advantage and innovation in defense.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Assurance Technology Corp, and there is no indication of small business participation in this specific award. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Navy is the contracting agency, responsible for oversight. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates diligent monitoring of expenditures and progress to ensure accountability and value for taxpayer money.
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
- Potential for cost overruns in CPFF contract.
- Lack of detailed project scope for immediate impact assessment.
- Reliance on a single contractor for specialized R&D.
- Need for ongoing monitoring of technological advancements and competitive landscape.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ma, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $11.3 million to ASSURANCE TECHNOLOGY CORP. FROST - ADVANCING RF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ASSURANCE TECHNOLOGY CORP.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $11.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-09-26. End: 2026-09-25.
What specific advancements in RF technology are expected from this $11.3 million investment, and how will they translate into tangible defense capabilities?
The contract aims to advance RF research and development, likely focusing on areas such as improved signal processing, enhanced radar capabilities, or more secure communication systems. The tangible defense capabilities could include superior situational awareness, more effective electronic warfare, and resilient communication networks, ultimately bolstering national security.
Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, what are the primary risks associated with cost overruns, and what oversight mechanisms are in place to mitigate them?
The primary risk with CPFF contracts is that costs can exceed initial estimates if the scope of work is not well-defined or if unforeseen technical challenges arise. Mitigation strategies typically include rigorous Earned Value Management (EVM), detailed progress reviews, and strict adherence to pre-defined milestones and reporting requirements by the contracting agency.
How does this investment in RF research align with broader DoD strategies for technological modernization and maintaining a competitive edge against adversaries?
This investment directly supports DoD's strategic goals of maintaining technological superiority. Advancements in RF are critical for next-generation warfare, including areas like 5G communications, advanced sensing, and electronic warfare. By funding R&D, the DoD ensures it can adapt to evolving threats and leverage cutting-edge technologies.
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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 84 SOUTH ST, CARLISLE, MA, 01741
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $87,750,152
Exercised Options: $28,688,837
Current Obligation: $11,324,208
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 15
Total Subaward Amount: $4,969,600
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: N0017325D7000
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-09-26
Current End Date: 2026-09-25
Potential End Date: 2028-09-25 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-26
More Contracts from Assurance Technology Corp
- 200509!003713!1700!n00173!naval Research Laboratory !N0017305C2049 !A!N! !N! ! !20050628!20060619!069338820!069338820!069338820!n!assurance Technology Corp !84 South ST !carlisle !ma!01741!50000!001!11!washington !district of Columbia !D.C. !+000000030000!n!n!000117348188!aj43!rdte/Engineering Sciences - ADV Tech DEV !A2 !missile and Space Systems !000 !* !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !20200930!B! ! !A! !a!n!u!2!004!b! !Z!N!Z! ! !n!b!n!n! ! !Z! !a!a!000!a!b!n! ! ! ! !1700!N00173!0001! ! — $273.3M (Department of Defense)
- Research&development for Transmitting Energy Radio Frequency Systems (terfs) PR # 81-4072-18 — $245.4M (Department of Defense)
- R&D Labor — $169.3M (Department of Defense)
- 200112!004551!1700!E3230 !naval Research Laboratory !N0017301C2006 !a!n!*!n!p00003 !20010904!20020521!069338820!069338820!069338820!n!assurance Technology Corp !84 South Street !carlisle !ma!01741!11490!017!25!carlisle !middlesex !mass !+000000194378!n!n!000000000000!ad91!rdte/Other Defense-Basic Research !A2 !missile and Space Systems !2000!NOT Discernable or Classified !541710!*!*!3!a!s!c!*!*!*!b!*!*!a! !A !N!U!2!001!B! !Z!N!Z! ! !n!b!n!n! ! !Z! !a!a!000!a!b!n! ! ! ! ! ! !0001! — $139.9M (Department of Defense)
- TAS::80 0122::TAS Space Environment In-Situ (seiss) Instruments for Weather Satellites — $133.1M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
Other Department of Defense Contracts
- Federal Contract — $51.3B (Humana Government Business Inc)
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- SSN 802 and 803 Long Lead Time Material — $34.7B (Electric Boat Corporation)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- KC-X Modernization Program — $32.0B (THE Boeing Company)