DoD's $26.8M R&D contract for FLEXCSR SYSTEMS awarded to Tomahawk Robotics Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $26,863,096 ($26.9M)

Contractor: Tomahawk Robotics Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-04-14

End Date: 2025-02-15

Contract Duration: 673 days

Daily Burn Rate: $39.9K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: FLEXCSR SYSTEMS

Place of Performance

Location: MELBOURNE, BREVARD County, FLORIDA, 32901

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $26.9 million to TOMAHAWK ROBOTICS INC for work described as: FLEXCSR SYSTEMS Key points: 1. Contract focuses on research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Awarded as a delivery order under a larger contract, indicating potential for follow-on work. 3. The contract duration of 673 days suggests a significant R&D effort. 4. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs, but R&D inherently carries risk. 5. The specific NAICS code (541715) points to a specialized area of scientific research. 6. Geographic location in Florida may indicate specific research facilities or partnerships.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking R&D contracts is challenging due to their unique nature and evolving requirements. The total value of $26.8 million over approximately two years suggests a substantial investment. Without comparable contracts for similar advanced robotics systems, a precise value-for-money assessment is difficult. However, the firm-fixed-price structure provides some cost certainty for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed among multiple vendors. This approach is often used when a specific contractor possesses unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or is the only source capable of meeting the requirement. The lack of competition means the government did not benefit from a bidding process that could have driven down prices.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can lead to higher costs for taxpayers as competitive pressures are absent. It also limits opportunities for other businesses to secure government contracts.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Navy, which will receive advanced robotics systems for research and development purposes. The services delivered involve cutting-edge research in physical, engineering, and life sciences, likely focused on enhancing military capabilities. The contract is geographically focused in Florida, suggesting that the research and development activities will primarily occur within the state. This contract may have implications for the specialized workforce in robotics and advanced engineering, potentially creating or sustaining high-skilled jobs in Florida.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competitive pricing and potential innovation from other firms.
R&D contracts inherently carry a risk of technical challenges and unmet objectives.
Lack of detailed public information on the specific deliverables makes performance assessment difficult.
The contract's duration and value could be subject to scope creep if not managed tightly.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost control and predictability.
Award to a single, specialized vendor suggests access to unique and advanced capabilities.
Delivery order structure implies it's part of a broader strategic initiative.
Focus on R&D aligns with the DoD's need for technological advancement.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS code 541715, which covers physical, engineering, and life sciences research. This sector is characterized by innovation, high technical expertise, and significant government investment, particularly from defense agencies seeking technological superiority. The market for advanced robotics and related systems is competitive, but specialized R&D often involves niche players with unique intellectual property. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the bespoke nature of R&D, but significant investments are common for next-generation defense technologies.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, as indicated by 'ss': false and 'sb': false. The award is to Tomahawk Robotics Inc., which is likely a mid-to-large-sized business given the contract value. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This means the direct economic impact on the small business ecosystem from this specific award is likely minimal, though the prime contractor may engage small businesses in its supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of the Navy's contracting and program management offices. As a research and development contract, specific performance metrics and milestones would be established and monitored. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature and the proprietary aspects often associated with R&D. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Robotics Research and Development Programs
Advanced Technology Development Contracts
Department of Defense Science and Technology Programs
Naval Research and Development Initiatives

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
R&D contract inherent risks
Lack of detailed public scope

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $26.9 million to TOMAHAWK ROBOTICS INC. FLEXCSR SYSTEMS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TOMAHAWK ROBOTICS 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 $26.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-04-14. End: 2025-02-15.

What specific technological advancements is FLEXCSR SYSTEMS expected to deliver?

The provided data does not specify the exact technological advancements expected from FLEXCSR SYSTEMS. However, given the NAICS code 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences) and the contractor's specialization in robotics, it is highly probable that this contract aims to develop or enhance advanced robotic systems. This could include improvements in autonomy, sensor integration, human-robot interaction, power efficiency, or novel operational capabilities for defense applications. The 'FLEXCSR' acronym itself might hint at flexibility, command, control, sensing, or robotics, suggesting a focus on adaptable and intelligent robotic platforms.

How does the $26.8 million contract value compare to similar R&D efforts in advanced robotics for the DoD?

Directly comparing the $26.8 million value to similar R&D efforts in advanced robotics is challenging without access to a comprehensive database of classified or proprietary R&D contracts. However, this figure represents a significant investment, typical for developing cutting-edge defense technologies. The DoD invests billions annually in R&D, with individual contracts for advanced systems often ranging from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars over their lifecycle. The value suggests a substantial, multi-year research program rather than a small-scale feasibility study. Factors influencing this value include the complexity of the technology, the novelty of the research, the duration of the development period, and the specific capabilities being sought by the Navy.

What are the primary risks associated with this sole-source R&D contract?

The primary risks associated with this sole-source R&D contract include: 1. **Cost Overruns:** R&D is inherently uncertain; unforeseen technical challenges can significantly increase costs, even with a fixed-price contract, potentially leading to change orders or contract modifications. 2. **Technical Failure:** The technology being developed may not achieve the desired performance levels or may prove infeasible within the project's scope and budget. 3. **Lack of Competition:** The sole-source nature means the government did not benefit from competitive bidding, potentially resulting in a higher price than if multiple vendors had competed. 4. **Limited Innovation:** Relying on a single source might stifle broader innovation within the defense industrial base, as other companies are excluded from contributing their unique solutions. 5. **Vendor Lock-in:** The government may become dependent on Tomahawk Robotics for future advancements or sustainment of this specific technology.

What is Tomahawk Robotics Inc.'s track record in fulfilling government R&D contracts?

Information regarding Tomahawk Robotics Inc.'s specific track record on government R&D contracts of this magnitude is not detailed in the provided data. However, the company is known for developing unmanned ground systems and robotics solutions. Their ability to secure a sole-source R&D contract from the Department of the Navy suggests they possess specialized expertise and technology deemed critical or unique by the agency. A thorough assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history, and any publicly available information on their previous government engagements, particularly those involving research and development phases.

How does this contract align with the Department of the Navy's broader strategic goals for robotics and AI?

This contract likely aligns with the Department of the Navy's strategic goals to modernize its forces through advanced technologies, including robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and unmanned systems. The Navy has emphasized the importance of leveraging these technologies to enhance situational awareness, reduce risk to personnel, improve operational efficiency, and maintain a technological edge over adversaries. R&D in areas like FLEXCSR SYSTEMS could support the development of next-generation unmanned platforms for reconnaissance, logistics, combat support, or other critical missions. The investment underscores the Navy's commitment to exploring and integrating innovative robotic solutions into its future operational concepts.

What is the historical spending trend for NAICS code 541715 contracts within the Department of Defense?

Historical spending trends for NAICS code 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences) within the Department of Defense (DoD) generally show consistent and significant investment. The DoD is a major funder of scientific and engineering R&D, allocating substantial portions of its budget to this sector to maintain technological superiority. While specific annual figures fluctuate based on strategic priorities and budget allocations, the overall trend indicates a sustained commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and engineering capabilities across various disciplines. Contracts under this code often support fundamental research, applied research, and advanced technology development, reflecting the DoD's continuous need for innovation.

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: AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: N0017422R0022

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1333 N HARBOR CITY BLVD, MELBOURNE, FL, 32935

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $26,863,096

Exercised Options: $26,863,096

Current Obligation: $26,863,096

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017423D0002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline