DoD Navy Awards $10.8M for Shipboard Automation & Machinery RDT&E to TDI Technologies

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,790,143 ($10.8M)

Contractor: TDI Technologies, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-08-18

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,504 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL SERVICES TO SUPPORT THE RDT&E OF NEW SHIPBOARD AUTOMATION AND CONTROLS, ELECTRIC POWER, MACHINERY TECHNOLOGY, MACHINERY CONCEPT DESIGN, MACHINERY SILENCING, ENERGY CONVERSION, AND ADVANCED MACHINERY SYSTEMS INTEGRATION.

Place of Performance

Location: KING OF PRUSSIA, MONTGOMERY County, PENNSYLVANIA, 19406

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $10.8 million to TDI TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL SERVICES TO SUPPORT THE RDT&E OF NEW SHIPBOARD AUTOMATION AND CONTROLS, ELECTRIC POWER, MACHINERY TECHNOLOGY, MACHINERY CONCEPT DESIGN, MACHINERY SILENCING, ENERGY CONVERSION, AND ADVANCED MACHINERY SYSTEMS INTEGRATION. Key points: 1. Focuses on advanced shipboard systems, crucial for naval modernization. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk is moderate due to the RDT&E nature of the work. 4. Sector is Defense, specifically naval engineering and technology.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $10.8M over approximately 4 years for RDT&E services appears reasonable. Benchmarking against similar complex engineering support contracts is difficult without more specific cost breakdowns, but the duration and scope suggest a fair price point.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing and allows for a wide range of qualified contractors to bid. This method likely resulted in a more favorable price discovery process.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for critical defense research and development.

Public Impact

Enhances US Navy's technological superiority in maritime operations. Supports innovation in critical areas like electric power and automation. Potential for spin-off technologies benefiting other sectors. Ensures continued development of advanced machinery for future fleet readiness.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 71 / 10

Warning Flags

RDT&E projects can have uncertain outcomes and cost overruns.
Reliance on a single awardee for complex RDT&E.
Long contract duration increases exposure to changing technological needs.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition drives value.
Focus on critical naval modernization areas.
Experienced contractor likely involved.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically supporting the Department of the Navy's research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) for advanced ship systems. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining technological superiority and operational readiness.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). While this specific award may not directly benefit SMBs, the overall defense spending ecosystem often includes subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Navy is responsible for oversight of this contract. The RDT&E nature requires close monitoring of progress, milestones, and cost controls to ensure accountability and effective use of funds.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns in RDT&E.
Long contract duration.
Complexity of integrating new technologies.
Cybersecurity risks associated with automation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $10.8 million to TDI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL SERVICES TO SUPPORT THE RDT&E OF NEW SHIPBOARD AUTOMATION AND CONTROLS, ELECTRIC POWER, MACHINERY TECHNOLOGY, MACHINERY CONCEPT DESIGN, MACHINERY SILENCING, ENERGY CONVERSION, AND ADVANCED MACHINERY SYSTEMS INTEGRATION.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TDI TECHNOLOGIES, 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 $10.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-08-18. End: 2026-09-30.

What specific technological advancements are prioritized within this RDT&E effort, and how do they align with current naval strategic goals?

The RDT&E effort prioritizes advancements in shipboard automation, controls, electric power, machinery technology, silencing, energy conversion, and systems integration. These align with strategic naval goals focused on enhancing platform efficiency, reducing manning requirements through automation, improving energy independence, and developing next-generation combat and propulsion systems for future fleet dominance.

What are the primary technical risks associated with developing new shipboard automation and advanced machinery systems, and how are they being mitigated?

Primary technical risks include integration challenges between novel systems, unforeseen performance issues in harsh maritime environments, cybersecurity vulnerabilities in automated systems, and the potential for technological obsolescence during the long RDT&E cycle. Mitigation strategies likely involve rigorous testing, phased development, modular design, robust cybersecurity protocols, and continuous risk assessment throughout the contract duration.

How will the success of this RDT&E contract be measured in terms of tangible improvements to naval capabilities or cost savings?

Success will be measured by the successful demonstration of key technologies, achievement of performance metrics outlined in the contract (e.g., efficiency gains, automation levels, power output), and the successful integration of developed systems into prototype platforms. Tangible improvements could include reduced operational costs, enhanced crew safety, increased combat effectiveness, and the successful transition of technologies to fleet-wide implementation.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: N6449822R3055

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 939 RADNOR RD, WAYNE, PA, 19087

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,354,120

Exercised Options: $11,324,781

Current Obligation: $10,790,143

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $72,364

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017819D8650

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline