DoD's $23.1M contract for SDR and RF engineering services awarded to Scientific Research Corporation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,114,721 ($23.1M)

Contractor: Scientific Research Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-09-27

End Date: 2026-09-26

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $21.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND ACQUISITION SERVICES SOFTWARE DEFINED NETWORKING RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ENGINEERING SOFTWARE DEFINED RADIO (SDR)

Place of Performance

Location: ATLANTA, COBB County, GEORGIA, 30339

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $23.1 million to SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CORPORATION for work described as: SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND ACQUISITION SERVICES SOFTWARE DEFINED NETWORKING RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ENGINEERING SOFTWARE DEFINED RADIO (SDR) Key points: 1. Contract focuses on specialized engineering services for software-defined networking and radio frequency. 2. Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration of 1095 days indicates a medium-term engagement for these services. 4. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing structure requires careful monitoring of costs against the fixed fee. 5. This award falls under the Engineering Services NAICS code, a common category for such technical support. 6. The primary agency is the Department of the Navy, indicating a specific defense need. 7. The contract type is a Delivery Order, suggesting it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicle or a specific task order.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this $23.1 million contract is challenging without specific deliverables or performance metrics. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly, though the fixed fee component provides some cost certainty. Comparing it to similar contracts for specialized RF and SDR engineering services would require access to a broader dataset of comparable procurements. The total value over three years suggests a moderate investment for the specialized services procured.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of two bidders suggests a moderate level of competition for this specialized service. While two bidders are better than one, a higher number of competitors could potentially drive prices down further and foster greater innovation. The agency's decision to use full and open competition is generally positive for ensuring a fair marketplace.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages multiple companies to vie for the contract, potentially leading to more competitive pricing and better value for the government's investment.

Public Impact

The Department of the Navy benefits from specialized engineering expertise in software-defined networking and radio frequency technologies. This contract supports the development and enhancement of critical communication and electronic warfare systems. The services delivered are expected to advance the Navy's technological capabilities in radio frequency spectrum management and utilization. The geographic impact is primarily within the scope of the Department of the Navy's operational and research facilities, likely concentrated in areas with significant naval presence. Workforce implications may include the employment of highly skilled engineers and technical specialists in the fields of RF engineering and software-defined networking.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

CPFF contract type requires diligent oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable and the fixed fee is justified by performance.
Limited competition (2 bidders) may indicate potential for higher prices than if more firms had participated.
The specific nature of SDR and RF engineering can be complex, requiring specialized expertise to evaluate performance and value.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, which is a positive signal for market fairness.
The contract is for specialized engineering services, indicating a focus on critical technological advancements.
The contractor, Scientific Research Corporation, likely possesses relevant expertise for this niche area.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically focusing on advanced radio frequency (RF) and software-defined radio (SDR) technologies. This is a critical area for defense applications, including communications, electronic warfare, and signals intelligence. The market for such specialized engineering services is competitive, with a mix of large defense contractors and niche technology firms. Spending in this area is driven by the need for continuous technological modernization to maintain a strategic advantage.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, as indicated by 'sb: false'. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting goals for small businesses. This suggests that the primary awardee, Scientific Research Corporation, will likely perform the majority of the work, and opportunities for small businesses may be limited unless they are direct suppliers or partners to the prime contractor.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Navy's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures will be tied to the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure, requiring detailed cost reporting and performance reviews. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific performance details may be sensitive. Inspector General (IG) jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Research and Development
Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Contracts
Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) IT Services
Electronic Warfare Systems Development
Communications Systems Engineering

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) requires diligent oversight.
Limited competition may impact price competitiveness.
Specialized nature of services requires expert evaluation.
Potential for scope creep in evolving technology areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $23.1 million to SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CORPORATION. SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND ACQUISITION SERVICES SOFTWARE DEFINED NETWORKING RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ENGINEERING SOFTWARE DEFINED RADIO (SDR)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $23.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-27. End: 2026-09-26.

What is the track record of Scientific Research Corporation with the Department of the Navy for similar engineering services?

Scientific Research Corporation (SRC) has a history of performing various defense-related contracts, including those involving engineering, research, and development. While specific details on their past performance with the Department of the Navy for SDR and RF engineering require a deeper dive into contract databases, SRC is generally recognized for its capabilities in areas like radar, electronic warfare, and command and control systems. Their ability to secure this contract suggests a positive past performance record or strong technical qualifications relevant to the Navy's needs. Further analysis would involve examining specific past performance reviews and contract awards to assess their reliability and expertise in delivering complex engineering solutions within budget and schedule.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing structure compare to other contract types for similar engineering services?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is often used when the scope of work is not precisely defined, or when there is a high degree of uncertainty in the costs involved, such as in research and development or complex engineering projects. In a CPFF contract, the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee, representing profit. This differs from fixed-price contracts, where the price is set regardless of costs, and cost-reimbursement contracts without a fixed fee, which can offer less incentive for cost control. For specialized engineering services like SDR and RF, CPFF can be advantageous for the government by allowing flexibility as requirements evolve, while the fixed fee provides a ceiling on profit. However, it necessitates robust government oversight to ensure costs are reasonable and the fee is earned. Other contract types like Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) or Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) might be used depending on the level of risk and desired performance incentives.

What are the potential risks associated with the limited competition (2 bidders) for this contract?

Limited competition, such as the two bidders in this case, can present several risks. Firstly, it may lead to higher prices than if a more robust competition had occurred, as the bidders face less pressure to offer their most competitive rates. Secondly, it could indicate barriers to entry in this specialized field, potentially stifling innovation from new or smaller companies. Thirdly, the government may have fewer options if the selected contractor fails to perform adequately. While full and open competition was utilized, the low number of bids suggests that either the requirements were highly specialized, attracting only a few capable firms, or that outreach efforts could have been expanded. This necessitates careful contract management and performance monitoring to ensure value for money is achieved despite the limited competitive landscape.

How does this contract contribute to the Department of the Navy's overall strategy in radio frequency and software-defined networking?

This contract directly supports the Department of the Navy's strategic objectives by procuring essential engineering services for Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Radio Frequency (RF) technologies. These capabilities are fundamental to modernizing naval communications, enhancing electronic warfare (EW) systems, and improving situational awareness in contested electromagnetic spectrum environments. SDN offers flexibility and adaptability in network management, crucial for dynamic naval operations, while advancements in RF and SDR are key to developing next-generation sensors, communication links, and EW platforms. By investing in these specialized engineering services, the Navy aims to maintain its technological edge, ensure interoperability across platforms, and build resilient systems capable of operating effectively in future operational scenarios.

What is the historical spending trend for engineering services related to RF and SDR within the Department of Defense?

Historical spending on engineering services related to Radio Frequency (RF) and Software-Defined Radio (SDR) within the Department of Defense (DoD) has generally shown a consistent upward trend, driven by the increasing importance of electronic warfare, secure communications, and advanced sensor technologies. The DoD invests heavily in R&D and acquisition programs that require specialized expertise in these areas to maintain technological superiority. While specific figures for RF and SDR engineering services can be difficult to isolate from broader engineering or IT categories, overall spending on defense-related engineering and technical services runs into billions of dollars annually. Factors such as evolving threats, the need for spectrum dominance, and the push towards software-defined architectures contribute to sustained or increasing investment in these critical capabilities across various branches, including the Navy.

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: N6523622R3015

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2300 WINDY RIDGE PKWY, ATLANTA, GA, 30339

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $30,997,393

Exercised Options: $25,729,184

Current Obligation: $23,114,721

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 10

Total Subaward Amount: $2,044,162

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017819D8474

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline