DoD's SMART EPANTS Program Awards $17.6M Contract to Nautilus Defense LLC for R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $17,601,628 ($17.6M)
Contractor: Nautilus Defense LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-07-28
End Date: 2027-05-27
Contract Duration: 1,399 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 18
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SMART ELECTRICALLY POWERED AND NETWORKED TEXTILE SYSTEMS (SMART EPANTS) PROGRAM
Place of Performance
Location: PAWTUCKET, PROVIDENCE County, RHODE ISLAND, 02860
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $17.6 million to NAUTILUS DEFENSE LLC for work described as: SMART ELECTRICALLY POWERED AND NETWORKED TEXTILE SYSTEMS (SMART EPANTS) PROGRAM Key points: 1. The contract focuses on Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. The firm fixed price contract type suggests a defined scope and cost control. 4. The program aims to advance electrically powered and networked textile systems.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $17.6M for R&D is within a reasonable range for specialized technology development. Benchmarking against similar advanced materials or networked systems contracts would provide further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and innovation.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process is expected to yield fair market value, ensuring taxpayer funds are used efficiently for advanced research.
Public Impact
Advancement in textile technology could lead to new defense capabilities. Investment in R&D supports innovation and technological superiority for the Navy. The program's success may influence future procurement of advanced materials.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if R&D proves more complex than anticipated.
- Dependence on a single contractor for a critical R&D phase.
- Long contract duration (1399 days) increases exposure to market shifts.
Positive Signals
- Awarded via full and open competition.
- Firm fixed price contract type.
- Focus on cutting-edge R&D.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological advantage, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research domain.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Nautilus Defense LLC, and there is no indication of small business participation in this specific award. Future subcontracts could potentially involve small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Navy's oversight will be critical to ensure the successful execution of this R&D program and adherence to the firm fixed price terms.
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
- Technological feasibility risk
- Integration complexity risk
- Long-term durability of electronic textiles
- Potential for schedule delays in R&D
- Market obsolescence of developed technology
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ri, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $17.6 million to NAUTILUS DEFENSE LLC. SMART ELECTRICALLY POWERED AND NETWORKED TEXTILE SYSTEMS (SMART EPANTS) PROGRAM
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NAUTILUS DEFENSE LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $17.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-07-28. End: 2027-05-27.
What are the specific performance metrics for the SMART EPANTS program and how will success be measured?
Success will likely be measured against defined technical milestones and performance requirements outlined in the contract's statement of work. These metrics would detail the expected capabilities of the 'electrically powered and networked textile systems,' such as data transmission rates, power efficiency, durability, and integration with existing platforms. The Department of the Navy will monitor progress against these benchmarks throughout the contract duration.
What are the primary risks associated with developing advanced networked textile systems, and how are they being mitigated?
Key risks include technological feasibility challenges, integration complexities with existing systems, potential for obsolescence, and ensuring the durability and reliability of electronic components within a textile matrix. Mitigation strategies likely involve phased development, rigorous testing protocols, and close collaboration between Nautilus Defense and Navy technical experts to address unforeseen issues proactively.
How will the outcomes of the SMART EPANTS program contribute to the Navy's overall operational effectiveness?
The program aims to enhance warfighter capabilities through advanced, integrated textiles. Potential contributions include improved situational awareness via networked sensors, enhanced communication systems, lighter and more functional protective gear, and novel platform integration. Successful development could lead to more agile, data-rich, and survivable naval operations.
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
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: N6600122S4705
Offers Received: 18
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 999 MAIN ST UNIT 7060, PAWTUCKET, RI, 02860
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $24,933,386
Exercised Options: $24,933,386
Current Obligation: $17,601,628
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-07-28
Current End Date: 2027-05-27
Potential End Date: 2027-05-27 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-10-09
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