DoD awards $14.6M R&D contract to Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation for specialized services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,630,909 ($14.6M)

Contractor: Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-03-11

End Date: 2026-05-01

Contract Duration: 416 days

Daily Burn Rate: $35.2K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: DO ISSUED TO A COST-PLUS FIXED FEE CLIN 0002AA

Place of Performance

Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35805

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $14.6 million to INTUITIVE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION for work described as: DO ISSUED TO A COST-PLUS FIXED FEE CLIN 0002AA Key points: 1. Contract awarded for research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. The contract is a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle. 3. Duration of the contract is 416 days, ending May 1, 2026. 4. The contract type is Cost-Plus Fixed Fee, which may allow for cost overruns. 5. The awardee, Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation, is based in Alabama. 6. This award represents a significant investment in advanced scientific research for the DoD.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific delivery order is challenging without knowing the scope of work and the parent contract's terms. Cost-Plus Fixed Fee contracts can sometimes lead to higher costs if not managed tightly, as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee. Comparing this to similar R&D efforts would require detailed analysis of the technical requirements and deliverables.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded as a sole-source action, meaning it was not competed. This raises questions about whether alternative solutions or contractors were considered. Without a competitive process, it is difficult to ascertain if the government received the best possible pricing and value. The lack of competition limits price discovery and potentially increases the risk of paying above market rates.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not be receiving the most cost-effective solution due to the absence of a competitive bidding process. This could result in higher overall program costs.

Public Impact

The Department of Defense is the primary beneficiary, receiving advanced research and development services. The contract supports innovation in physical, engineering, and life sciences, potentially leading to new technologies. The geographic impact is primarily in Alabama, where the contractor is located, potentially supporting local jobs. Workforce implications include specialized scientific and engineering roles required for R&D activities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition and potentially increases costs for taxpayers.
Cost-Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher spending if not closely monitored.
Lack of transparency in the procurement process due to sole-source nature.

Positive Signals

Award to a specific contractor suggests a need for specialized expertise.
Contract supports critical R&D for national defense objectives.
Delivery order structure implies it's part of a pre-existing, potentially vetted, contract vehicle.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. This sector is crucial for defense innovation, enabling the development of advanced technologies and capabilities. Comparable spending benchmarks in this area are highly variable, depending on the specific scientific domain and the maturity of the research. The market for specialized R&D services is often characterized by a limited number of highly qualified firms.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses mentioned. This means that opportunities for small business participation may be limited unless Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation proactively engages them. The impact on the small business ecosystem is neutral to potentially negative if small businesses capable of performing this work were not considered.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and the Department of Defense's contracting oversight mechanisms. Accountability measures would be tied to the performance metrics and deliverables outlined in the parent contract and this specific delivery order. Transparency may be limited due to the sole-source nature of the award, but contract award data is publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

DoD Research and Development Contracts
Defense Logistics Agency Contracts
Cost-Plus Fixed Fee Contracts
Science and Technology Development

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Cost-Plus contract type
Lack of competitive bidding

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $14.6 million to INTUITIVE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION. DO ISSUED TO A COST-PLUS FIXED FEE CLIN 0002AA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INTUITIVE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Logistics Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $14.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-03-11. End: 2026-05-01.

What is the specific nature of the research and development being conducted under this contract?

The contract is categorized under NAICS code 541715, which covers Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology). While the specific project details are not provided in the data, this classification suggests the work could involve areas such as advanced materials, aerospace engineering, electronics, environmental science, or medical research, all aimed at enhancing defense capabilities. Further details would likely be found in the Statement of Work (SOW) associated with the delivery order, which is not publicly available in this dataset.

How does the Cost-Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type compare to other R&D contract types in terms of risk and cost efficiency for the government?

Cost-Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts reimburse the contractor for allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. For R&D, this type can be advantageous when the scope of work is not well-defined or is expected to evolve significantly, as it allows flexibility. However, it carries higher risk for the government compared to fixed-price contracts, as cost overruns directly increase the government's expenditure. The fixed fee, while negotiated upfront, does not directly incentivize cost control by the contractor. Efficient management and stringent oversight are crucial to mitigate potential cost escalations and ensure value for money.

What is the track record of Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation with the Department of Defense?

Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation (IRTC) has a history of receiving contracts from the Department of Defense. While specific details on past performance quality, past issues, or the total value of previous awards are not provided in this dataset, their continued selection for DoD contracts suggests a level of capability and trust. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their contract history, past performance evaluations (if available), and any reported disputes or contract terminations.

Given this is a sole-source award, what are the potential implications for future competition on similar R&D needs?

Sole-source awards, by definition, bypass the competitive process. This can imply that either IRTC possesses unique capabilities essential for this specific R&D task, or that the contracting activity did not adequately explore competitive options. If similar R&D needs arise in the future, the precedent of a sole-source award might influence subsequent procurement strategies, potentially limiting future competition unless a strong justification for a competitive process is established and executed. This can lead to higher prices and reduced innovation over time if not managed carefully.

What is the significance of the 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' category for national defense?

This R&D category is fundamental to maintaining and advancing national defense capabilities. It fuels innovation in areas critical to military operations, such as advanced materials for vehicles and equipment, sophisticated communication systems, next-generation weaponry, cybersecurity solutions, and advancements in soldier health and performance. Investment in these R&D areas ensures that the U.S. military can adapt to evolving threats, maintain technological superiority, and develop effective solutions for complex security challenges.

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: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5030 BRADFORD DR NW BLDG 2 STE 205, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35805

Business Categories: Category Business, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $100,000,000

Exercised Options: $14,630,909

Current Obligation: $14,630,909

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 5

Total Subaward Amount: $4,045,710

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SPRRA224D0014

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline