DoD's $20.7M Nyquist-Limited Infrared Detectors Contract Awarded to DRS Network & Imaging Systems

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,749,359 ($20.7M)

Contractor: DRS Network & Imaging Systems LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2009-09-30

End Date: 2017-03-31

Contract Duration: 2,739 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 999

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: BAA - DARPA SBIR PHASE II - NOUN: NYQUIST-LIMITED INFRARED DETECTORS (NIRD)

Place of Performance

Location: MELBOURNE, BREVARD County, FLORIDA, 32935

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $20.7 million to DRS NETWORK & IMAGING SYSTEMS LLC for work described as: BAA - DARPA SBIR PHASE II - NOUN: NYQUIST-LIMITED INFRARED DETECTORS (NIRD) Key points: 1. The contract focuses on advanced infrared detector technology, a critical component for defense applications. 2. DRS Network & Imaging Systems LLC, a significant defense contractor, secured this award. 3. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract duration was substantial, spanning from 2009 to 2017, indicating a long-term development or production effort.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $20.7 million for R&D in specialized infrared detectors appears reasonable given the technology's complexity and the contract's duration. Benchmarking against similar advanced sensor development contracts would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests that taxpayer funds were likely used efficiently, with pricing driven by market forces rather than sole-source limitations.

Public Impact

Advancements in infrared detection technology can enhance national security capabilities. The contract supports research and development in a highly specialized scientific field. The long-term nature of the contract suggests a sustained investment in technological innovation. The award to a known defense contractor indicates continued reliance on established industry partners for critical technologies.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns in long-term R&D contracts.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical technology development.
Risk of technological obsolescence over the contract's extended period.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Supports critical defense research and development.
Contract awarded to an established industry player.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically NAICS code 541712. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority, particularly in defense applications.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and the awardee, DRS Network & Imaging Systems LLC, is a large corporation. There is no direct indication of small business participation within this specific contract award.

Oversight & Accountability

Standard DoD oversight mechanisms would apply to this contract. The long duration suggests ongoing monitoring of progress, cost, and performance to ensure objectives are met and taxpayer funds are managed responsibly.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration increases risk of obsolescence.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires diligent oversight.
Potential for cost overruns in complex R&D.
No explicit small business participation noted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $20.7 million to DRS NETWORK & IMAGING SYSTEMS LLC. BAA - DARPA SBIR PHASE II - NOUN: NYQUIST-LIMITED INFRARED DETECTORS (NIRD)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DRS NETWORK & IMAGING SYSTEMS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $20.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-09-30. End: 2017-03-31.

What specific technological advancements were achieved through this $20.7M contract for Nyquist-Limited Infrared Detectors?

The contract aimed to advance the development of Nyquist-Limited Infrared Detectors (NIRD). These detectors are crucial for improving the sensitivity and resolution of infrared imaging systems used in various applications, including defense and surveillance. Specific advancements would likely involve enhanced performance metrics such as lower noise levels, higher quantum efficiency, and broader spectral response, contributing to more effective target detection and identification.

What are the primary risks associated with a long-term (2009-2017) R&D contract in advanced sensor technology?

Long-term R&D contracts in advanced sensor technology carry risks such as technological obsolescence, where advancements by competitors or in related fields could render the developed technology outdated before or shortly after completion. Cost overruns are also a significant risk due to the inherent uncertainties in research and development, potentially leading to budget increases. Furthermore, there's a risk of contractor performance issues or shifts in program priorities impacting the project's success.

How does the use of a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type impact the value and oversight for this R&D effort?

A Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type allows the contractor to recover all allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee, providing an incentive for efficient performance. For R&D, this structure can be beneficial as it allows flexibility to adapt to unforeseen challenges. However, it also places a greater emphasis on robust government oversight to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable, and that the fixed fee adequately compensates the contractor without excessive profit.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 999

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Leonardo SPA

Address: 100 N BABCOCK ST, MELBOURNE, FL, 32935

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $27,931,990

Exercised Options: $20,749,359

Current Obligation: $20,749,359

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline