DoD's $11M Aviation and Missile Systems Technical Assistance Task Order Awarded to Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,982,623 ($11.0M)

Contractor: Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-10-31

End Date: 2026-09-22

Contract Duration: 1,422 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: R&D

Official Description: ISSUANCE OF TASK ORDER FROM BLANKET PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE OF MANUFACTURING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (MST) FOR AVIATION AND MISSILE SYSTEMS.

Place of Performance

Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35898

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $11.0 million to INTUITIVE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION for work described as: ISSUANCE OF TASK ORDER FROM BLANKET PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE OF MANUFACTURING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (MST) FOR AVIATION AND MISSILE SYSTEMS. Key points: 1. The contract focuses on technical assistance for manufacturing science and technology, crucial for advanced defense systems. 2. Awarded under a blanket purchase agreement, suggesting a pre-established relationship and streamlined procurement process. 3. The duration of nearly four years indicates a long-term need for specialized expertise. 4. The contract type is Time and Materials, which can pose cost control challenges if not closely monitored. 5. The specific NAICS code (541715) points to research and development in physical sciences, highlighting the technical nature of the services. 6. The task order is a delivery order, a common method for procuring specific services under a larger agreement.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific task order is challenging without more granular data on the scope of technical assistance required. The Time and Materials (T&M) contract type, while flexible, carries inherent risks for cost overruns if not managed diligently. Comparing the $11 million award over approximately 3.7 years to similar R&D technical assistance contracts within the DoD would provide better context on value for money. The absence of a fixed price or ceiling on labor hours in a pure T&M contract necessitates robust oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This task order was issued under a full and open competition blanket purchase agreement (BPA). While the BPA itself was competed, the specific task order issuance details are not provided. The fact that it was competed broadly suggests that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid on the BPA, potentially leading to competitive pricing for the underlying services. However, the number of bidders specifically for this task order is not detailed, which limits a full assessment of the competition dynamics at this delivery order level.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition for the BPA generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down prices and encourage innovation among potential awardees.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of the Army and the broader Department of Defense, receiving critical technical assistance for aviation and missile systems. The services delivered are expected to enhance manufacturing science and technology, potentially leading to improved defense capabilities. The contract is geographically focused on Alabama (AL), where Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation is located, suggesting potential local economic impact. The contract supports specialized technical roles within the aerospace and defense manufacturing sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost escalation if not closely monitored and managed.
Lack of specific details on the scope of work for this task order makes it difficult to fully assess value for money.
The duration of the contract (nearly 4 years) requires sustained oversight to ensure continued relevance and effectiveness.

Positive Signals

Awarded under a full and open competition BPA, indicating a competitive process for the underlying agreement.
Focus on critical manufacturing science and technology for aviation and missile systems aligns with strategic defense needs.
The contractor, Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation, is based in Alabama, potentially supporting regional economic development.

Sector Analysis

The aerospace and defense manufacturing sector is characterized by high technological complexity and significant government investment. This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sub-sector, specifically focusing on physical sciences and engineering related to aviation and missile systems. The market for such specialized technical assistance is often dominated by a few key players with deep expertise. The total government spending in this R&D category is substantial, with contracts often being long-term and high-value due to the nature of innovation and system development.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific benefits for small businesses arising from a set-aside provision. The primary focus is on large-scale technical assistance, likely requiring specialized capabilities typically found in larger firms or those with established R&D infrastructure. The absence of small business considerations suggests that the nature of the required services may not lend itself to typical small business set-aside opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this task order would primarily fall under the Department of the Army, as the servicing agency. The blanket purchase agreement (BPA) mechanism itself implies some level of pre-qualification and oversight of the awarded vendor. The Time and Materials contract type necessitates rigorous monitoring of labor hours, rates, and direct costs to ensure accountability and prevent cost overruns. Transparency would be enhanced through regular reporting requirements and performance reviews. The specific Inspector General jurisdiction would likely be that of the Department of Defense.

Related Government Programs

Defense Research and Development
Aviation Systems Manufacturing
Missile Systems Technology
Technical Assistance Services
Manufacturing Science and Technology

Risk Flags

Time and Materials Contract Type
Potential for Cost Overruns
Scope Definition Clarity
Long-Term Service Requirement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $11.0 million to INTUITIVE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION. ISSUANCE OF TASK ORDER FROM BLANKET PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE OF MANUFACTURING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (MST) FOR AVIATION AND MISSILE SYSTEMS.

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 (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-10-31. End: 2026-09-22.

What is the track record of Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation with the Department of Defense, particularly in R&D and technical assistance contracts?

Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation (IRTC) has a history of contracting with the Department of Defense, often in areas related to research, development, and engineering services. Their work frequently involves advanced technologies, including those for aviation and missile systems, aligning with the scope of this task order. Analyzing their past performance on similar contracts, including any reported issues or successes, would provide insight into their capability and reliability. Specific contract awards, their values, and performance reviews, if publicly available, would be key to assessing their track record. A review of federal procurement databases and contract award histories would likely reveal a pattern of engagement in complex technical projects for various DoD branches.

How does the $11 million value of this task order compare to other technical assistance contracts for manufacturing science and technology within the DoD?

The $11 million value for this task order, spread over approximately 3.7 years, represents a moderate investment for specialized technical assistance in a critical defense R&D area. To benchmark this value, one would need to compare it against similar contracts awarded by the DoD or other federal agencies for manufacturing science and technology support, particularly those focused on aviation and missile systems. Factors such as contract duration, labor categories, required expertise, and the specific deliverables would need to be considered. If comparable contracts are significantly higher or lower in value for similar scopes, it could indicate potential overpricing or under-resourcing. Without access to a detailed database of comparable T&M contracts with specific scope definitions, a precise benchmark is difficult, but the amount suggests a significant, focused effort.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for technical assistance in a complex R&D environment?

The primary risk with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract, especially in a complex R&D environment like manufacturing science and technology for aviation and missile systems, is cost control. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M contracts do not have a ceiling on the total cost, meaning the government pays for the actual labor hours and materials used. This can lead to cost overruns if the scope of work is not well-defined, if the contractor's efficiency is low, or if there is scope creep. For the government, effective oversight, including detailed tracking of hours, verification of materials, and strong project management, is crucial to mitigate these risks. The potential for the contractor to maximize billable hours without a direct incentive for efficiency is a key concern.

How does the NAICS code 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences) typically influence the nature and duration of federal contracts?

The NAICS code 541715 signifies contracts focused on fundamental and applied research and experimental development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Contracts under this code are often characterized by their innovative nature, requiring highly specialized scientific and technical expertise. Consequently, these contracts tend to be longer-term, as R&D projects often involve iterative processes, experimentation, and the development of novel solutions. They can also be high-value due to the intellectual capital and advanced facilities required. The outcomes are often uncertain, making performance metrics and milestones critical for oversight. This code suggests a focus on scientific inquiry and technological advancement rather than routine service delivery.

What are the implications of this contract being issued as a Delivery Order under a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA)?

Issuing this task order as a Delivery Order under a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) indicates that the underlying services were previously competed and awarded under a broader BPA. A BPA is a simplified acquisition vehicle that allows federal agencies to fill anticipated repetitive needs for supplies or services. This approach streamlines the procurement process for subsequent orders, reducing administrative burden and lead times. For taxpayers, it suggests that the initial competition for the BPA likely established competitive pricing and terms. However, the specific competition for this individual delivery order is not detailed, and its value is capped by the terms of the parent BPA. It implies a pre-existing relationship and trust between the agency and the contractor.

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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

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

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,280,894

Exercised Options: $10,982,623

Current Obligation: $10,982,623

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 4

Total Subaward Amount: $791,480

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QRAA20D0022

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline