DoD Awards $89M R&D Task Order to Intuitive Research for Aviation and Missile Center Support
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $89,029,257 ($89.0M)
Contractor: Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-09-22
End Date: 2027-01-08
Contract Duration: 1,204 days
Daily Burn Rate: $73.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: R&D
Official Description: OASIS TASK ORDER- RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT TO THE COMBAT CAPABILITIES DEVELOPMENT COMMAND (DEVCOM) AVIATION AND MISSILE CENTER (AVMC)
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35805
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $89.0 million to INTUITIVE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION for work described as: OASIS TASK ORDER- RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT TO THE COMBAT CAPABILITIES DEVELOPMENT COMMAND (DEVCOM) AVIATION AND MISSILE CENTER (AVMC) Key points: 1. Significant investment in R&D for aviation and missile capabilities. 2. Competition method raises questions about price discovery and potential value. 3. Risk of cost overruns due to Time and Materials contract type. 4. Focus on specialized R&D within the Defense sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract is Time and Materials, which offers less price certainty than fixed-price contracts. Benchmarking against similar R&D support contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting a limited initial competition. This method can impact price discovery by potentially excluding qualified bidders.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of Time and Materials and limited competition may lead to higher costs for taxpayers compared to a more competitive, fixed-price environment.
Public Impact
Enhances critical defense research capabilities for aviation and missile systems. Supports advanced technological development within the U.S. Army. Potential for innovation in defense technology with long-term national security implications.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Time and Materials contract type
- Limited competition after exclusion of sources
- Lack of detailed cost transparency
Positive Signals
- Supports critical R&D for national defense
- Long-term contract duration
- Awarded to a single vendor
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority in defense.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation, and the data indicates it was not set aside for small businesses (sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine subcontracting opportunities for small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's oversight will be managed by the Department of the Army. The Time and Materials nature of the contract necessitates robust oversight to ensure efficient use of funds and prevent cost creep.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Time and Materials contract type
- Potential for cost overruns
- Lack of detailed project scope in award data
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, al, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $89.0 million to INTUITIVE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION. OASIS TASK ORDER- RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT TO THE COMBAT CAPABILITIES DEVELOPMENT COMMAND (DEVCOM) AVIATION AND MISSILE CENTER (AVMC)
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 $89.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-09-22. End: 2027-01-08.
What specific R&D projects will this task order fund, and how do they align with current defense priorities?
The task order supports research and development for the DEVCOM Aviation and Missile Center. While the specific projects are not detailed here, they likely focus on advancing technologies related to aviation platforms, missile systems, and associated combat capabilities. Alignment with defense priorities would be assessed by reviewing the Army's strategic R&D roadmaps and modernization efforts.
How does the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' process ensure fair pricing and maximize value?
This procurement method implies that initial broad solicitation occurred, but then specific sources were excluded before the final award. While it can be used for valid reasons, it inherently limits the competitive pool. Ensuring fair pricing and maximizing value requires a strong justification for the exclusions and a thorough price analysis of the remaining offers.
What are the potential risks associated with a Time and Materials contract for R&D support, and how can they be mitigated?
The primary risk is cost escalation, as the contractor is reimbursed for direct labor and materials plus a fee, without a ceiling. Mitigation strategies include strong government oversight, detailed monitoring of labor hours and material costs, clearly defined scope, and potentially negotiating cost-saving measures or incentives throughout the contract performance period.
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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 2
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: $454,287,541
Exercised Options: $126,054,281
Current Obligation: $89,029,257
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 8
Total Subaward Amount: $10,977,300
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 47QRAD20D4005
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-09-22
Current End Date: 2027-01-08
Potential End Date: 2029-03-21 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-14
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