DoD's $7M D-LVC simulation contract awarded to Trideum Corporation for advanced testing infrastructure

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,000,000 ($7.0M)

Contractor: Trideum Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-09-23

End Date: 2028-09-22

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.4K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: RESEARCHING, DEVELOPING, INTEGRATING, TESTING, EXPERIMENTING, MANAGING, DOCUMENTING, AND DELIVERING ADVANCED DISTRIBUTED LIVE-VIRTUAL-CONSTRUCTIVE (D-LVC) SIMULATIONS AND OPERATIONAL TEST INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT D-LVC AND (MDO) TESTING

Place of Performance

Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35806

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $7.0 million to TRIDEUM CORPORATION for work described as: RESEARCHING, DEVELOPING, INTEGRATING, TESTING, EXPERIMENTING, MANAGING, DOCUMENTING, AND DELIVERING ADVANCED DISTRIBUTED LIVE-VIRTUAL-CONSTRUCTIVE (D-LVC) SIMULATIONS AND OPERATIONAL TEST INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT D-LVC AND (MDO) TESTING Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advanced distributed live-virtual-constructive (D-LVC) simulations and operational test infrastructure. 2. Significant investment in simulation capabilities suggests a growing reliance on virtual environments for training and testing. 3. The contract's duration of nearly three years indicates a long-term need for these specialized services. 4. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences is a critical but often complex sector for value assessment. 5. The sole-source nature of this award warrants scrutiny regarding potential cost efficiencies and market alternatives. 6. Performance context will be key to understanding the true value delivered by Trideum Corporation.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without more detailed cost breakdowns and performance metrics. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can sometimes lead to higher costs if not managed rigorously, as the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs plus a fixed fee. Comparing this to similar D-LVC simulation development contracts would be necessary to assess if the $7 million ceiling is competitive. The lack of competition further complicates a direct value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed among multiple vendors. This approach is typically used when a specific contractor possesses unique capabilities or when urgency dictates a rapid award. The absence of a competitive bidding process means that the government did not benefit from the price discovery and innovation that typically arises from a full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can potentially lead to higher costs for taxpayers as there is less pressure on the contractor to offer the most competitive pricing. It also limits opportunities for other businesses to compete for this work.

Public Impact

The Department of the Army benefits from enhanced capabilities in D-LVC simulations and operational test infrastructure. Advanced simulation and testing capabilities support readiness and effectiveness for military operations. The contract supports specialized R&D services within the physical, engineering, and life sciences sectors. Workforce implications may include specialized engineers, simulation developers, and testing personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competitive pricing and potential innovation.
CPFF contract type requires robust oversight to control costs.
Lack of public details on specific deliverables makes performance assessment difficult.
Limited competition may reduce opportunities for other qualified firms.

Positive Signals

Focus on advanced D-LVC simulations addresses critical military testing needs.
Contract duration suggests a stable, long-term requirement for these capabilities.
Trideum Corporation's specialization in this niche area may indicate unique expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on advanced simulation and testing technologies. The market for defense simulation and training is substantial, driven by the need for realistic and cost-effective training solutions. Companies in this space often possess highly specialized technical expertise. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other large-scale simulation development contracts within the DoD, which can range from millions to hundreds of millions of dollars depending on complexity and scope.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. As a sole-source award, it also does not explicitly include subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This means that opportunities for small businesses to participate in this specific contract are limited unless Trideum Corporation voluntarily engages them. The overall impact on the small business ecosystem for simulation and R&D services is neutral to negative due to the lack of competitive set-aside.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract will be critical, particularly given its sole-source nature. The Department of the Army will need to implement stringent monitoring of costs, performance, and adherence to the contract's scope. Transparency will depend on the level of detail provided in progress reports and the agency's willingness to share information. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

DoD Simulation and Training Programs
Advanced Distributed Live-Virtual-Constructive (D-LVC) Systems
Operational Test and Evaluation Infrastructure
Research and Development Contracts
Cost Plus Fixed Fee Contracts

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
Lack of competitive bidding
Potential for cost overruns without strong oversight

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $7.0 million to TRIDEUM CORPORATION. RESEARCHING, DEVELOPING, INTEGRATING, TESTING, EXPERIMENTING, MANAGING, DOCUMENTING, AND DELIVERING ADVANCED DISTRIBUTED LIVE-VIRTUAL-CONSTRUCTIVE (D-LVC) SIMULATIONS AND OPERATIONAL TEST INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT D-LVC AND (MDO) TESTING

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRIDEUM 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 $7.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-23. End: 2028-09-22.

What is Trideum Corporation's track record with similar DoD simulation contracts?

Information regarding Trideum Corporation's specific track record with similar DoD simulation contracts is not readily available in the provided data. However, their award for this $7 million contract suggests they possess capabilities relevant to advanced distributed live-virtual-constructive (D-LVC) simulations and operational test infrastructure. Further investigation into their past performance, client feedback, and previous contract awards would be necessary to fully assess their capabilities and reliability in this specialized R&D domain. Understanding their history with CPFF contracts and their ability to manage costs effectively would also be crucial.

How does the $7 million contract value compare to similar D-LVC simulation development efforts?

Direct comparison of the $7 million contract value to similar D-LVC simulation development efforts is difficult without access to a broader dataset of comparable contracts. The complexity, scope, and duration of simulation projects can vary significantly. However, $7 million for a nearly three-year contract focused on advanced R&D in simulation infrastructure suggests a moderate-sized project. Larger, more comprehensive simulation systems or those involving extensive hardware integration could easily cost tens or hundreds of millions of dollars. The sole-source nature of this award also means that the price may not reflect the most competitive market rate.

What are the primary risks associated with this sole-source, CPFF contract?

The primary risks associated with this sole-source, Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract include potential cost overruns and a lack of competitive pressure to ensure optimal value for money. Since the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee, there is an inherent incentive to incur costs, which must be carefully managed by the government. The sole-source nature means the government did not explore alternative solutions or pricing from other vendors, potentially leading to a higher price than if the contract had been competed. Additionally, without robust government oversight, the quality and efficiency of the delivered services could be compromised.

How effective is the Department of the Army likely to be in overseeing this contract?

The effectiveness of the Department of the Army's oversight for this contract hinges on several factors. The CPFF structure necessitates rigorous financial and performance monitoring to control costs and ensure deliverables meet requirements. The sole-source award amplifies the need for diligent oversight to compensate for the absence of competitive benchmarking. The agency's success will depend on the expertise of its contracting officers and technical representatives, the clarity of the contract's statement of work, and the robustness of its reporting and auditing mechanisms. Without strong oversight, there is a risk of cost inefficiencies and suboptimal performance.

What are historical spending patterns for D-LVC simulation and R&D within the DoD?

Historical spending patterns for D-LVC simulation and R&D within the DoD indicate a significant and growing investment in these capabilities. Driven by the need for realistic training environments, cost savings over live exercises, and the increasing complexity of modern warfare, the DoD consistently allocates substantial funds to simulation and virtual training technologies. This spending spans various branches and agencies, supporting everything from individual soldier training simulators to large-scale, joint-force virtual environments. The trend is towards more integrated, high-fidelity, and networked simulation systems, reflecting the evolution of military doctrine and technological advancements.

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: 675 DISCOVERY DR NW, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35806

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $31,337,808

Exercised Options: $31,337,808

Current Obligation: $7,000,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W900KK24D0031

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline