DoD's Army Awards $21.8M for Intelligence Sensor Simulation via RS3 Contract
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $21,793,308 ($21.8M)
Contractor: Trihawk, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2019-09-30
End Date: 2023-08-31
Contract Duration: 1,431 days
Daily Burn Rate: $15.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: NEW TASK ORDER ISSUES UNDER RESPONSIVE STRATEGIC SOURCING FOR SERVICES (RS3) CONTRACT FOR AERIAL AND GROUND INTELLIGENCE SENSOR SIMULATION.
Place of Performance
Location: WEBSTER, HARRIS County, TEXAS, 77598
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $21.8 million to TRIHAWK, LLC for work described as: NEW TASK ORDER ISSUES UNDER RESPONSIVE STRATEGIC SOURCING FOR SERVICES (RS3) CONTRACT FOR AERIAL AND GROUND INTELLIGENCE SENSOR SIMULATION. Key points: 1. The award is a task order under the RS3 contract, indicating a pre-competed framework. 2. TRIHAWK, LLC, a small business, secured this contract. 3. The contract focuses on R&D for physical and engineering sciences, specifically sensor simulation. 4. The duration of 1431 days suggests a significant, long-term project.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. However, the fixed fee component provides some cost certainty.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under a full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. The RS3 contract itself is a strategic sourcing vehicle, implying prior competition for its establishment.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of a competitive contract vehicle aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for necessary research and development.
Public Impact
Enhances intelligence gathering capabilities through advanced simulation technology. Supports Department of the Army's research and development efforts. Potential for spin-off technologies and applications in other defense or civilian sectors. Creates or sustains high-skilled jobs in the research and development field.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require diligent oversight to prevent scope creep and ensure cost efficiency.
- Reliance on a single task order under a larger IDIQ could concentrate risk if RS3 faces issues.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under a competitive vehicle (RS3).
- TRIHAWK, LLC is a small business, supporting small business utilization goals.
- Focus on R&D aligns with strategic defense modernization priorities.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining technological superiority but requires careful management due to inherent uncertainties in research outcomes.
Small Business Impact
TRIHAWK, LLC, the awardee, is a small business. This award contributes to the government's goal of supporting small businesses in acquiring federal contracts, particularly in specialized R&D areas.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Army is responsible for oversight. The use of a structured contract like RS3 and the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitate robust monitoring of performance, costs, and adherence to research objectives.
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
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
- Reliance on RS3 contract vehicle.
- Complexity of R&D may lead to schedule delays.
- Ensuring continued relevance of simulation technology over the contract duration.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, tx, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $21.8 million to TRIHAWK, LLC. NEW TASK ORDER ISSUES UNDER RESPONSIVE STRATEGIC SOURCING FOR SERVICES (RS3) CONTRACT FOR AERIAL AND GROUND INTELLIGENCE SENSOR SIMULATION.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TRIHAWK, 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 $21.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-09-30. End: 2023-08-31.
What specific advancements in aerial and ground intelligence sensor simulation are expected from this contract, and how will they be measured?
The contract is expected to yield advancements in the fidelity and realism of simulations for intelligence sensors, potentially improving training effectiveness and system development. Measurable outcomes would likely include validated simulation accuracy against real-world data, reduced time/cost for sensor testing, and enhanced capabilities for mission planning and analysis. Specific metrics would be detailed in the task order's SOW.
What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type for this R&D effort, and how are they being mitigated?
The primary risk is cost overrun if the scope of research expands or unforeseen technical challenges arise, as the contractor is incentivized to incur costs to achieve the fixed fee. Mitigation strategies include rigorous baseline scope definition, detailed cost tracking, regular performance reviews, and strong government oversight to ensure efficient resource utilization and prevent scope creep.
How does this investment in sensor simulation technology contribute to the broader effectiveness of Department of Defense intelligence operations?
Investing in advanced sensor simulation allows for cost-effective and safe testing and refinement of intelligence gathering systems and operator training. It enables the exploration of diverse scenarios and threat environments without real-world deployment risks, ultimately leading to more robust, adaptable, and effective intelligence assets and personnel ready for complex operational demands.
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: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 960 CLEAR LAKE CITY BLVD, WEBSTER, TX, 77598
Business Categories: Category Business, Joint Venture Women Owned Small Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $29,073,676
Exercised Options: $29,073,676
Current Obligation: $21,793,308
Actual Outlays: $533,420
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W15P7T19D0135
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-09-30
Current End Date: 2023-08-31
Potential End Date: 2023-08-31 12:08:00
Last Modified: 2025-04-30
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