DoD awards $15M for aerial and ground sensor simulation, extending RS3 contract through 2026

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,046,068 ($15.0M)

Contractor: Trihawk, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-08-21

End Date: 2026-08-20

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $13.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: NEW TASK ORDER ISSUED UNDER RESPONSIVE STRATEGIC SOURCING FOR SERVICES (RS3) CONTRACT FOR AERIAL AND GROUND SENSOR SIMULATION AND VIRTUAL PROTOTYPING (AGSSVP)

Place of Performance

Location: WEBSTER, HARRIS County, TEXAS, 77598

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $15.0 million to TRIHAWK, LLC for work described as: NEW TASK ORDER ISSUED UNDER RESPONSIVE STRATEGIC SOURCING FOR SERVICES (RS3) CONTRACT FOR AERIAL AND GROUND SENSOR SIMULATION AND VIRTUAL PROTOTYPING (AGSSVP) Key points: 1. Contract awarded under a broad RS3 vehicle, suggesting potential for future task orders. 2. Focus on R&D for advanced simulation and virtual prototyping indicates investment in future defense capabilities. 3. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure may incentivize contractor efficiency to maximize profit. 4. Awarded to TriHawk, LLC, a relatively new entity in federal contracting. 5. The contract duration of 1095 days (3 years) provides a stable period for development. 6. This task order represents a small fraction of the overall RS3 contract ceiling.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure requires careful monitoring to ensure cost control and prevent overruns. Benchmarking CPFF contracts for similar R&D services is challenging due to the inherent variability in research scope and outcomes. However, the fixed fee component provides some predictability. Without more detailed cost breakdowns or comparisons to similar simulation projects, a definitive value-for-money assessment is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This task order was issued under the RS3 Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, which itself was awarded through full and open competition. While the RS3 vehicle allows for multiple awardees, the specific competition for this task order is not detailed, but it implies that multiple vendors could have bid on it. The existence of a broad IDIQ vehicle generally fosters competition over time.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition, even at the task order level, is generally favorable for taxpayers as it encourages competitive pricing and a wider pool of potential contractors.

Public Impact

The Department of the Army benefits from enhanced capabilities in aerial and ground sensor simulation. This contract supports the development of virtual prototyping for advanced defense technologies. The primary beneficiaries are military personnel who will utilize improved training and operational planning tools. Work is anticipated to be performed in Texas, potentially impacting the local technology and R&D workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Contractor's limited track record in large-scale federal R&D contracts.
Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can carry inherent risks of cost escalation if not managed tightly.
The specific deliverables and performance metrics need rigorous oversight to ensure alignment with R&D goals.

Positive Signals

Awarded under a reputable IDIQ vehicle (RS3) known for facilitating rapid acquisition.
The focus on simulation and virtual prototyping aligns with modernization priorities.
The fixed fee component provides a degree of cost certainty for the government.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for defense simulation and virtual prototyping is significant, driven by the need for cost-effective training, rapid technology development, and risk reduction in testing new systems. Comparable spending often occurs through broad R&D IDIQ vehicles like RS3, which aim to streamline the procurement of specialized services.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting goals for small businesses. As it is a task order under a larger IDIQ, the overall small business utilization for the RS3 program would need to be examined separately. The direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this specific task order appears limited based on the provided information.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the contracting officer and technical representatives within the Department of the Army. The RS3 IDIQ program itself may have established oversight mechanisms. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Responsive Strategic Sourcing for Services (RS3)
Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Department of the Army Simulation and Training Programs
Virtual Prototyping Technologies

Risk Flags

Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract requires diligent oversight.
Contractor's limited public track record for similar large-scale R&D.
Potential for scope creep in R&D contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $15.0 million to TRIHAWK, LLC. NEW TASK ORDER ISSUED UNDER RESPONSIVE STRATEGIC SOURCING FOR SERVICES (RS3) CONTRACT FOR AERIAL AND GROUND SENSOR SIMULATION AND VIRTUAL PROTOTYPING (AGSSVP)

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 $15.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-08-21. End: 2026-08-20.

What is TriHawk, LLC's experience with similar simulation and virtual prototyping contracts?

Based on available federal procurement data, TriHawk, LLC appears to be a relatively new entity in the federal contracting space, particularly concerning large-scale Research and Development (R&D) task orders. While specific details on their past performance for simulation and virtual prototyping are limited in this dataset, their award under the RS3 IDIQ suggests they met the basic qualifications for the vehicle. Further investigation into their corporate history, prior subcontracts, or smaller prime contracts would be necessary to fully assess their relevant experience and track record in this specialized R&D domain. The CPFF structure might indicate the government is willing to invest in a newer contractor with promising capabilities, but it also necessitates closer monitoring.

How does the $15 million value compare to other R&D task orders under the RS3 contract?

The $15.05 million value of this task order is moderate within the context of the RS3 IDIQ, which has a ceiling potentially reaching billions of dollars over its lifespan. RS3 is designed to accommodate a wide range of task orders, from smaller, specialized services to larger, more complex R&D efforts. While $15 million is a significant sum, it is not uncommon for R&D task orders, especially those involving advanced simulation and prototyping, to fall within this range or even exceed it. To provide a precise comparison, one would need to analyze the distribution of awarded amounts for all task orders issued under RS3 to date, looking specifically at those categorized under similar NAICS codes (like 541715) and service types.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for R&D?

The primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for R&D, like this one, revolve around cost control and contractor performance. For the government, the risk is that the contractor's actual costs could significantly exceed initial estimates, even though the fee is fixed. This can lead to a higher overall contract value than anticipated if the 'cost' portion balloons. Contractors may have less incentive to control costs aggressively once the fixed fee is agreed upon, potentially leading to inefficiencies or scope creep if not managed diligently. For the contractor, the risk lies in underestimating the costs required to complete the R&D, which could result in a lower-than-desired profit margin if the fixed fee doesn't adequately cover unforeseen expenses.

What is the strategic importance of aerial and ground sensor simulation and virtual prototyping for the Department of the Army?

Aerial and ground sensor simulation and virtual prototyping are strategically crucial for the Department of the Army as they enable the development, testing, and refinement of advanced sensing technologies in a cost-effective and risk-mitigated manner. Virtual prototyping allows engineers to design, iterate, and validate sensor systems without the need for expensive physical prototypes or dangerous field tests. This accelerates the acquisition timeline for critical capabilities. Simulation environments provide realistic training scenarios for personnel operating these sensors and for developing tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). Ultimately, these capabilities enhance situational awareness, improve targeting accuracy, and ensure the warfighter has access to cutting-edge technology, maintaining a decisive advantage on the battlefield.

How does this contract fit into the broader landscape of defense R&D spending?

This contract represents a specific investment within the broader landscape of defense R&D spending, which is a substantial portion of the overall defense budget. The Department of Defense consistently allocates significant funds towards research and development to maintain technological superiority. Contracts like this, focused on simulation and virtual prototyping for sensors, align with modernization priorities aimed at enhancing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, improving command and control, and developing next-generation weapon systems. It fits within the trend of leveraging digital engineering and advanced modeling to reduce development cycles and costs, while increasing the sophistication of military hardware and software.

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: 1

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: $35,929,692

Exercised Options: $15,046,068

Current Obligation: $15,046,068

Actual Outlays: $77,713

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