DoD Awards $27.4M for Prosthetics Research to DEKA Integrated Solutions Corp
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $27,407,858 ($27.4M)
Contractor: Deka Integrated Solutions Corp
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2009-02-23
End Date: 2014-07-31
Contract Duration: 1,984 days
Daily Burn Rate: $13.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 99
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: RESEARCH CONTRACT - REVOLUTIONIZING PROSTHETICS - PHASE 2
Place of Performance
Location: MANCHESTER, HILLSBOROUGH County, NEW HAMPSHIRE, 03101
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $27.4 million to DEKA INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS CORP for work described as: RESEARCH CONTRACT - REVOLUTIONIZING PROSTHETICS - PHASE 2 Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced prosthetics R&D. 2. DEKA Integrated Solutions Corp. is a key player in this specialized field. 3. Contract duration of nearly 2 years suggests a complex research scope. 4. Focus on physical and engineering sciences R&D, excluding biotech.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $27.4 million over nearly two years for Phase 2 research is substantial. Benchmarking is difficult without specific deliverables, but the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure suggests potential for cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method is generally expected to yield fair pricing, though the specific price discovery for R&D can be complex.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting advanced technological development in prosthetics, potentially leading to improved quality of life for veterans and others.
Public Impact
Advancement in prosthetic technology could significantly improve mobility and independence for individuals. Research may lead to spin-off technologies applicable in other fields. Investment in R&D signals a commitment to innovation by the Department of Defense.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can incentivize higher spending.
- Long contract duration may indicate scope creep or unforeseen challenges.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Focus on critical R&D for defense and veteran needs.
- Contractor has a history in complex engineering solutions.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the R&D sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement but can be subject to long development cycles and uncertain outcomes.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small businesses were not involved in this specific contract, as the 'ss' (small business set-aside) field is false and 'sb' (small business) is false. This suggests the contract was awarded to a larger entity capable of handling complex R&D.
Oversight & Accountability
The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) is responsible for oversight. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure necessitates close monitoring of expenditures and progress to ensure value for money and prevent cost overruns.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to cost-plus-fixed-fee structure.
- Long contract duration may indicate unforeseen technical challenges.
- Lack of small business participation.
- R&D inherently carries a risk of not achieving desired outcomes.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, nh, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $27.4 million to DEKA INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS CORP. RESEARCH CONTRACT - REVOLUTIONIZING PROSTHETICS - PHASE 2
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is DEKA INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS CORP.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $27.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2009-02-23. End: 2014-07-31.
What specific technological advancements are expected from this Phase 2 research, and how do they align with current prosthetic needs?
Phase 2 research typically builds upon initial findings, aiming for more refined prototypes or proof-of-concept demonstrations. For prosthetics, this could involve advancements in control systems, material science for lighter and stronger limbs, or improved sensory feedback mechanisms. The alignment with current needs would depend on specific DoD requirements, potentially focusing on durability, functionality for various environments, and ease of use for service members.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will success be measured given the R&D nature?
Measuring success in R&D contracts often relies on achieving specific technical milestones rather than purely financial metrics. KPIs might include successful demonstration of novel functionalities, material strength and durability tests, user feedback from trials, and the development of a viable prototype meeting defined specifications. The fixed fee component implies that meeting these technical objectives is paramount for the contractor to realize their profit.
How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure mitigate or exacerbate risks associated with R&D uncertainty?
This structure aims to provide the contractor with a guaranteed profit margin (fixed fee) while covering allowable costs. It can mitigate risk for the contractor, encouraging them to undertake complex R&D. However, it can exacerbate risk for the government if costs escalate beyond initial projections, as the contractor has less incentive to control expenses once the fee is assured. Robust oversight is crucial to manage this.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Offers Received: 99
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 340 COMMERCIAL STREET, MANCHESTER, NH, 03101
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $27,407,858
Exercised Options: $27,407,858
Current Obligation: $27,407,858
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2009-02-23
Current End Date: 2014-07-31
Potential End Date: 2014-07-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2015-11-04
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