DoD's $9.85M investment in advanced mobility systems research awarded to Resilient Technologies, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $9,850,674 ($9.9M)

Contractor: Resilient Technologies, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2007-12-20

End Date: 2011-03-31

Contract Duration: 1,197 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 999

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS IN THE AREA OF DEVELOPMENT OF NON-PNEUMATIC TIRE AND ADVANCED MOBILITY SYSTEMS

Place of Performance

Location: MEDFORD, TAYLOR County, WISCONSIN, 54451

State: Wisconsin Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $9.9 million to RESILIENT TECHNOLOGIES, LLC for work described as: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS IN THE AREA OF DEVELOPMENT OF NON-PNEUMATIC TIRE AND ADVANCED MOBILITY SYSTEMS Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in future mobility technologies. 2. Full and open competition suggests a robust market for these specialized R&D services. 3. Contract duration of nearly 4 years indicates a complex, long-term research objective. 4. Award to a single contractor warrants scrutiny of performance and deliverable quality. 5. Focus on non-pneumatic tires points to a strategic need for enhanced vehicle durability. 6. Geographic award to Wisconsin may indicate regional specialization in advanced manufacturing or R&D.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $9.85 million for R&D in advanced mobility systems appears moderate for a multi-year federal research effort. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts in the defense sector would be necessary for a precise value-for-money assessment. The 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' (CPFF) contract type suggests that the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. This structure can incentivize cost control, but requires diligent oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable and that the fixed fee is appropriate for the scope of work.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple capable vendors were likely solicited. The number of bidders is not specified, but this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and innovation. The Department of the Army's decision to use full and open competition suggests confidence in the availability of qualified sources for this specialized research and development.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition through potentially lower prices and access to a wider range of innovative solutions, ensuring the government receives the best value for its investment in advanced mobility R&D.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and potentially future military personnel who will benefit from more robust and reliable vehicle systems. The services delivered are research and development efforts focused on creating non-pneumatic tires and advanced mobility systems. The geographic impact is centered in Wisconsin, where Resilient Technologies, LLC is located, potentially stimulating local economic activity and employment in the R&D sector. Workforce implications include the potential for highly skilled jobs in engineering, materials science, and research within the contractor's organization.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require careful monitoring of allowable costs to prevent overruns.
The long duration of the contract necessitates sustained oversight to ensure progress and adherence to research objectives.
The specialized nature of the R&D may present challenges in independently verifying technical progress and outcomes.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process that likely yielded fair pricing.
The contract addresses a critical defense need for improved vehicle mobility and durability.
The investment in R&D signals a forward-looking approach to technological advancement within the Army.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced materials and engineering for defense applications. The market for defense R&D is characterized by significant government investment, long development cycles, and a need for highly specialized expertise. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other DoD contracts for similar R&D efforts in areas like vehicle systems, materials science, and emerging technologies. The total award of $9.85 million is a substantial, but not exceptionally large, sum for a multi-year R&D project within the defense industrial base.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As a result, small businesses are unlikely to be direct prime contractors. However, there may be opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors, particularly if they possess specialized expertise or technology relevant to non-pneumatic tires or advanced mobility systems. The impact on the broader small business ecosystem will depend on whether Resilient Technologies, LLC actively seeks out and integrates small business partners into its subcontracting plan.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of the Army's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are typically embedded within the contract's terms, including performance metrics, reporting requirements, and payment schedules tied to milestones. Transparency is facilitated through contract awards databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse arise during the contract's performance.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Research and Development
Army Vehicle Modernization Programs
Advanced Materials Research
Mobility Systems Engineering
Non-Pneumatic Tire Technology

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent cost oversight.
Long contract duration necessitates sustained performance monitoring.
Specialized R&D may present challenges in verifying technical progress.
Potential for cost overruns due to unforeseen technical challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $9.9 million to RESILIENT TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS IN THE AREA OF DEVELOPMENT OF NON-PNEUMATIC TIRE AND ADVANCED MOBILITY SYSTEMS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RESILIENT TECHNOLOGIES, 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 $9.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-12-20. End: 2011-03-31.

What is the specific technical objective of the 'non-pneumatic tire and advanced mobility systems' research?

The specific technical objective of the research is to develop and mature technologies related to non-pneumatic tires (NPTs) and other advanced mobility systems for military vehicles. NPTs offer potential advantages over traditional pneumatic tires, such as increased durability, resistance to punctures, reduced maintenance, and improved performance in challenging terrains. Advanced mobility systems could encompass a broader range of technologies aimed at enhancing vehicle maneuverability, survivability, and operational effectiveness in diverse environments. This research likely seeks to overcome the limitations of current tire and suspension technologies to meet the evolving demands of modern warfare and logistics.

How does the $9.85 million contract value compare to other R&D efforts in advanced mobility systems within the DoD?

Comparing the $9.85 million contract value requires access to a broader dataset of similar R&D contracts. However, for a multi-year research effort in a specialized field like advanced mobility systems, this value appears to be within a reasonable range. The Department of Defense invests billions annually in R&D across various sectors. Contracts for fundamental research can range from a few million to tens of millions, while development and prototyping of complex systems can reach hundreds of millions or even billions. Without specific benchmarks for NPT or advanced mobility R&D, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents high or low spending, but it signifies a dedicated investment in this specific technological area.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or milestones expected for this research contract?

While the specific KPIs and milestones are not detailed in the provided data, typical R&D contracts of this nature would include objectives related to technological feasibility, prototype development, performance testing, and material characterization. Milestones might involve the successful design of NPT concepts, fabrication of functional prototypes, demonstration of improved durability or mobility characteristics under simulated or actual operating conditions, and comprehensive technical reports detailing findings and recommendations. The 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' structure implies that payments are contingent upon the achievement of these defined milestones and the incurrence of allowable costs.

What is the track record of Resilient Technologies, LLC in government contracting, particularly in R&D?

Information on Resilient Technologies, LLC's specific track record in government contracting, especially in R&D, is not provided in the summary data. A thorough assessment would require examining their contract history, including past performance on similar projects, successful delivery of research outcomes, and any past performance issues or disputes. Their ability to secure a full and open competition award from the Department of the Army suggests they possess the necessary qualifications and capabilities. Further investigation into their portfolio and client feedback would be needed for a comprehensive understanding of their reliability and expertise in this domain.

What are the potential risks associated with developing non-pneumatic tires for military applications?

Potential risks in developing non-pneumatic tires for military applications include technical challenges in achieving the required durability, load-bearing capacity, and all-terrain performance comparable to or exceeding pneumatic tires. Material science limitations, manufacturing complexities, and the high cost of development and production are also significant risks. Furthermore, ensuring interoperability with existing vehicle platforms and gaining user acceptance among military personnel can pose adoption challenges. The 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' contract type, while offering flexibility, also carries the risk of cost overruns if unforeseen technical hurdles arise, necessitating robust government oversight.

How does this contract align with broader trends or strategic priorities in military vehicle technology?

This contract aligns with broader trends in military vehicle technology focused on enhancing survivability, reliability, and operational readiness. Non-pneumatic tires and advanced mobility systems directly address the vulnerability of traditional tires to battlefield damage and the logistical burden of tire maintenance. The push for more robust, all-weather, and all-terrain capable vehicles is a key strategic priority for modern militaries. Investments in R&D for such technologies are crucial for maintaining a technological edge and ensuring that ground forces can operate effectively in increasingly complex and demanding environments.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH

Offers Received: 999

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 949 SOUTH GIBSON ST, MEDFORD, WI, 07

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $15,956,593

Exercised Options: $10,155,596

Current Obligation: $9,850,674

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline