DoD Awards $5.75M R&D Contract for Dense Urban Environment Tech to Dignitas Technologies

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,750,806 ($5.8M)

Contractor: Dignitas Technologies, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-07-31

End Date: 2026-03-31

Contract Duration: 974 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: DENSE URBAN ENVIRONMENT TECHNOLOGY.

Place of Performance

Location: ORLANDO, ORANGE County, FLORIDA, 32817

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $5.8 million to DIGNITAS TECHNOLOGIES, LLC for work described as: DENSE URBAN ENVIRONMENT TECHNOLOGY. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advanced R&D in physical and engineering sciences. 2. Dignitas Technologies, LLC is the sole awardee. 3. The contract is for Research and Development, a critical but often high-risk sector. 4. Awarded by the Department of the Army, indicating a specific military need.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking is difficult without specific deliverables, but R&D contracts often have variable pricing based on research outcomes.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting a limited competition where initial sources were excluded. This method may not yield the most competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are allocated for R&D, which has potential long-term benefits but carries inherent risks of not achieving desired outcomes.

Public Impact

Advancement of technology for complex urban warfare scenarios. Potential for improved situational awareness and operational effectiveness in dense environments. Investment in cutting-edge research and development for national security.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may impact price discovery.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require robust oversight to control costs.
R&D outcomes are inherently uncertain.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical need for advanced urban environment technology.
Contract duration of over two years allows for substantial research.
Awarded by a major agency (DoD).

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for technological superiority but requires careful management due to inherent uncertainties and the need for specialized expertise.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Dignitas Technologies, LLC. There is no indication of small business participation or subcontracting in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' method requires clear justification for excluding other potential bidders. Oversight will be critical to ensure the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure does not lead to excessive spending and that research objectives are met.

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

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
Limited competition method.
Research and Development inherently carries uncertainty.
No explicit mention of small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $5.8 million to DIGNITAS TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. DENSE URBAN ENVIRONMENT TECHNOLOGY.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DIGNITAS 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 $5.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-07-31. End: 2026-03-31.

What specific technological advancements are expected from this R&D contract, and how will they translate into tangible benefits for the Department of Defense in dense urban environments?

The contract aims to develop technologies for dense urban environments, likely focusing on areas such as advanced sensing, communication, navigation, and potentially autonomous systems. Tangible benefits could include enhanced situational awareness for soldiers, improved targeting capabilities, and more effective mission planning and execution in complex, built-up areas where traditional methods are less effective. The specific advancements will depend on the research outcomes.

Given the limited competition and Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, what measures are in place to mitigate the risk of cost overruns and ensure the government receives good value for its investment?

Mitigation strategies would typically involve stringent oversight by the contracting officer and technical team, detailed performance metrics, regular progress reviews, and clear milestones. For CPFF contracts, the fixed fee provides some incentive for the contractor to control costs, but the government bears the direct cost risk. Robust auditing and reporting requirements are essential to track expenditures and ensure alignment with research objectives.

How will the effectiveness of the developed technologies be measured, and what is the plan for transitioning successful R&D outcomes into operational systems?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through a combination of laboratory testing, simulations, and potentially field exercises, depending on the nature of the technology. Key performance parameters (KPPs) and technical performance measures (TPMs) will be defined in the contract. A transition plan, often involving further development contracts or integration into existing platforms, would be necessary to move successful R&D outcomes from the lab to the warfighter.

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: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: W912CG20R9999

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3626 QUADRANGLE BLVD STE 100, ORLANDO, FL, 32817

Business Categories: Category 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: $17,765,154

Exercised Options: $6,121,955

Current Obligation: $5,750,806

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline