DoD Awards $18.9M for Materials Science Prototypes and Research to Hardwire LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $18,930,000 ($18.9M)
Contractor: Hardwire LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2010-09-22
End Date: 2012-01-31
Contract Duration: 496 days
Daily Burn Rate: $38.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: MATERIALS SCIENCE PROTOTYPES AND MATERIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH
Place of Performance
Location: POCOMOKE CITY, WORCESTER County, MARYLAND, 21851
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $18.9 million to HARDWIRE LLC for work described as: MATERIALS SCIENCE PROTOTYPES AND MATERIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advanced materials for military applications. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk is moderate due to the R&D nature of the contract. 4. Spending falls within the broader IT and R&D sectors.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $18.9M for materials science prototypes and research appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing and allows for a wide range of potential contractors to bid. This method is generally effective in achieving fair market value.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by driving down costs through market forces.
Public Impact
Advancements in materials science could lead to improved military equipment. Research may result in new technologies with dual-use civilian applications. Investment in R&D supports national security and technological superiority.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Research and Development (R&D) inherently carries uncertainty.
- Contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) can incentivize cost overruns if not managed closely.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition promotes fairness and value.
- Focus on advanced materials aligns with modernization efforts.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the broader category of Research and Development, specifically focusing on materials science. Spending in this area is critical for technological advancement in defense, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research domain.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses participated in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Army's oversight is crucial for managing the R&D process and ensuring the effective use of funds under a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract.
Related Government Programs
- Military Armored Vehicle, Tank, and Tank Component Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Research and Development (R&D) inherent uncertainty.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.
- Dependence on contractor's technical expertise.
Tags
military-armored-vehicle-tank-and-tank-c, department-of-defense, md, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $18.9 million to HARDWIRE LLC. MATERIALS SCIENCE PROTOTYPES AND MATERIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is HARDWIRE 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 $18.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-09-22. End: 2012-01-31.
What specific materials are being researched and what are their potential applications?
The specific materials are not detailed in the provided data. However, materials science research for the Department of Defense often focuses on areas like advanced composites, high-strength alloys, or novel energy storage materials. Potential applications could include lighter and stronger armor for vehicles, improved components for weaponry, or enhanced protective gear for soldiers, ultimately aiming to increase operational effectiveness and survivability.
What are the key risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for materials science R&D?
The primary risks with a CPFF contract in R&D are potential cost overruns if the scope of work expands or unforeseen technical challenges arise, and the contractor may have less incentive to control costs compared to fixed-price contracts. For materials science, the inherent uncertainty of research means that achieving desired outcomes within the initial budget and timeline is not guaranteed, requiring robust government oversight to manage scope and expenditures effectively.
How does this investment in materials science research contribute to the overall effectiveness of military armored vehicles?
Investment in materials science research directly contributes to the effectiveness of military armored vehicles by enabling the development of lighter, stronger, and more resilient materials. This can lead to vehicles that are more mobile, offer better protection against threats, and require less maintenance. Advancements could result in next-generation armor plating, improved engine components, or novel structural designs, all of which enhance the survivability and operational capabilities of armored forces on the battlefield.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Transportation Equipment Manufacturing › Military Armored Vehicle, Tank, and Tank Component Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1947 CLARKE AVE, POCOMOKE CITY, MD, 01
Business Categories: Category Business, Federally Funded Research and Development Corp, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $18,930,000
Exercised Options: $18,930,000
Current Obligation: $18,930,000
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-09-22
Current End Date: 2012-01-31
Potential End Date: 2012-01-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2011-08-03
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