DoD's $14.9M R&D Contract for AI Signal Research Inc. Awarded Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $14,894,715 ($14.9M)
Contractor: AI Signal Research Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2006-09-01
End Date: 2009-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,125 days
Daily Burn Rate: $13.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: BASE CAR
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35898
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $14.9 million to AI SIGNAL RESEARCH INC for work described as: BASE CAR Key points: 1. The contract awarded to AI SIGNAL RESEARCH INC for $14.9 million focuses on Research and Development. 2. Awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources', indicating a competitive process. 3. The contract type is 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee', which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 4. The sector is R&D, a critical area for technological advancement within the Department of Defense.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract's value of $14.9 million for R&D services appears reasonable given the specialized nature of AI research. 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 After Exclusion of Sources', suggesting a competitive bidding process that aimed to secure the best value. This method generally promotes price discovery and fair market pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests that taxpayer funds were likely used efficiently, though the 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' structure warrants monitoring for cost control.
Public Impact
Advancement in AI research could lead to significant technological improvements for national security. The contract supports innovation within the defense sector, potentially creating high-skilled jobs. Transparency in the competitive award process ensures public trust in defense spending.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require diligent oversight to manage costs effectively.
- The duration of the contract (1125 days) necessitates ongoing monitoring of performance and deliverables.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Focus on critical R&D in Artificial Intelligence.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining a technological edge, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research domain.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors or prime contractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' suggests a structured procurement process. However, the 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' structure necessitates robust oversight from the Department of Defense to ensure cost efficiency and prevent scope creep.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Potential for cost overruns.
- Need for diligent oversight of R&D progress.
- Long contract duration requires sustained monitoring.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, al, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $14.9 million to AI SIGNAL RESEARCH INC. BASE CAR
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AI SIGNAL RESEARCH INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $14.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-09-01. End: 2009-09-30.
What specific AI capabilities are being researched under this contract, and how do they align with current defense priorities?
The contract details do not specify the exact AI capabilities. However, given the Department of Defense's focus, research likely pertains to areas such as autonomous systems, data analysis, intelligence gathering, or cybersecurity. Alignment with defense priorities would require examining the Statement of Work and any associated strategic documents.
What are the potential risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract in an R&D context, and how are they mitigated?
The primary risk is cost overrun, as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee. Mitigation strategies include stringent cost monitoring, clear definition of project scope, performance metrics, and regular audits by the contracting officer to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable.
How does the competitive award process for this contract ensure optimal value for taxpayer investment in AI research?
The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' implies that multiple vendors were considered, allowing for comparison of technical approaches and pricing. This competition, combined with effective negotiation and oversight of the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, aims to secure advanced AI capabilities at a fair price.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3411 TRIANA BLVD SW, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35805
Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $14,894,715
Exercised Options: $14,894,715
Current Obligation: $14,894,715
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W31P4Q06D0032
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-09-01
Current End Date: 2009-09-30
Potential End Date: 2009-09-30 12:09:00
Last Modified: 2016-11-21
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