DoD Awards $22M R&D Contract to AI Signal Research Inc. for Physical Sciences Research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $22,079,801 ($22.1M)
Contractor: AI Signal Research Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2013-05-15
End Date: 2018-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,964 days
Daily Burn Rate: $11.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: INITIALIZE TASK ORDER 0003
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35898
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $22.1 million to AI SIGNAL RESEARCH INC for work described as: INITIALIZE TASK ORDER 0003 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to AI Signal Research Inc. for R&D in physical sciences. 2. Full and open competition after exclusion of sources was used. 3. The contract spans over 5 years, indicating a significant project duration. 4. The sector is Research and Development, a key area for technological advancement.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult due to the specialized nature of the work.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The competition method was 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES'. This suggests that while competition was sought, it was not entirely unrestricted, potentially impacting price discovery and the breadth of innovative solutions considered.
Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is moderate, given the $22 million value. The effectiveness of the R&D will determine the ultimate return on investment.
Public Impact
Advancement in physical, engineering, and life sciences research. Potential for new technologies and scientific breakthroughs. Investment in national security through R&D.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type risks cost escalation.
- Limited competition may reduce optimal pricing.
- Long contract duration increases exposure to changing requirements.
Positive Signals
- Focus on critical R&D area.
- Significant investment in scientific advancement.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation and maintaining a technological edge, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research area and project scope.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses (sb: false). This suggests the scope or nature of the R&D required specialized capabilities typically found in larger or more established firms.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is crucial for Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts to ensure costs remain reasonable and the project stays within scope. The Department of the Army's oversight mechanisms will be key to the successful execution and accountability of this R&D effort.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Limited competition method.
- Long contract duration.
- No small business participation indicated.
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 $22.1 million to AI SIGNAL RESEARCH INC. INITIALIZE TASK ORDER 0003
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 $22.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2013-05-15. End: 2018-09-30.
What specific R&D objectives does this contract aim to achieve, and how will their successful completion be measured?
The contract focuses on 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)'. Specific objectives are not detailed in the provided data. Success measurement would typically involve milestones, deliverables, technical reports, and potentially prototypes or demonstrations, all subject to the Department of the Army's evaluation criteria outlined in the contract.
What are the potential risks associated with the 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' contract type for this R&D project?
The primary risk with CPFF is that the contractor may have less incentive to control costs compared to fixed-price contracts, as costs are reimbursed plus a fixed fee. This can lead to budget overruns if the government's oversight is not rigorous. For R&D, where outcomes can be uncertain, this risk is amplified.
How does the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' method impact the overall value and innovation potential for this contract?
This method allows for competition but restricts the pool of potential offerors. While it might ensure qualified bidders, it could exclude innovative small businesses or those with unique approaches not initially considered. This potentially limits the range of solutions and competitive pricing achievable compared to truly unrestricted full and open competition.
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 › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
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, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $22,079,801
Exercised Options: $22,079,801
Current Obligation: $22,079,801
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W31P4Q11D0008
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2013-05-15
Current End Date: 2018-09-30
Potential End Date: 2018-09-30 12:09:00
Last Modified: 2019-08-28
More Contracts from AI Signal Research Inc
- Customer and Employee Relations (caer) Directorate Support Services — $44.1M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Professional Services — $41.7M (Department of Defense)
- Engingeering and Test Support Services - Igf::ot::igf — $39.5M (General Services Administration)
- Potomac River Test Range Support — $37.4M (Department of Defense)
- Order Period 5 for General Test Support — $30.6M (Department of Defense)
Other Department of Defense Contracts
- Federal Contract — $51.3B (Humana Government Business Inc)
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- SSN 802 and 803 Long Lead Time Material — $34.7B (Electric Boat Corporation)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- KC-X Modernization Program — $32.0B (THE Boeing Company)