DOI Awards $5.48M for Rydberg-Atom Imager, Boosting Phased Array Antenna R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $5,480,522 ($5.5M)
Contractor: Rydberg Technologies Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2022-09-14
End Date: 2026-10-31
Contract Duration: 1,508 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: BROADBAND RYDBERG-ATOM NEAR-FIELD IMAGER FOR PHASED ARRAY ANTENNAS
Place of Performance
Location: ANN ARBOR, WASHTENAW County, MICHIGAN, 48103
State: Michigan Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $5.5 million to RYDBERG TECHNOLOGIES INC for work described as: BROADBAND RYDBERG-ATOM NEAR-FIELD IMAGER FOR PHASED ARRAY ANTENNAS Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced R&D for specialized antenna technology. 2. Competition method suggests potential for price discovery, but details are key. 3. Risk is moderate, tied to R&D success and technology adoption. 4. Sector focus is R&D, with implications for defense and communications.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $5.48M for a 4-year R&D effort appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the technology. Benchmarking is difficult without more specific cost breakdowns, but it's within the expected range for advanced physics research.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating a limited competition. This method may have restricted the pool of potential bidders, potentially impacting the final price discovery compared to a truly open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting cutting-edge research that could lead to technological advancements. The value for money depends on the successful development and application of the imager.
Public Impact
Advancement in phased array antenna technology could improve radar and communication systems. Potential for dual-use applications in both defense and civilian sectors. Supports innovation in specialized scientific instrumentation.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may not yield the best price.
- R&D outcomes are inherently uncertain.
- Technology maturity and adoption risks.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical R&D in a specialized field.
- Potential for significant technological advancement.
- Long-term contract duration allows for focused development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for technological innovation but can be highly variable and project-dependent. Benchmarks are difficult without specific sub-sector data.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Rydberg Technologies Inc., which is not indicated as a small business. There is no explicit mention of small business participation or subcontracting goals in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is a definitive contract with a fixed price, suggesting clear terms. Oversight would focus on R&D milestones, technical progress, and adherence to the contract schedule and budget by the Department of the Interior.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- Departmental Offices Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition may lead to suboptimal pricing.
- R&D projects carry inherent technical and schedule risks.
- Dependence on specialized, potentially niche technology.
- Uncertainty in successful technology transition and adoption.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-the-interior, mi, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $5.5 million to RYDBERG TECHNOLOGIES INC. BROADBAND RYDBERG-ATOM NEAR-FIELD IMAGER FOR PHASED ARRAY ANTENNAS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is RYDBERG TECHNOLOGIES INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $5.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-09-14. End: 2026-10-31.
What specific advancements in phased array antenna technology does this imager aim to achieve, and what is the expected impact on performance metrics?
The imager is designed to enhance the performance of phased array antennas by enabling near-field imaging of Rydberg atoms. This is expected to improve beamforming accuracy, reduce signal interference, and potentially increase the resolution and range of radar and communication systems. The specific impact on metrics like gain, sidelobe levels, and bandwidth will be detailed in the project's technical milestones.
What are the primary technical risks associated with developing and implementing this Rydberg-atom imager, and how are they being mitigated?
Key technical risks include the stability and control of Rydberg atoms in a near-field environment, the precision required for the imager's components, and the integration challenges with existing phased array systems. Mitigation strategies likely involve rigorous testing protocols, iterative design improvements based on experimental results, and close collaboration between Rydberg Technologies and the Department of the Interior's technical experts.
How will the success of this R&D project be measured, and what are the criteria for determining its overall effectiveness and value to the government?
Effectiveness will be measured against predefined technical milestones outlined in the contract, such as achieving specific imaging resolutions, demonstrating improved antenna performance, and validating the Rydberg atom technique. Value will be assessed based on the successful transfer of the technology, its potential for broader application (e.g., in defense or advanced communications), and whether it meets or exceeds the initial performance goals set for the imager.
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: FY15 (15.2) SBIR
Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 674 S WAGNER RD, ANN ARBOR, MI, 48103
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $5,480,522
Exercised Options: $5,480,522
Current Obligation: $5,480,522
Actual Outlays: $3,350,000
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-09-14
Current End Date: 2026-10-31
Potential End Date: 2026-10-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-12
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