STA TECHNOLOGIES INC. awarded $347,572 for R&D services by Treasury's Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $347,572 ($347.6K)

Contractor: STA Technologies Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Treasury

Start Date: 2025-09-25

End Date: 2026-09-24

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $955/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: R&D SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: ALBUQUERQUE, BERNALILLO County, NEW MEXICO, 87113

State: New Mexico Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Treasury obligated $347,572 to STA TECHNOLOGIES INC. for work described as: R&D SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a firm-fixed-price basis, indicating clear cost expectations. 2. The contract duration is one year, suggesting a focused scope of work. 3. Services fall under R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, a critical sector for innovation. 4. The award was not competed, raising questions about potential cost efficiencies. 5. The contract is a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger, potentially pre-existing agreement. 6. The contractor, STA TECHNOLOGIES INC., is based in New Mexico.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $347,572 for a one-year R&D service contract is difficult to benchmark without more specific details on the research scope. Given the lack of competition, it's challenging to assess if this represents optimal value for money. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty, but the absence of competitive bidding prevents a direct comparison to market rates or other similar contracts that may have undergone a more rigorous price discovery process.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. The specific reasons for this determination are not provided, but it means there was no opportunity for multiple vendors to bid on the requirement. This limits the government's ability to leverage competitive pressures to secure the best possible pricing and terms.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can potentially lead to higher costs for taxpayers as the government may not benefit from the price reductions typically achieved through competitive bidding processes.

Public Impact

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing benefits from specialized R&D services to support its operations. The contract supports advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences research. The geographic impact is primarily in New Mexico, where STA TECHNOLOGIES INC. is located. The contract likely supports a small team of researchers and technical staff within STA TECHNOLOGIES INC.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition limits price discovery and potential cost savings for taxpayers.
Absence of detailed scope of work makes it difficult to assess performance risks.
The contract being a delivery order raises questions about the underlying indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract's competition and terms.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
The contract supports critical R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences.
The contractor is based in New Mexico, potentially supporting local economic development.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, excluding nanotechnology and biotechnology. This sector is crucial for technological advancement and innovation across various government functions. The total federal spending on R&D services is substantial, with specific sub-categories like this one representing targeted investments. Benchmarking this specific contract's value is challenging without knowing the precise nature of the R&D, but it represents a small portion of overall federal R&D expenditures.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not competed and there is no indication of a small business set-aside. Therefore, it does not appear to directly benefit small businesses through a set-aside. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not explicitly detailed in the provided data, but are unlikely to be a primary focus given the sole-source nature and specific R&D focus.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Bureau of Engraving and Printing's contracting and program management offices. As a delivery order, oversight may also be tied to the parent IDIQ contract. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature and lack of detailed public information on the scope and justification. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal R&D Spending
Bureau of Engraving and Printing Contracts
Science and Technology Services

Risk Flags

Lack of Competition
Sole-Source Award Justification Unclear

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Treasury awarded $347,572 to STA TECHNOLOGIES INC.. R&D SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is STA TECHNOLOGIES INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Treasury (Bureau of Engraving and Printing).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $347,572.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-25. End: 2026-09-24.

What is the specific nature of the R&D services being procured?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)' under NAICS code 541715. However, the specific research objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes are not detailed. This level of R&D can encompass a wide range of activities, from fundamental scientific inquiry to applied engineering solutions. Without further information, it's impossible to determine the precise technical domain or the specific problems STA TECHNOLOGIES INC. is expected to address for the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

What is the justification for the sole-source award?

The justification for this sole-source award is not provided in the data. Typically, sole-source contracts are awarded when only one responsible source can provide the required supplies or services, or in cases of urgent and compelling need. Other justifications can include specific research and development efforts where a particular contractor possesses unique expertise or intellectual property. Without the official justification document, it is impossible to ascertain the specific rationale behind awarding this contract without competition to STA TECHNOLOGIES INC.

How does the $347,572 contract value compare to similar R&D contracts awarded by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing or other agencies?

Direct comparison of the $347,572 contract value is challenging without knowing the specific R&D scope. However, for a one-year R&D service contract, this value is moderate. Federal agencies commonly award R&D contracts ranging from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the complexity and duration. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing, while primarily focused on currency production, does engage in R&D to improve its processes and security features. A lack of competitive bidding for this specific contract prevents a robust value-for-money assessment against potential market alternatives.

What is STA TECHNOLOGIES INC.'s track record with federal R&D contracts?

Information on STA TECHNOLOGIES INC.'s specific track record with federal R&D contracts is not detailed in the provided data. While the contractor is identified, and the contract type and value are known, their past performance, successful delivery of similar R&D projects, and overall reliability in fulfilling federal obligations are not specified. A deeper dive into federal procurement databases and past performance reviews would be necessary to assess their experience and capabilities in delivering R&D services effectively.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source R&D contract of this nature?

The primary risk associated with a sole-source R&D contract is the potential for inflated costs due to the absence of competitive pressure. Without multiple bids, the government may not achieve the most favorable pricing. Additionally, there's a risk that the chosen contractor may not be the most innovative or efficient provider available. Performance risk also exists, as the government relies solely on the selected contractor's ability to deliver the required R&D outcomes, with no alternative options readily available if performance falters.

How does this contract fit into the Bureau of Engraving and Printing's broader R&D strategy?

The provided data does not offer insight into the Bureau of Engraving and Printing's broader R&D strategy. This contract, valued at $347,572 for one year, likely addresses a specific, targeted research need within the agency. Understanding how this fits into a larger strategic plan would require access to the Bureau's R&D roadmaps, investment priorities, and long-term objectives. It could be related to material science, process engineering, security features, or other areas critical to the Bureau's mission.

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: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Sicpa Holding SA

Address: 5401 VENICE AVE NE, ALBUQUERQUE, NM, 87113

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $579,591

Exercised Options: $347,572

Current Obligation: $347,572

Actual Outlays: $41,613

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 2031ZA25D00007

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline