GSA awards $2M R&D contract to RAFT LLC for SOF Data Layer, with limited competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,992,327 ($2.0M)

Contractor: Raft LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2025-11-01

End Date: 2026-10-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.5K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: SBIR PHASE III TASK ORDER 01 - SOF DATA LAYER

Place of Performance

Location: TAMPA, HILLSBOROUGH County, FLORIDA, 33621

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $2.0 million to RAFT LLC for work described as: SBIR PHASE III TASK ORDER 01 - SOF DATA LAYER Key points: 1. Contract value of $1.99M for R&D services indicates a significant investment in specialized data solutions. 2. The award to RAFT LLC suggests a focus on specific technical expertise required for the SOF Data Layer. 3. Limited competition raises questions about potential price efficiencies and broader market engagement. 4. The contract duration of one year with options for extension allows for phased development and evaluation. 5. The R&D focus aligns with the government's need for advanced technological capabilities in defense and intelligence. 6. The contract's geographic focus in Florida may indicate a concentration of relevant facilities or personnel.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of approximately $2 million for a one-year R&D effort is within a typical range for specialized software development and data layer implementation. However, without specific benchmarks for SOF Data Layer development or comparable R&D task orders, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. The firm-fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which can be a positive indicator if the price is competitive. Further analysis would require comparing this award to similar R&D contracts for data infrastructure or specialized software within the defense sector.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under a 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' basis, which is a form of limited competition. This typically occurs when a specific contractor possesses unique capabilities, intellectual property, or has already performed work under a prior agreement (like an SBIR Phase III). While this can ensure specialized expertise, it limits the opportunity for other vendors to bid, potentially leading to higher prices than if full and open competition were utilized. The lack of multiple bidders means price discovery through market forces is reduced.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition means taxpayers may not benefit from the most competitive pricing achievable through a broader bidding process. This could result in a higher overall cost for the government and, consequently, for taxpayers.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel who will utilize the SOF Data Layer for enhanced data access and analysis. The contract will deliver advanced data management and integration capabilities, crucial for modern military operations. The geographic impact is primarily in Florida, where the contractor RAFT LLC is located, suggesting potential local economic benefits. Workforce implications may include specialized R&D roles for software engineers, data scientists, and systems architects.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may restrict opportunities for other innovative firms to contribute to this critical capability.
The 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' designation warrants scrutiny to ensure it is justified by unique contractor capabilities.
Lack of transparency in the justification for limited competition could obscure potential cost savings missed.

Positive Signals

Award to RAFT LLC suggests a focus on specialized expertise for a critical SOF data requirement.
Firm Fixed Price contract structure shifts cost risk to the contractor, potentially ensuring budget adherence.
The R&D nature of the contract indicates investment in cutting-edge technology to meet evolving operational needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for defense-related R&D, particularly in areas like data management and intelligence, is substantial, driven by the need for technological superiority. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other government contracts for advanced data analytics platforms, intelligence systems, and specialized software development for defense agencies. The $2 million award is moderate for an R&D effort, suggesting a focused scope or an initial phase of a larger initiative.

Small Business Impact

The data provided does not indicate if this contract included small business set-asides or subcontracting plans. Given the limited competition award, it is less likely that small businesses were directly solicited as prime contractors unless RAFT LLC itself is a small business or has a robust small business subcontracting program. Further investigation into RAFT LLC's size status and subcontracting commitments would be necessary to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Acquisition Service, which awarded the contract. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract type, requiring RAFT LLC to deliver specified outcomes within the agreed budget. Transparency can be assessed by reviewing the contract award details and any publicly available justifications for the limited competition. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

SBIR Phase III Programs
Special Operations Forces (SOF) Technology Development
Data Layer and Integration Services
Defense Research and Development Contracts
General Services Administration (GSA) IT Schedule Contracts

Risk Flags

Limited competition justification requires thorough review.
R&D projects carry inherent uncertainty in outcomes and timelines.
Contract value may not reflect optimal market pricing due to lack of competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $2.0 million to RAFT LLC. SBIR PHASE III TASK ORDER 01 - SOF DATA LAYER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RAFT LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-11-01. End: 2026-10-31.

What is RAFT LLC's track record with government contracts, particularly within the R&D and defense sectors?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that RAFT LLC has received government contracts, though specific details on their R&D and defense sector performance require deeper analysis. Understanding their past performance, including successful delivery of similar projects, adherence to timelines and budgets, and any past performance evaluations, is crucial. For instance, if RAFT LLC has a history of successful SBIR Phase III transitions or has delivered complex data solutions for other agencies, it would bolster confidence in their ability to execute this contract. Conversely, any history of contract issues, disputes, or poor performance ratings would be a significant concern requiring careful consideration.

How does the $1.99 million contract value compare to similar R&D efforts for data layers or specialized software within the defense sector?

Benchmarking the $1.99 million contract value requires comparing it against similar R&D task orders or contracts awarded for developing data layers, intelligence platforms, or specialized software solutions within the Department of Defense or other federal agencies. Factors such as contract duration, scope of work, technological complexity, and the specific agency awarding the contract are critical for a meaningful comparison. For example, if similar one-year R&D efforts for comparable data solutions have ranged from $1 million to $3 million, this award appears to be within a reasonable range. However, if comparable projects were significantly less expensive or offered broader capabilities for a similar price, it might suggest this contract is either priced higher or has a more focused scope.

What specific risks are associated with this contract, given its limited competition and R&D nature?

The primary risks associated with this contract stem from its limited competition and R&D focus. Limited competition, particularly under a 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' justification, carries the risk of non-optimal pricing and reduced innovation due to the absence of a competitive bidding process. Taxpayers may not be receiving the best value. The R&D nature introduces inherent uncertainty; the project's success is not guaranteed, and outcomes may differ from initial expectations. There's also a risk that the chosen contractor, RAFT LLC, may not possess all the necessary expertise or resources, leading to delays or performance issues. Furthermore, the rapid evolution of technology in the R&D space means the developed solution could become obsolete quickly.

What is the expected program effectiveness and impact of the SOF Data Layer developed under this contract?

The expected program effectiveness hinges on the SOF Data Layer's ability to provide Special Operations Forces with seamless, secure, and timely access to critical intelligence, operational, and logistical data. An effective data layer should enhance situational awareness, improve decision-making speed, and facilitate better coordination among SOF units. The impact could be significant, potentially leading to improved mission outcomes, reduced operational risks, and more efficient resource allocation. Success will be measured by user adoption, the system's reliability, its ability to integrate diverse data sources, and ultimately, its contribution to mission success metrics defined by SOF leadership.

How has federal spending on R&D for data management and intelligence systems evolved, and where does this contract fit?

Federal spending on R&D for data management and intelligence systems has seen a consistent upward trend, driven by the increasing volume of data generated and the critical need for advanced analytics and secure information sharing. Agencies like the Department of Defense, intelligence community, and others are heavily investing in technologies that can process, analyze, and disseminate vast amounts of information rapidly. This $1.99 million contract for an SOF Data Layer fits within this broader trend, representing a specific investment in enhancing data infrastructure for a specialized user group. It reflects the government's ongoing commitment to leveraging technology to maintain a strategic advantage and improve operational effectiveness in complex environments.

What are the potential implications of awarding this contract via limited competition for future R&D efforts in this domain?

Awarding this contract via limited competition could have several implications for future R&D efforts. On one hand, it ensures that a specific, potentially highly qualified contractor (RAFT LLC) is engaged to meet an immediate need. However, it may discourage other firms from investing in developing capabilities for this specific domain if they perceive that opportunities will be awarded non-competitively. This could stifle broader innovation and competition in the long run. It also sets a precedent that might be followed for similar future requirements, potentially limiting the government's ability to leverage the full spectrum of market innovation and secure the most cost-effective solutions available.

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 AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 47QFLA25R0005

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1660 INTERNATIONAL DR STE 800, MC LEAN, VA, 22102

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $20,188,565

Exercised Options: $3,854,717

Current Obligation: $1,992,327

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QFLA25D0002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline