DoD Awards $27.4M for Conformal Antennas, Boosting SUAS Capabilities
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $27,430,899 ($27.4M)
Contractor: SI2 Technologies, Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-06-02
End Date: 2028-01-31
Contract Duration: 2,434 days
Daily Burn Rate: $11.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SBIR PHASE II - ENABLING PEEL-AND-STICK CONFORMAL ANTENNAS FOR SUAS
Place of Performance
Location: NORTH BILLERICA, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01862
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $27.4 million to SI2 TECHNOLOGIES, INC for work described as: SBIR PHASE II - ENABLING PEEL-AND-STICK CONFORMAL ANTENNAS FOR SUAS Key points: 1. Focus on advanced antenna technology for small unmanned aerial systems (SUAS). 2. Contract awarded to SI2 Technologies, Inc. for research and development. 3. Significant investment in enhancing SUAS performance and versatility. 4. Potential for broader applications in defense and commercial sectors.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $27.4 million for a 5-year period appears reasonable for specialized R&D in advanced antenna technology. Benchmarking against similar defense R&D contracts for novel hardware development would provide further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting a competitive process but with specific criteria that may have limited the pool of eligible bidders. This method aims to ensure fair pricing while potentially focusing on specialized expertise.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards advancing critical defense technology, aiming for a return on investment through improved military capabilities and potential future commercialization.
Public Impact
Enhances the operational capabilities of small unmanned aerial systems (SUAS). Supports innovation in defense technology and electronic warfare. Could lead to more agile and effective aerial reconnaissance and surveillance. Potential for spin-off technologies in civilian applications like drone delivery or communication.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may not yield the absolute lowest price.
- Long contract duration increases exposure to potential cost overruns or scope creep.
- Reliance on a single contractor for this specific technology.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical need for advanced antenna technology in SUAS.
- Invests in cutting-edge research and development.
- Potential for significant technological advancement and capability enhancement.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences. Defense R&D spending often involves higher risk but also higher potential reward in terms of technological breakthroughs and strategic advantage.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if opportunities were missed.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Department of the Air Force, indicating established oversight mechanisms. However, the long duration and specialized nature of the R&D warrant continuous monitoring for performance and cost adherence.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Technology obsolescence risk.
- Integration challenges with existing SUAS.
- Potential for cost overruns in R&D.
- Dependence on a single contractor's expertise.
- Limited market applicability beyond defense.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ma, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $27.4 million to SI2 TECHNOLOGIES, INC. SBIR PHASE II - ENABLING PEEL-AND-STICK CONFORMAL ANTENNAS FOR SUAS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SI2 TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $27.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-06-02. End: 2028-01-31.
What is the projected impact of these conformal antennas on SUAS performance metrics such as range, bandwidth, and stealth capabilities?
The conformal antennas are expected to significantly improve SUAS performance by enabling more efficient signal transmission and reception due to their integrated design, potentially increasing operational range and data throughput. Their low-profile nature may also contribute to reduced radar cross-section, enhancing stealth capabilities. Specific metric improvements will be detailed in the project's technical reports.
What are the primary risks associated with the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' procurement method for this R&D contract?
The primary risk is that while competition occurred, excluding certain sources might have limited the innovation pool or potentially led to a higher price than a truly open competition. It could also indicate a reliance on specific, proprietary technologies, making future transitions or upgrades more complex and costly if alternatives are not explored.
How will the effectiveness of this R&D investment be measured, and what are the key performance indicators for success?
Effectiveness will be measured through rigorous testing and validation of antenna performance against predefined technical specifications, including signal strength, frequency range, durability, and integration ease with existing SUAS platforms. Key performance indicators will likely include achieving target data rates, successful field deployment demonstrations, and positive feedback from end-users on operational improvements.
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 › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 267 BOSTON RD, NORTH BILLERICA, MA, 01862
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $37,430,899
Exercised Options: $27,430,899
Current Obligation: $27,430,899
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-06-02
Current End Date: 2028-01-31
Potential End Date: 2028-01-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-07-18
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