DoD awards $101.8M for Software Development Environment, Tecolote Research Inc. wins contract
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $101,856,491 ($101.9M)
Contractor: Tecolote Research, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2020-05-01
End Date: 2026-04-30
Contract Duration: 2,190 days
Daily Burn Rate: $46.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATIONS ENVIRONMENT
Place of Performance
Location: GOLETA, SANTA BARBARA County, CALIFORNIA, 93117
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $101.9 million to TECOLOTE RESEARCH, INC. for work described as: SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATIONS ENVIRONMENT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Tecolote Research, Inc. for software development and operations. 2. The contract falls under R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 3. Full and open competition was used after excluding sources. 4. The contract has a duration of 2190 days. 5. The total award amount is $101,856,491.25.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $101.8M over approximately 6 years suggests a reasonable annual spend for specialized software development and operations support. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts in the defense sector would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded using full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a competitive process. This method generally promotes price discovery and ensures fair market value is obtained.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for necessary research and development services.
Public Impact
Supports critical software development and operational needs for the Department of the Air Force. The contract duration of nearly six years provides long-term stability for the awarded vendor. The use of Firm Fixed Price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the government. This award contributes to the technological advancement within the defense sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep in long-term R&D contracts.
- Reliance on a single vendor for critical software operations.
- Ensuring continued innovation and adaptation to evolving technological needs.
Positive Signals
- Competitive award process.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type.
- Long contract duration provides stability.
- Supports critical defense capabilities.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically NAICS code 541712. Defense R&D spending is a significant portion of the federal budget, with software development being a key component.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, as 'sb' is false. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was sought through subcontracting opportunities.
Oversight & Accountability
The use of full and open competition suggests a robust process. However, ongoing oversight will be crucial to monitor performance, manage scope, and ensure adherence to contract terms throughout the contract's lifecycle.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if scope is not tightly managed.
- Risk of vendor lock-in due to specialized nature of software.
- Dependency on a single contractor for critical systems.
- Ensuring adequate technical expertise within the government for oversight.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ca, delivery-order, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $101.9 million to TECOLOTE RESEARCH, INC.. SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATIONS ENVIRONMENT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TECOLOTE RESEARCH, 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 $101.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-05-01. End: 2026-04-30.
What specific software development and operations capabilities does this contract entail, and how do they align with current Air Force priorities?
This contract likely covers the development, maintenance, and operational support of complex software systems critical to Air Force missions. This could include everything from command and control systems to data analytics platforms. Alignment with priorities would be assessed by reviewing the specific Statement of Work (SOW) and comparing it against the Air Force's strategic technology roadmaps and modernization goals.
Given the 'exclusion of sources' clause, what was the justification, and did it limit potential competition or innovation?
The justification for excluding sources would typically be based on specific technical requirements, existing system compatibility, or unique capabilities possessed by the awarded vendor. While intended to ensure best fit, such exclusions can sometimes limit broader competition and may warrant scrutiny to ensure they are well-founded and not unduly restrictive.
How will the government ensure the long-term effectiveness and adaptability of the software developed under this contract, given the rapid pace of technological change?
Effectiveness and adaptability will be ensured through rigorous performance metrics, regular technical reviews, and potentially contract modifications to incorporate new technologies or address evolving threats. The government may also leverage agile development methodologies and maintain strong technical oversight to guide the vendor's efforts and ensure the software remains relevant and capable.
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: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 420 S FAIRVIEW AVE STE 201, GOLETA, CA, 93117
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $102,062,360
Exercised Options: $102,062,360
Current Obligation: $101,856,491
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 118
Total Subaward Amount: $112,513,266
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADS619
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-05-01
Current End Date: 2026-04-30
Potential End Date: 2026-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-15
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