DoD's $7.78M MASE Contract Awarded to Earth Resources Technology, LLC for Space Environment Research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $7,780,835 ($7.8M)
Contractor: Earth Resources Technology, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2020-09-25
End Date: 2026-06-30
Contract Duration: 2,104 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SPACE ENVIRONMENT IMPACTS ON HF PROPAGATION-CALL 006 (MASE)
Place of Performance
Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20770
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $7.8 million to EARTH RESOURCES TECHNOLOGY, LLC for work described as: SPACE ENVIRONMENT IMPACTS ON HF PROPAGATION-CALL 006 (MASE) Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical research into space environment impacts on HF propagation. 2. Earth Resources Technology, LLC, a non-small business, secured the award. 3. The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, indicating potential for cost overruns. 4. Research and Development in Physical Sciences is the relevant sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $7.78M for a 2104-day duration appears reasonable for specialized R&D. However, without specific benchmarks for similar space environment research contracts, a precise value assessment is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and potentially better value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for advanced research in space environment impacts, which could lead to improved communication systems and national security capabilities.
Public Impact
Enhances understanding of space weather effects on critical communication systems. Supports advancements in military and civilian satellite operations. Contributes to the broader scientific knowledge base in atmospheric and space physics. Potential for spin-off technologies benefiting commercial applications.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to higher costs if not managed closely.
- Contractor is not a small business, limiting opportunities for smaller entities.
- Contract duration is long (2104 days), requiring sustained oversight.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Addresses a critical area of research for national security.
- Contract value appears reasonable for the scope of work.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences related to the space environment. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority and understanding complex natural phenomena.
Small Business Impact
The contractor, Earth Resources Technology, LLC, is not identified as a small business. This award does not appear to directly support small business participation goals.
Oversight & Accountability
The long duration and Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitate robust oversight from the Department of the Air Force to ensure cost control and adherence to research objectives. Regular performance reviews and financial audits will be critical.
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
- Cost overrun potential due to CPFF structure.
- Long contract duration requires sustained oversight.
- Lack of small business participation.
- Complexity of R&D may lead to unforeseen challenges.
- Dependence on accurate space environment data.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, md, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $7.8 million to EARTH RESOURCES TECHNOLOGY, LLC. SPACE ENVIRONMENT IMPACTS ON HF PROPAGATION-CALL 006 (MASE)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is EARTH RESOURCES TECHNOLOGY, LLC.
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 $7.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-09-25. End: 2026-06-30.
What specific metrics will be used to evaluate the success of the research in understanding HF propagation impacts?
Success will likely be measured by the development of predictive models for HF propagation disruptions, validation of these models through empirical data, and the successful integration of findings into operational communication planning. Specific deliverables might include technical reports, data sets, and software tools that quantify the impact of space weather events on radio frequencies.
What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type in this R&D context?
The primary risk is that the fixed fee may not adequately compensate the contractor if unforeseen research challenges significantly increase costs, potentially leading to scope reduction or contractor disengagement. Conversely, the government bears the risk of cost overruns if the contractor's efficiency is lower than anticipated, as the fee is fixed regardless of the final cost.
How will the effectiveness of this research translate into tangible benefits for the Department of Defense?
The effectiveness will be measured by improved reliability of DoD communication systems operating on HF frequencies, especially during geomagnetic storms or other space weather events. This research aims to enhance situational awareness of the space environment's impact, enabling proactive measures to maintain communication links essential for command and control, intelligence gathering, and operational coordination.
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
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Solicitation ID: FA945319S0001
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 14401 SWEITZER LN STE 300, LAUREL, MD, 20707
Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $7,794,622
Exercised Options: $7,794,622
Current Obligation: $7,780,835
Actual Outlays: $94,079
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-09-25
Current End Date: 2026-06-30
Potential End Date: 2026-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-09
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