DoD Awards $614M R&D Contract for Battlespace Operations Watcher to CUBRC, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $6,145,653 ($6.1M)
Contractor: Cubrc, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-10-23
End Date: 2026-10-23
Contract Duration: 1,096 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 99
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: BATTLESPACE OPERATIONS WATCHER (BOW)
Place of Performance
Location: BUFFALO, ERIE County, NEW YORK, 14225
State: New York Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $6.1 million to CUBRC, INC. for work described as: BATTLESPACE OPERATIONS WATCHER (BOW) Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced R&D for defense operations. 2. Competition method is 'Full and Open', suggesting broad market engagement. 3. Contract type 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' carries inherent cost overrun risk. 4. Focus on physical and engineering sciences R&D, a critical sector for innovation.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $614.5M over 3 years is substantial. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts in the physical sciences is difficult without more specific performance metrics and deliverables. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires careful monitoring to ensure value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure means the government pays allowable costs plus a fixed fee, which can lead to higher final costs if not managed effectively.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in advanced research and development, aiming for technological superiority. The effectiveness of this investment will depend on the successful development and deployment of the Battlespace Operations Watcher system.
Public Impact
Enhances national security through advanced technology development. Supports innovation in the defense R&D sector. Potential for technological advancements with broad military applications. Long-term contract duration suggests a strategic, ongoing need.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 56 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure can lead to cost overruns.
- Long contract duration increases exposure to changing technological needs.
- Specific performance metrics and deliverables are not detailed.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Focus on critical R&D for defense operations.
- Significant investment indicates high strategic priority.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological advantage, with significant government investment typically directed towards defense and national security applications.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, but there is no specific indication of small business participation or subcontracting goals mentioned in the provided data. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement.
Oversight & Accountability
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type necessitates robust oversight from the Department of the Navy to manage costs, monitor progress, and ensure the contractor meets performance objectives. Regular audits and performance reviews will be critical for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost overrun potential due to CPFF structure.
- Risk of technological obsolescence over the contract duration.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in the abstract.
- Dependency on contractor's R&D expertise and execution.
- Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ny, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $6.1 million to CUBRC, INC.. BATTLESPACE OPERATIONS WATCHER (BOW)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CUBRC, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $6.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-10-23. End: 2026-10-23.
What specific technological capabilities will the Battlespace Operations Watcher provide, and how do these align with current and future military operational needs?
The specific capabilities of the Battlespace Operations Watcher are not detailed in the provided data. However, given the R&D focus and the 'Battlespace Operations' name, it likely aims to enhance situational awareness, command and control, or intelligence gathering within a military operational theater. Alignment with needs would require a review of DoD's strategic objectives and threat assessments.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and milestones for this contract, and how will CUBRC, Inc.'s performance be measured against them?
Key performance indicators and milestones are not specified in the provided contract abstract. For a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract of this magnitude, detailed technical and programmatic milestones are essential. These would typically be outlined in the contract's Statement of Work and require rigorous government oversight to track progress and ensure successful development.
What is the projected return on investment (ROI) for this $614M R&D expenditure, considering the potential for technological obsolescence and the long development cycle?
Quantifying the ROI for R&D contracts is inherently challenging due to the speculative nature of innovation and the long timelines involved. The 'return' is often measured in terms of enhanced national security, strategic advantage, and the development of future capabilities rather than direct financial returns. The DoD likely assesses ROI based on strategic necessity and potential threat mitigation.
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: N0001422SB001
Offers Received: 99
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 4455 GENESEE ST, BUFFALO, NY, 14225
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $24,111,365
Exercised Options: $7,670,383
Current Obligation: $6,145,653
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $84,120
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-10-23
Current End Date: 2026-10-23
Potential End Date: 2026-10-23 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-15
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