DoD Awards $14.6M for Electronics & Communication R&D to FLIR Systems, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $13,971,909 ($14.0M)
Contractor: Teledyne Flir Defense, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2004-09-30
End Date: 2009-11-30
Contract Duration: 1,887 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: 200412!008014!2100!W15P7T!USA COMMUNICATIONS-ELECTRONICS !W15P7T04CK447 !A!N! !N! ! !20040930!20041231!146488635!146488635!146488635!N!FLIR SYSTEMS, INC !25 ESQUIRE RD !NORTH BILLERIC !MA!01862!46680!017!25!NORTH BILLERICA !MIDDLESEX !MASS !+000000099000!N!N!000000000000!AC61!RDTE/ELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATION EQ-BASIC RESEARCH!A7 !ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION EQUIP !000 !* !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !N!B!A!N!J!2!002!B! !Z!N!Z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !A!A!A!A!000!A!B!N! ! ! ! ! ! !0001! !
Place of Performance
Location: NORTH BILLERICA, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01862
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $14.0 million to TELEDYNE FLIR DEFENSE, INC. for work described as: 200412!008014!2100!W15P7T!USA COMMUNICATIONS-ELECTRONICS !W15P7T04CK447 !A!N! !N! ! !20040930!20041231!146488635!146488635!146488635!N!FLIR SYSTEMS, INC !25 ESQUIRE RD !NORTH BILLERIC !MA!01862!46680!017!25!NORTH BILLERICA !MIDD… Key points: 1. Contract awarded for Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 2. FLIR Systems, Inc. secured the $14.6M contract. 3. The contract was awarded under Full and Open Competition. 4. The period of performance spans from September 2004 to November 2009.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $14.6M for an 1887-day duration appears reasonable for R&D in advanced electronics and communication equipment. Benchmarking against similar basic research contracts in this sector would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process that likely led to a fair price discovery. The use of Firm Fixed Price contract type further supports price certainty.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process for this R&D contract aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for technological advancement.
Public Impact
Advancement in defense communication and electronics technology. Potential for new product development and innovation by FLIR Systems. Supports the Department of Defense's research and development objectives. Job creation and economic activity in Massachusetts.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Contract duration is long for basic research, potentially leading to scope creep or outdated technology.
- Limited information on specific deliverables and performance metrics.
- Reliance on a single contractor for a significant R&D award.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty.
- Contract supports critical defense technology R&D.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on electronics and communication equipment. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority but requires careful oversight to ensure value and relevance.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, as FLIR Systems, Inc. is a large corporation. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense, through the Defense Contract Management Agency, is responsible for overseeing this contract. The long duration necessitates robust oversight to ensure progress and adherence to research objectives.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration increases risk of obsolescence.
- Potential for scope creep in basic research.
- Lack of small business participation.
- Limited public information on specific R&D outcomes.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ma, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $14.0 million to TELEDYNE FLIR DEFENSE, INC.. 200412!008014!2100!W15P7T!USA COMMUNICATIONS-ELECTRONICS !W15P7T04CK447 !A!N! !N! ! !20040930!20041231!146488635!146488635!146488635!N!FLIR SYSTEMS, INC !25 ESQUIRE RD !NORTH BILLERIC !MA!01862!46680!017!25!NORTH BILLERICA !MIDDLESEX !MASS !+000000099000!N!N!000000000000!AC61!RDTE/ELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATION EQ-BASIC RESEARCH!A7 !ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION EQUIP !000 !* !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !999
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TELEDYNE FLIR DEFENSE, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $14.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2004-09-30. End: 2009-11-30.
What specific technological advancements are expected from this R&D contract, and how will they benefit national security?
The contract aims to advance basic research in electronics and communication equipment. Specific expected advancements likely include improved signal processing, enhanced communication range and security, and development of novel sensor technologies. These advancements are intended to bolster national security by providing the U.S. military with superior communication capabilities and intelligence gathering tools, ensuring a technological edge over adversaries.
Given the 1887-day duration, what mechanisms are in place to mitigate the risk of technological obsolescence or scope creep?
The Firm Fixed Price nature of the contract provides some cost control. However, robust oversight by the Defense Contract Management Agency is critical. This includes regular progress reviews, milestone assessments, and potentially phased delivery schedules. Clear, adaptable research objectives and performance metrics, along with a defined process for managing changes, are essential to mitigate obsolescence and scope creep risks over the extended performance period.
How does the $14.6M award compare to typical R&D investments in similar electronics and communication technologies by other government agencies or private sector entities?
Benchmarking this $14.6M award requires detailed analysis of comparable R&D projects. However, for basic research in advanced electronics and communication, this figure is within a reasonable range, especially considering the specialized nature and potential long-term strategic value. Government R&D funding often supports foundational work that the private sector may not pursue due to higher risk or longer timelines, making direct comparisons challenging without specific project details.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Teledyne Flir, LLC (UEI: 091296244)
Address: 25 ESQUIRE RD, NORTH BILLERIC, MA
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2004-09-30
Current End Date: 2009-11-30
Potential End Date: 2009-11-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2013-10-22
More Contracts from Teledyne Flir Defense, Inc.
- Joint Nuclear Biological Chemical Reconnaissance System Increment 2 (jnbcrs 2) - Clin 0001 — $105.8M (Department of Defense)
- Tacflir 380HD (TFU) Stabilized Turret Flir Unit and Ancillary Items for the Product Management Electro-Optic / Infrared Payloads - Force Protection (PDM Eo/Ir-Fp) Program — $75.2M (Department of Defense)
- -Dismounted Reconaissance-Suits Kits Outfits Full Rate Production (50) Fifty Army Configuration Systems — $54.2M (Department of Defense)
- Dismounted Reconnaissance Sets, Kits, and Outfits (dr-Sko) Full Rate Production (FRP) Army Configuration Fifty (50) Army Systems — $51.1M (Department of Defense)
- Nuclear Biological Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle (nbcrv) Sensor Suite Upgrade (SSU) Capability SET 2.2 (CS2.2) — $47.2M (Department of Defense)
Other Department of Defense Contracts
- Federal Contract — $51.3B (Humana Government Business Inc)
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- SSN 802 and 803 Long Lead Time Material — $34.7B (Electric Boat Corporation)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- KC-X Modernization Program — $32.0B (THE Boeing Company)