DoD Awards $37.4M for High Energy Laser Lethality Assessment and Program Support to Radiance Technologies
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $37,411,082 ($37.4M)
Contractor: Radiance Technologies Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2018-11-30
End Date: 2024-08-31
Contract Duration: 2,101 days
Daily Burn Rate: $17.8K/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: HIGH ENERGY LASER (HEL) LETHALITY ASSESSMENT AND PROGRAM SUPPORT. SYSTEM ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SUPPORT PROGRAM
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35807
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $37.4 million to RADIANCE TECHNOLOGIES INC for work described as: HIGH ENERGY LASER (HEL) LETHALITY ASSESSMENT AND PROGRAM SUPPORT. SYSTEM ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SUPPORT PROGRAM Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Radiance Technologies Inc. for critical R&D support. 2. Focus on High Energy Laser (HEL) lethality assessment highlights advanced defense capabilities. 3. Significant duration (2101 days) suggests a complex, long-term research effort. 4. The R&D sector (NAICS 541712) is crucial for technological advancement in defense.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $37.4 million over approximately 5.8 years appears reasonable for specialized R&D support in a niche defense area. Benchmarking against similar complex system engineering and technical assistance contracts 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,' indicating a limited competition. This method might impact price discovery compared to full and open competition, potentially leading to higher costs if not managed carefully.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards critical defense research and development, aiming to enhance national security capabilities through advanced laser technology.
Public Impact
Enhances U.S. military's technological edge in directed energy weapons. Supports the development and assessment of advanced High Energy Laser systems. Contributes to the broader research and development ecosystem within the Department of Defense. Potential for spin-off technologies benefiting civilian sectors in the long term.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may affect cost-effectiveness.
- Long contract duration requires sustained oversight.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical R&D support.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical and emerging defense technology area.
- Supports a specialized R&D capability for the Department of the Army.
- Contract duration allows for in-depth research and development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences. Spending in this area is vital for maintaining a technological advantage, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research domain and project complexity.
Small Business Impact
The contract data indicates that small businesses were not directly involved as prime contractors in this specific award. Opportunities for small businesses may exist further down the subcontracting chain, but this award does not appear to directly benefit them at the prime level.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Army is the awarding agency, responsible for oversight. The contract's long duration necessitates robust program management and regular performance reviews to ensure accountability and effective use of funds.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to limited competition.
- Long-term nature of the contract requires sustained oversight.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical R&D.
- Complexity of HEL technology may introduce unforeseen technical challenges.
- Ensuring effective knowledge transfer and avoiding contractor lock-in.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, al, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $37.4 million to RADIANCE TECHNOLOGIES INC. HIGH ENERGY LASER (HEL) LETHALITY ASSESSMENT AND PROGRAM SUPPORT. SYSTEM ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SUPPORT PROGRAM
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is RADIANCE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $37.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-11-30. End: 2024-08-31.
What specific lethality metrics are being assessed, and how will this data inform future HEL system development and procurement decisions?
The contract aims to provide comprehensive lethality assessment data for High Energy Laser (HEL) systems. This data will likely include performance under various conditions, effectiveness against different targets, and potential failure modes. The insights gained are crucial for refining HEL system designs, validating performance claims, and making informed decisions about future investments and procurement strategies, ensuring taxpayer money is spent on the most effective and reliable technologies.
Given the limited competition, what measures are in place to ensure Radiance Technologies is providing cost-effective solutions and not exploiting a lack of market alternatives?
While competition was limited, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type, combined with the 'after exclusion of sources' clause, suggests a specific justification for the limited pool. Oversight mechanisms likely include detailed cost reporting, performance metrics, and potentially independent government cost estimates. Regular reviews and audits by the Department of the Army are essential to ensure fair pricing and prevent cost overruns, safeguarding taxpayer interests.
How will the outcomes of this HEL lethality assessment program be integrated into broader DoD strategic planning for directed energy capabilities?
The findings from this lethality assessment program are expected to directly inform the DoD's strategic planning for directed energy (DE) capabilities. This includes validating the operational utility of HEL systems, identifying technological gaps, and refining requirements for future DE weapon systems. The data will contribute to force structure planning, doctrine development, and resource allocation decisions, ensuring that investments in DE align with evolving threats and strategic objectives.
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: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Radiance Technologies, Inc.
Address: 310 BOB HEATH DR NW, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35806
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $50,910,349
Exercised Options: $50,910,349
Current Obligation: $37,411,082
Actual Outlays: $3,129,300
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 714
Total Subaward Amount: $10,965,134
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADS430
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-11-30
Current End Date: 2024-08-31
Potential End Date: 2024-08-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-31
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