DoD Awards $63.7M for Directed Energy System Integration Lab Technologies to Radiance Technologies

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $63,683,259 ($63.7M)

Contractor: Radiance Technologies Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-07-28

End Date: 2027-12-15

Contract Duration: 1,966 days

Daily Burn Rate: $32.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: THIS IS A NEW TASK ORDER UNDER D3I CONTRACT W9113M-16-D-0004. THIS TASK IS IN SUPPORT OF DIRECTED ENERGY SYSTEM INTEGRATION LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIES(DESIL).THIS EFFORT WILL VERIFY THE PERFORMANCE OF HIGH ENERGY LASER (HEL) COMPONENTS.

Place of Performance

Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35805

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $63.7 million to RADIANCE TECHNOLOGIES INC for work described as: THIS IS A NEW TASK ORDER UNDER D3I CONTRACT W9113M-16-D-0004. THIS TASK IS IN SUPPORT OF DIRECTED ENERGY SYSTEM INTEGRATION LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIES(DESIL).THIS EFFORT WILL VERIFY THE PERFORMANCE OF HIGH ENERGY LASER (HEL) COMPONENTS. Key points: 1. Focus on High Energy Laser (HEL) component performance verification. 2. Contract awarded under a larger IDIQ for R&D services. 3. Potential for significant technological advancement in directed energy. 4. Radiance Technologies Inc. is the sole awardee for this task order.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type allows for flexibility but requires careful monitoring of costs to ensure value. The fixed fee component provides some cost control, but the overall price is subject to the actual costs incurred.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract states 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' which implies a limited competition scenario. This method may not yield the most competitive pricing compared to unrestricted full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced R&D in directed energy, which could lead to future defense capabilities. The pricing structure warrants scrutiny to ensure efficient use of funds.

Public Impact

Advancement in directed energy weapon systems. Potential for enhanced military capabilities. Investment in cutting-edge research and development. Job creation in the R&D sector. Long-term strategic defense implications.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may impact price competitiveness.
Cost-plus contracts can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Reliance on a single vendor for this task order.

Positive Signals

Supports critical R&D in a key defense area.
Long performance period allows for thorough verification.
Awarded to an established contractor with relevant expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for maintaining technological superiority, with significant government investment directed towards innovation and future capabilities.

Small Business Impact

The awardee, Radiance Technologies Inc., is not listed as a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this specific task order, which could be a missed opportunity for SMB engagement.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Army is the contracting agency. Oversight will be critical to manage the cost-plus fixed fee structure and ensure the effective verification of HEL component performance within the allocated budget and timeline.

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

Cost Overruns Risk
Limited Competition Pricing Impact
Scope Creep Potential
Vendor Lock-in
Technical Performance Uncertainty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $63.7 million to RADIANCE TECHNOLOGIES INC. THIS IS A NEW TASK ORDER UNDER D3I CONTRACT W9113M-16-D-0004. THIS TASK IS IN SUPPORT OF DIRECTED ENERGY SYSTEM INTEGRATION LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIES(DESIL).THIS EFFORT WILL VERIFY THE PERFORMANCE OF HIGH ENERGY LASER (HEL) COMPONENTS.

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 $63.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-07-28. End: 2027-12-15.

How will the performance verification of HEL components be measured to ensure objective assessment and value for money?

Performance verification will likely involve rigorous testing protocols and defined metrics outlined in the task order's Statement of Work. Objective assessment relies on clear, measurable criteria for HEL component functionality and efficiency. Value for money will be assessed by comparing the achieved performance against the contract's objectives and the costs incurred, ensuring the investment yields the intended technological advancements.

What are the specific risks associated with the 'limited competition' approach for this R&D task order?

Limited competition, even after exclusion of sources, carries the risk of reduced price negotiation leverage and potentially higher costs compared to a full and open competition. It may also limit the pool of innovative solutions considered. The government must ensure robust justification for the limited scope and diligent price analysis to mitigate these risks and secure fair and reasonable pricing.

How does this investment in Directed Energy System Integration Laboratory Technologies align with broader DoD strategic goals for future warfare?

This investment directly supports the DoD's strategic goals by advancing critical technologies for directed energy systems, which are seen as a key component of future multi-domain operations. Enhancing the performance of High Energy Laser components is vital for developing next-generation defensive and offensive capabilities, contributing to information dominance and force protection.

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

Solicitation ID: W9113M13R0012

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Radiance Technologies, Inc.

Address: 350 WYNN DR NW, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35805

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $97,439,651

Exercised Options: $97,439,651

Current Obligation: $63,683,259

Actual Outlays: $39,842

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 332

Total Subaward Amount: $27,762,821

Contract Characteristics

Consolidated Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W9113M16D0004

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline