DoD Awards $13.6M for CIRCM/LIMWS FAB, Test Equip, and Training to TFAB Defense Systems LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $13,565,907 ($13.6M)
Contractor: Tfab Defense Systems LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2020-04-21
End Date: 2027-01-30
Contract Duration: 2,475 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.5K/day
Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: CIRCM/LIMWS FAB, TEST EQUIP AND TRAINING
Place of Performance
Location: MADISON, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35758
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $13.6 million to TFAB DEFENSE SYSTEMS LLC for work described as: CIRCM/LIMWS FAB, TEST EQUIP AND TRAINING Key points: 1. The contract focuses on research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. TFAB Defense Systems LLC is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. The contract duration is substantial at 2475 days, indicating a long-term project. 4. The award is a delivery order under a larger contract, details of which are not provided.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Without a benchmark for similar R&D contracts, assessing the value is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was not available for competition, indicating a limited source selection. This lack of competition may have impacted price discovery and potentially led to a higher cost for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition raises concerns about whether taxpayers received the best possible value for this significant investment in defense research and development.
Public Impact
This contract supports advanced defense systems, potentially enhancing national security capabilities. The long-term nature of the contract suggests a sustained commitment to research and development in a critical area. Investment in specialized test equipment and training indicates a focus on operational readiness and technological advancement.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Limited information on the parent contract
Positive Signals
- Supports critical defense systems
- Long-term investment in R&D
- Focus on training and equipment
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement but requires careful oversight due to its inherent complexity and potential for cost escalation.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this contract award. The focus appears to be on a specific, potentially larger, defense contractor.
Oversight & Accountability
The limited competition and cost-plus contract type warrant close oversight to ensure efficient use of funds and adherence to project scope. Further details on the parent contract would aid 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 Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Lack of benchmark data for R&D
- Long contract duration
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 $13.6 million to TFAB DEFENSE SYSTEMS LLC. CIRCM/LIMWS FAB, TEST EQUIP AND TRAINING
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TFAB DEFENSE SYSTEMS LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $13.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-04-21. End: 2027-01-30.
What was the justification for limiting competition on this significant R&D contract?
The justification for limiting competition is not provided in the data. Typically, such limitations are based on factors like unique capabilities, urgent needs, or specific research requirements that only one source can fulfill. Without this information, it's difficult to assess if the limited competition was warranted or if alternative sources were overlooked.
What are the specific risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for this type of R&D work?
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts carry risks of cost overruns, as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee. For R&D, where outcomes can be uncertain, this structure might incentivize less cost-conscious behavior. The government bears the risk of cost increases beyond initial estimates, potentially impacting the overall value and taxpayer investment.
How will the effectiveness of the CIRCM/LIMWS FAB, test equipment, and training be measured?
The provided data does not detail the metrics for measuring the effectiveness of the CIRCM/LIMWS FAB, test equipment, and training. Effectiveness is typically assessed through performance milestones, operational testing, user feedback, and achievement of specific technological or capability goals outlined in the contract's statement of work.
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: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Tfab Manufacturing LLC
Address: 229 PALMER RD, MADISON, AL, 35758
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $13,613,154
Exercised Options: $13,565,907
Current Obligation: $13,565,907
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 2
Total Subaward Amount: $4,001,944
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W911W619D0001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-04-21
Current End Date: 2027-01-30
Potential End Date: 2027-01-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-05
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