SBIR Phase II - Wireless Parachute Sensor Measurement System

Only one company submitted a bid. Reduced competition may indicate barriers to entry, poor solicitation visibility, or pre-determined outcomes.

Awarded 2008-09-15 — 15 days before fiscal year end (Sep 30). End-of-year awards often have compressed timelines and reduced oversight.

Post-award modifications total 160% of the original award. Change orders exceeding 50% suggest scope creep, poor initial estimates, or intentional low-bidding.

Contract duration is 2.7 standard deviations above the average for similar contracts. Unusually long or short durations may indicate scope issues.

Initial award was below peer average, then modifications added scope. This buy-in pattern — underbidding to win, then recovering margin through change orders — is a documented procurement risk.