Department of the Air Force awards $890M task order to MIT for unspecified services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $889,933,664 ($889.9M)
Contractor: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2015-05-20
End Date: 2030-02-28
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF TASK ORDER 0002
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $889.9 million to MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF TASK ORDER 0002 Key points: 1. Significant contract value awarded to a single entity. 2. Potential for limited competition given the specialized nature of research. 3. Long performance period raises questions about evolving needs and cost control.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The total award value is substantial, but the lack of specific service details makes a definitive value assessment difficult. The long duration suggests potential for cost overruns if not managed closely.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: unknown
The contract type is a delivery order under a larger agreement, but the specific procurement method and justification for limited competition are not detailed. This lack of transparency raises concerns.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are committed to a large contract without clear visibility into the services rendered or the competitive landscape.
Public Impact
Potential for advanced research and development impacting national security. Limited public insight into the specific technological advancements or services funded.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of service description hinders understanding of program goals.
- Long contract duration increases risk of scope creep and cost escalation.
- Potential for sole-source award limits competitive benefits.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable research institution like MIT.
- Potential for significant technological advancements.
Sector Analysis
This contract likely supports advanced research and development initiatives within the Department of Defense, potentially in areas of science and technology critical to national security.
Small Business Impact
The contract does not indicate any small business participation or set-aside provisions. The awardee is a large research institution.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is crucial given the high value and extended period. The Department of Defense's Inspector General should monitor the execution and deliverables to ensure accountability and prevent waste.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development Services
- Advanced Technology Development
- Task Order 0002
Risk Flags
- Lack of transparency in service description
- Extended performance period
- Potential for limited competition
Tags
department-of-defense, air-force, massachusetts-institute-of-technology, task-order, research-and-development, large-contract, long-performance-period
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $889.9 million to MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. IGF::OT::IGF TASK ORDER 0002
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $889.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2015-05-20. End: 2030-02-28.
Analysis insight 1
The specific nature of the services procured under this task order remains unclear.
Analysis insight 2
The long performance period, spanning over a decade, warrants close monitoring for efficiency and relevance.
Analysis insight 3
Further details are needed to assess the competitive environment and justification for the award.