DoD's $26.5M MALTA CPOF Transition contract awarded via full and open competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $26,464,138 ($26.5M)
Contractor: SRI International
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2009-09-10
End Date: 2012-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,116 days
Daily Burn Rate: $23.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: MALTA CPOF TRANSITION
Place of Performance
Location: MENLO PARK, SAN MATEO County, CALIFORNIA, 94025
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $26.5 million to SRI INTERNATIONAL for work described as: MALTA CPOF TRANSITION Key points: 1. SRI International secured a $26.5M contract for R&D services. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences is a key sector for DoD. 4. The contract duration of 1116 days indicates a significant, multi-year project.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure allows for flexibility in R&D but requires careful oversight to manage costs. Benchmarking CPFF contracts in R&D can be challenging due to the inherent uncertainties in research outcomes.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Awarded through full and open competition, this method likely fostered competitive pricing and ensured the government received the best value. The delivery order structure suggests it was part of a larger IDIQ or similar vehicle.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to maximize taxpayer value by ensuring fair pricing for research and development services.
Public Impact
Supports advanced research and development initiatives within the Department of Defense. The project contributes to technological advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences. SRI International's involvement highlights the role of private sector innovation in national security.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.
- The specific nature of R&D makes it difficult to establish precise cost benchmarks upfront.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust procurement process.
- SRI International is a reputable research organization.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, a critical area for defense innovation. Spending in this sector is substantial, with agencies like DoD investing heavily in cutting-edge technologies.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific set-aside for small businesses. The prime contractor, SRI International, is a large research organization, suggesting subcontracting opportunities may exist for smaller firms.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's CPFF structure necessitates robust oversight from the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable to the contract's objectives. Monitoring progress and deliverables is crucial for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can be susceptible to cost overruns.
- R&D contracts inherently carry a risk of research failure or inconclusive results.
- The specific nature of the research (MALTA CPOF Transition) may involve novel or unproven technologies.
- Long contract duration (1116 days) increases exposure to changing technological landscapes and requirements.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ca, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $26.5 million to SRI INTERNATIONAL. MALTA CPOF TRANSITION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SRI INTERNATIONAL.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $26.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2009-09-10. End: 2012-09-30.
What specific research outcomes or technological advancements were expected from this MALTA CPOF Transition contract, and how were they measured against the $26.5M investment?
The MALTA CPOF Transition contract likely aimed to advance specific technologies or research capabilities within the Department of Defense's purview. Measuring the value of R&D investments is complex, often assessed through milestones, prototypes, scientific publications, or eventual operational capabilities derived from the research. The $26.5M investment would be evaluated against the successful completion of these defined research objectives and their potential impact on national security.
Given the CPFF structure, what were the primary risk mitigation strategies employed by the DoD to control costs and ensure the $26.5M was spent effectively on R&D?
For CPFF contracts, DoD typically employs several risk mitigation strategies. These include detailed cost proposals, regular audits, milestone-based payments tied to verifiable progress, and strong program management oversight. Establishing clear performance metrics and requiring detailed justification for all expenditures helps ensure funds are used effectively for the intended research and development objectives, preventing scope creep and unnecessary costs.
How did the full and open competition process for this $26.5M R&D contract ensure the most effective research partner was selected and that taxpayer funds were used efficiently?
Full and open competition allows multiple qualified vendors to submit proposals, fostering a competitive environment that drives innovation and potentially lowers costs. The DoD would have evaluated proposals based on technical merit, past performance, and price. This rigorous evaluation process increases the likelihood of selecting the most capable research partner for the specific R&D needs, thereby ensuring taxpayer funds are invested in the most promising and effective solutions.
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 › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 333 RAVENSWOOD AVE, MENLO PARK, CA, 94025
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $26,464,138
Exercised Options: $26,464,138
Current Obligation: $26,464,138
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA875009D0183
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2009-09-10
Current End Date: 2012-09-30
Potential End Date: 2012-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2016-09-27
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