DoD's Missile Defense Agency awards $21.3M for R&D services to COLSA CORP
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $21,340,156 ($21.3M)
Contractor: Colsa Corp
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2007-11-18
End Date: 2014-05-31
Contract Duration: 2,386 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: R&D
Official Description: ARC FIXED PRICE LABOR
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35806
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $21.3 million to COLSA CORP for work described as: ARC FIXED PRICE LABOR Key points: 1. The contract value of $21.3M is moderate for R&D services. 2. COLSA CORP is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. The contract spans over 6 years, indicating a long-term need. 4. The R&D sector (NAICS 541712) is critical for national security.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract uses Time and Materials pricing, which can be less cost-effective than fixed-price for R&D. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more specific service details.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting limited initial competition. This method may not yield the best price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: The pricing structure and limited competition could lead to higher costs for taxpayers than a fully competitive process.
Public Impact
Supports critical missile defense research and development efforts. Ensures continued technological advancement in a key national security area. Provides specialized R&D services to the Department of Defense.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition raises concerns about potential overpricing.
- Time and Materials pricing can lead to cost overruns.
- Long contract duration without clear performance metrics.
Positive Signals
- Supports a critical national security mission.
- Awarded to a single, potentially specialized vendor.
- Long-term engagement suggests sustained need and potential for expertise development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically for physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority but requires careful oversight due to its complex and often unpredictable nature.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific contract award, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the overall impact on small business participation within the Missile Defense Agency's R&D portfolio.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's long duration and Time and Materials pricing necessitate robust oversight from the Missile Defense Agency to ensure cost control and effective performance. Audits and regular performance reviews are essential.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Missile Defense Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Time and Materials pricing
- Long contract duration
- Lack of specific performance metrics in data
- Potential for cost overruns
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 $21.3 million to COLSA CORP. ARC FIXED PRICE LABOR
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is COLSA CORP.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Missile Defense Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $21.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-11-18. End: 2014-05-31.
What specific R&D activities were performed under this contract, and how did they contribute to missile defense capabilities?
The contract data does not specify the exact R&D activities. However, given the Missile Defense Agency's mission, it likely involved research into advanced materials, sensor technologies, interceptor systems, or related areas critical for countering ballistic missile threats. The contribution would be measured by advancements in these technological domains.
How was the 'limited competition' justified, and what steps were taken to ensure fair pricing despite fewer bidders?
The justification for limited competition is not provided in the data. Typically, this occurs when only one or a few sources possess the required specialized capabilities. To ensure fair pricing, the agency would likely rely on historical pricing data, independent cost estimates, and potentially negotiation strategies to mitigate the lack of competitive pressure.
What mechanisms were in place to monitor and control costs under the Time and Materials pricing structure over the 6-year period?
Effective cost control under Time and Materials requires stringent monitoring of labor hours, rates, and material costs. The agency should have implemented regular reviews, audits, and potentially established cost ceilings or incentive structures to manage expenditures. Clear performance metrics and deliverables would also be crucial for accountability.
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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: HQ014707R0001
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 6726 ODYSSEY DR, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35806
Business Categories: Category Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $21,340,156
Exercised Options: $21,340,156
Current Obligation: $21,340,156
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HQ014707D0002
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-11-18
Current End Date: 2014-05-31
Potential End Date: 2014-05-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2017-04-18
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